Articles tagged with Genetic Circuits
A research team has developed a 'SUPER' platform that utilizes synthetic small RNAs as add-on controllers for genetic switches. This technology enhances the performance and stability of gene regulatory devices by addressing the issue of 'leakage', where genes continue to express at low levels even in the 'OFF' state.
Researchers developed a new technique called CLASSIC that enables large-scale testing of complex DNA circuits in human cells. The approach uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze vast numbers of complete circuits at once, providing scientists with a clearer picture of the rules governing genetic part behavior.
Researchers at MIT developed a control circuit that can precisely regulate gene expression levels, improving the efficacy and safety of gene therapy treatments. The 'COMMAND' circuit uses microRNA to suppress gene expression, allowing for tighter control over treatment outcomes.
A new strategy enhances pharmaceutical production in Chinese hamster ovary cells by knocking out a gene circuit responsible for producing lactic acid. The approach improves growth rates and significantly increases protein yield, overcoming a decades-old challenge in biomanufacturing.
Researchers create system to manipulate cell behavior using 'crowd control' technique, enabling predictable patterns and structures. Cell density plays key role in guiding cellular development, offering potential for medical applications such as tissue engineering and organ regeneration.
Newly developed tools enable selective labeling and manipulation of synapses, advancing understanding of learning, memory, and neurological disorders. The review highlights promising molecular actuators and optogenetic approaches to unravel synaptic function mysteries.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers compares the effectiveness of one-photon (1P) versus two-photon (2P) voltage imaging in neural circuits. The study found that 2P excitation requires approximately 10,000 times more illumination power per cell compared to 1P excitation, posing significant challenges for 2P voltage imaging.
A team of Penn State researchers has created a modular genetic circuit that turns cancer cells into a 'Trojan horse,' causing them to self-destruct and kill nearby drug-resistant cancer cells. The circuit outsmarts resistance and eliminates it before the cancer cells can evolve.
Researchers found a bias in X-chromosome inactivation that protects females from harmful mutations linked to autism. The study suggests the paternal X chromosome is inactivated in 60% of cells, preventing mutation effects.
Researchers found Mad2 gene expression levels correlate with chromosomal abnormalities in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting potential as a clinical biomarker. The study also revealed the deregulation of the Rb-E2F1 circuit and its impact on histone modifications.
Researchers have identified two distinct brain regions involved in regulating salt and water intake, which can help prevent excessive consumption. The parabrachial nucleus plays a crucial role in feedback mechanisms that reduce thirst and salt appetite after ingesting water or salt.
A study found that host physiology, rather than phylogenomic relatedness, is a reliable predictor of genetic circuit performance in Gammaproteobacteria hosts. The researchers discovered the 'chassis effect' by characterizing the performance of a genetic inverter circuit in six different bacterial species.
A novel gene therapy strategy has been developed to specifically target and activate the direct pathway in Parkinson's disease-affected neurons, leading to improved motor symptoms such as bradykinesia and tremor. The approach has shown faster onset and longer duration compared to traditional L-Dopa treatment.
The USC Stem Cell team is developing artificial kidney organoids using human stem cells and synthetic biology. They aim to create a functional kidney that resembles the real thing in function but not in form.
The gene LRRC4 regulates synapse formation, stability and excitatory transmission, playing a crucial role in learning, memory formation and storage. It also has key implications in neuronal disorders and aggressive brain and spinal cord cancer.
Researchers identify duplicated gene as cause of social deficits and seizures in autism type, finding that reducing PRRT2 levels can restore normal brain activity and behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders with brain over-activation.
Researchers at Duke University have created a new approach to controlling cellular biochemical processes by building synthetic compartments that isolate biomolecules. This technique has the potential to be used to understand and fight disease, including the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
A joint research team developed a new bioprocess by introducing a genetic circuit that induces cooperation among microorganisms, leading to improved productivity. The consortium, composed of Vibrio sp. dhg and E. coli strain, successfully acclimated to the genetic circuit, increasing 3-HP production 4.3-fold over simple co-culturing.
Scientists have designed a series of synthetic genetic circuits that allow them to control plant cell decisions, enabling the creation of more efficient crops. The tools are being tested on tobacco plants and Arabidopsis thaliana to modify root structures and optimize water and nutrient absorption.
Researchers from Rice University, Duke University, Brown University and Baylor College of Medicine developed a magnetic technology to wirelessly control neural circuits in fruit flies. They used genetic engineering to express heat-sensitive ion channels in neurons that control the behavior, and iron nanoparticles to activate the channels.
A team of researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed METIS, a modular software system for optimizing biological systems using machine learning. The tool allows users to optimize their already discovered or synthesized biological systems and can be used with different lab equipment.
A new, reliable kill switch has been developed to eliminate genetically modified microbes that pose environmental risks. By inserting multiple kill switches into the microbial DNA, a success rate of one in billion microbes was achieved during experiments.
A team of researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory has developed a system called HySyn, which uses neuropeptides from Hydra to synthetically reconnect neural circuits in the C. elegans brain. This allows for the creation of an artificial synapse that rewires a behavioral circuit, enabling the worm to communicate more effectively.
Scientists have created a system dubbed "NanoporeTERs" allowing cells to express themselves in a whole new light. These new reporter proteins can detect multiple protein expression levels and shed new light on biological systems, enabling deeper analysis than before.
Researchers have engineered a new genetic circuit called Equalizers to buffer protein output from variations in gene dosage. This allows for consistent protein expression, crucial for studying proteins and understanding their functions. The innovation combines two types of gene dosage compensation circuits, improving overall performanc...
Researchers identified a novel neural circuit that mediates the reciprocal control of feeding and psychological states in mouse models. Correcting this circuit eliminated anxiety, depression, and reduced body weight in obese mice.
A new synthetic gene circuit process allows for more effective disease treatment by preventing cancer cells from metastasizing and making them receptive to treatment. The technology, developed at Arizona State University, has broad implications for improving the effectiveness of various disease therapies.
A new computer modelling study suggests that simple interactions between nerve cells contribute to the development of complex brain circuits, making a precise genetic blueprint unnecessary. The findings help answer how the brain wires itself during development and may inform new ways to treat conditions that disrupt brain circuits.
Researchers from UCI School of Medicine evaluate anterograde and retrograde viral tracers for neural circuit analysis, providing guidance on experimental uses. The primer aims to advance the study of neural circuits using animal models to define mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Recent discoveries by ASU professors Xiaojun Tian and Xiao Wang explore the impact of memory circuit topologies on host cell behavior, revealing a first in the field of synthetic biology. The research expands scientific understanding of complex interactions between engineered gene circuits and biological host cells.
Researchers have created a biohybrid system that combines gene circuits with electrodes to detect specific nucleic acid sequences. This approach enables parallel detection of multiple pathogens and has the potential to transform medicine, biotech, academic research, food safety, and other applications.
The researchers used BARseq to map the connections of 3,579 neurons in the auditory cortex of the mouse brain. This technology enables scientists to pinpoint the location of a neuron and determine its pattern of gene expression and physiological activity.
UC San Diego researchers develop a method to stabilize genetic circuits in microbes for extended periods, resetting the mutation clock and keeping the circuit running. This approach has significant implications for fields like cancer therapy, bioremediation, and protein production.
Swiss and Belgian researchers decipher the genetic programmes of neurons in the cerebral cortex to understand how specific cell types are generated. They found temporal patterns of gene expression that control the developmental scenario, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study reveals that flowering plants employ different genetic strategies to maintain a 'core genetic circuitry' that ensures stem cell function, even in the presence of defects
Researchers at UNIGE have pinpointed the brain circuit responsible for addictive behavior in rodents. The study found that a stronger connection between decision-making and reward systems led to compulsive behavior, which could be regulated by artificially increasing or decreasing the activity of this circuit.
Researchers create a genetic signal-transmission system allowing E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria to communicate in the mouse gut, enabling a potential 'synthetic microbiome' with engineered bacteria species. This breakthrough could lead to optimized human health through coordinated bacterial functions.
Scientists at Colorado State University aim to engineer world's strongest biomaterial sporopollenin in lab, with $1.7 million DARPA grant. The goal is to produce tunable, scalable polymer for protective coatings on ships, bridges and other infrastructure.
Researchers created a detailed diagram of the brain circuits behind thirst and satiety in mice, showing that opposing lines of communication play critical roles. The study provides insights into the rules governing the brain's response to dehydration and may shed light on appetite regulation.
A study of two related fruit fly species reveals a single gene regulates behavior for attracting a mate, leading to distinct wooing techniques. The research suggests that the same neurons in both species evolved to generate different behaviors due to acquired gene expression.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new gene circuit design strategy that can predict gene circuit behaviors using an integrated modeling framework. The framework, developed by Associate Professor Ting Lu and his graduate students, has successfully predicted key host metrics for multiple bacteria, including Esche...
Eiman Azim receives $240,000 grant to investigate neural circuits controlling skilled movements. He aims to deepen understanding of nervous system control and develop approaches to restore function in motor circuits affected by injury or disease.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a bacterial sensor that retains long-term memory of gut inflammation, detecting tetrathionate up to six months after administration in a mouse model. This innovation could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like IBD using probiotics.
Researchers develop biofunction generator and bioscilloscope to analyze and manipulate two biological circuits simultaneously, enabling precise control over gene expression and protein production. The technology, based on mathematical modeling and optogenetics, offers new insights into complex synthetic biological systems.
Research reveals that fluctuations in estrogen can trigger atypical functioning in a key brain memory circuit in women with a common version of the gene, NIMH scientists have discovered. This finding may help explain individual differences in menstrual cycle and reproductive-related mental disorders linked to fluctuations in the hormone.
Researchers have identified a small neural circuit in male fruit flies that controls the complex mating ritual, with specific groups of cells controlling distinct steps. The findings suggest a mechanism for separating sex from reproductive function and provide insight into universal principles of nervous system coordination.
MIT researchers have developed a technique to isolate genetic circuits within individual synthetic cells, preventing interference and enabling controlled communication. This approach allows for the design of complex products or sensors that respond to environmental changes.
Researchers developed molecular prosthetics that can detect complex signals in the immune system to suppress inflammatory responses. The prosthetics were implanted into mice and successfully treated psoriasis, providing a potential early-warning system for prevention.
Two proteins, Contactin-4 and amyloid precursor protein, bind during embryonic development to stabilize brain cells involved in image stabilization. This finding suggests precise neural connections are crucial for accurate sensory perception and behavior.
Scientists have developed a new mechanism for engineering traits governed by multiple genes, paving the way for personalized gene therapies and regenerative medicine. The approach uses the Cas9 protein to activate specific genes, allowing for precise control over multiple genes and potentially treating diseases.
A study published in PNAS found that the Foxp2 gene enhances learning ability, allowing humans to acquire and creatively manipulate spoken language more quickly than other animals. The gene modulates the balance between conscious and unconscious learning processes, enabling faster language acquisition.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a novel method of encoding multiple environmental inputs into a single time series using frequency multiplexing, inspired by FM radio. This breakthrough enables the creation of genetic circuits that can react with the execution of a sequence of instructions in real-time.
Researchers from UH and Rice University collaborated to engineer a synthetic gene circuit that compensates for temperature changes. The team used mathematical modeling to design the plasmid and created a genetic clock with a stable period across various temperatures.
Researchers have developed a toolkit of genes and hardware using colored lights and engineered bacteria to test and debug genetic circuits. By varying the timing and intensity of lights, they can control exactly when and how much different genes are expressed.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute discovered significant changes in gene expression and neural circuitry as neurons age, shedding light on cognitive decline and potential therapeutic targets. The study, using the marine snail Aplysia californica, highlights the complex interplay between aging and neuron communication.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a gene involved in forming brain circuitry using a powerful new technique. The discovery paves the way for faster progress toward identifying genes involved in complex mental illnesses, such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at Rice University have found a way to divide and modify enzymes to create a genetic logic gate, which can be used to mimic digital circuitry. The discovery could lead to the development of diagnostic systems that look for signs of disease and gene therapies in one step.
Researchers at MIT have designed new synthetic biology circuits that combine memory and logic, enabling the creation of long-term environmental sensors and efficient controls for biomanufacturing. These circuits can be used to program stem cells to differentiate into other cell types and provide precise long-term memory.
Researchers identified a mutation in the DMRT3 gene, crucial for ambling gaits, pacing and high-speed trotting in horses. In mice, this gene reveals fundamental knowledge about neural circuits controlling leg movements.
A new synthetic biology method enables reprogramming of mammalian cells, leading to potential therapeutic applications such as stem cell therapeutics and in-cell devices. The approach could also equip cells with higher-order computational tasks for sensing applications.