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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Rapid Development of Cell State Identification Circuits with Poly-Transfection
Published on: February 24, 2023
Generalized Biosensing and Signaling Reprogramming Using Circular RNA-Protein Circuit-Mediated Cargo Release
Miao Zhang1, Huayu Xu1, Zixia Zhao1
1State Key Laboratory of Chemo and Biosensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
Researchers developed a new biosensing platform (CRMCR) for real-time biological signal detection and reprogramming. This system enables fast, sensitive monitoring and dynamic modulation of cellular activities in complex biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Modular sensing and actuation systems for biological signals are underdeveloped.
- Understanding and reprogramming complex biological processes require real-time monitoring and dynamic modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a generalized biosensing and signaling reprogramming platform.
- To enable fast detection and precise rewiring of biological signals in multicellular systems.
Main Methods:
- Developed a circular RNA-protein circuit-mediated cargo release (CRMCR) platform.
- CRMCR utilizes target signal-activated circular RNA scaffold for split protease complementation and reporter protein release from the endoplasmic reticulum.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated CRMCR's ability to detect diverse biological signals (immunosuppressive factors, cytokines, growth factors) with high sensitivity and fast response.
- Engineered CRMCR as a reprogramming platform for dynamic sensing and autonomous modulation of T cell activity.
Conclusions:
- CRMCR offers a multifunctional platform for scalable detection and modulation of biological signals.
- This platform provides a new direction for applications in various biological scenarios.
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