scholarly journals A Modular Computational Framework for the Design of Multicellular Genetic Circuits of Morphogenesis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin Lam ◽  
Leonardo Morsut
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Computational Framework ◽  
Cell Cell

SUMMARYSynthetic development is a nascent field of research that uses the tools of synthetic biology to design genetic programs directing cellular patterning and morphogenesis in higher eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian cells. Synthetic genetic networks comprising cell-cell communications and morphogenesis effectors (e.g. adhesion) are generated and integrated into a cellular genome. Current design methods for these genetic programs rely on trial and error, which limit the number of possible circuits and parameter ranges that can be explored. By contrast, computational models act as rapid testing platforms, revealing the networks, signals, and responses required for achieving robust target structures. Here we introduce a computational framework, based on cellular Potts, where contact dependent cell-cell signaling networks and cellular responses can be chosen in a modular fashion. We represent and tune a number of recently described synthetic morphogenic trajectories in silico, such as those resulting in multilayered synthetic spheroids. Our parameters were tuned using a comparison with published in vitro experimental results. Our tuned parameters were then used to design and explore novel developmental trajectories for the formation of elongated and oscillatory structures. Here, multiple rounds of optimization suggested critical parameters for the successful implementation of these trajectories. The framework that we develop here could function as a testing ground to explore how synthetic biology tools can be used to create particular multicellular trajectories, as well as for understanding both imagined and extant developmental trajectories.

scholarly journals Model-guided design of mammalian genetic programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. eabe9375
Author(s):  
J. J. Muldoon ◽  
V. Kandula ◽  
M. Hong ◽  
P. S. Donahue ◽  
J. D. Boucher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Biological Complexity ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Design Objective ◽  
Complex Functions ◽  
Mammalian Genetic ◽  
Analog Processing

Genetically engineering cells to perform customizable functions is an emerging frontier with numerous technological and translational applications. However, it remains challenging to systematically engineer mammalian cells to execute complex functions. To address this need, we developed a method enabling accurate genetic program design using high-performing genetic parts and predictive computational models. We built multifunctional proteins integrating both transcriptional and posttranslational control, validated models for describing these mechanisms, implemented digital and analog processing, and effectively linked genetic circuits with sensors for multi-input evaluations. The functional modularity and compositional versatility of these parts enable one to satisfy a given design objective via multiple synonymous programs. Our approach empowers bioengineers to predictively design mammalian cellular functions that perform as expected even at high levels of biological complexity.

scholarly journals Enhanced Piezoelectric Fibered Extracellular Matrix to Promote Cardiomyocyte Maturation and Tissue Formation: A 3D Computational Model

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Pau Urdeitx ◽  
Mohamed H. Doweidar
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Tissue Formation ◽  
Cardiac Muscle Cells ◽  
Cell Processes ◽  
Electrical Stimuli ◽  
Cell Cell

Mechanical and electrical stimuli play a key role in tissue formation, guiding cell processes such as cell migration, differentiation, maturation, and apoptosis. Monitoring and controlling these stimuli on in vitro experiments is not straightforward due to the coupling of these different stimuli. In addition, active and reciprocal cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions are essential to be considered during formation of complex tissue such as myocardial tissue. In this sense, computational models can offer new perspectives and key information on the cell microenvironment. Thus, we present a new computational 3D model, based on the Finite Element Method, where a complex extracellular matrix with piezoelectric properties interacts with cardiac muscle cells during the first steps of tissue formation. This model includes collective behavior and cell processes such as cell migration, maturation, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. The model has employed to study the initial stages of in vitro cardiac aggregate formation, considering cell–cell junctions, under different extracellular matrix configurations. Three different cases have been purposed to evaluate cell behavior in fibered, mechanically stimulated fibered, and mechanically stimulated piezoelectric fibered extra-cellular matrix. In this last case, the cells are guided by the coupling of mechanical and electrical stimuli. Accordingly, the obtained results show the formation of more elongated groups and enhancement in cell proliferation.

scholarly journals Regulating synthetic gene networks in 3D materials

2012 ◽  
Vol 109 (38) ◽  
pp. 15217-15222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara L. Deans ◽  
Anirudha Singh ◽  
Matthew Gibson ◽  
Jennifer H. Elisseeff
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Therapeutic Applications ◽  
Regulatory Processes ◽  
Cellular Events ◽  
The Matrix

Combining synthetic biology and materials science will enable more advanced studies of cellular regulatory processes, in addition to facilitating therapeutic applications of engineered gene networks. One approach is to couple genetic inducers into biomaterials, thereby generating 3D microenvironments that are capable of controlling intrinsic and extrinsic cellular events. Here, we have engineered biomaterials to present the genetic inducer, IPTG, with different modes of activating genetic circuits in vitro and in vivo. Gene circuits were activated in materials with IPTG embedded within the scaffold walls or chemically linked to the matrix. In addition, systemic applications of IPTG were used to induce genetic circuits in cells encapsulated into materials and implanted in vivo. The flexibility of modifying biomaterials with genetic inducers allows for patterned placement of these inducers that can be used to generate distinct patterns of gene expression. Together, these genetically interactive materials can be used to characterize genetic circuits in environments that more closely mimic cells’ natural 3D settings, to better explore complex cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions, and to facilitate therapeutic applications of synthetic biology.

scholarly journals Linear-double-stranded DNA (ldsDNA) based AND logic computation in mammalian cells

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weijun Su ◽  
Chunze Zhang ◽  
Shuai Li
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Double Stranded Dna ◽  
Logic Computation ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

AbstractSynthetic biology employs engineering principles to redesign biological system for clinical or industrial purposes. The development and application of novel genetic devices for genetic circuits construction will facilitate the rapid development of synthetic biology. Here we demonstrate that mammalian cells could perform two- and three-input linear-double-stranded DNA (ldsDNA) based Boolean AND logic computation. Through hydrodynamic ldsDNA delivery, two-input ldsDNA-base AND-gate computation could be achieved in vivo. Inhibition of DNA-PKcs expression, a key enzyme in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), could significantly downregulate the intensity of output signals from ldsDNA-based AND-gate. We further reveal that in mammalian cells ldsDNAs could undergo end processing and then perform AND-gate calculation to generate in-frame output proteins. Moreover, we show that ldsDNAs or plasmids with identical overlapping sequences could also serve as inputs of AND-gate computation. Our work establishes novel genetic devices and principles for genetic circuits construction, thus may open a new gate for the development of new disease targeting strategies and new protein genesis methodologies.

Intracellular redistribution of Ku immunoreactivity in response to cell-cell contact and growth modulating components in the medium

1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (7) ◽  
pp. 1937-1946 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.W. Fewell ◽  
E.L. Kuff
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Nuclear Component ◽  
Confluent Cell ◽  
Cell Cell

Ku is a heterodimeric protein first recognized as a human autoantigen but now known to be widely distributed in mammalian cells. Analysis of repair-deficient mutant cells has shown that Ku is required for DNA repair, and roles in DNA replication and transcription have also been suggested on the basis of in vitro observations. Ku is generally regarded as a nuclear component. However, in the present paper, we show that a quantitatively significant fraction (half or more) of Ku is located in the cytoplasm of cultured primate cells, and that major changes in epitope accessibility of both nuclear and cytoplasmic Ku components are associated with the transition from sparse to confluent cell densities. The same changes in immunoreactivity were seen in HeLa, 293, CV-1 (monkey) and HPV-transformed keratinocyte cell lines, and in primary cultures of human keratinocytes. The immunostaining pattern of sparsely grown cells could be converted to the ‘confluent’ configuration by re-plating them at the same low density on a monolayer of mouse 3T3 cells. The confluent antigen pattern could also be induced in sparse cells within 15–30 minutes by exposure of the cells to serum- or Ca(2+)-free medium or overnight with 2 mM hydroxyurea. Somatostatin at 0.12 mM blocked the effects of serum/Ca2+ deprivation of Ku p70 antigen distribution in sparse CV-1 cells, and in confluent cultures reversed the usual nuclear concentration of p70 immunoreactivity. However, somatostatin did not alter the expected immunostaining patterns of p86. Preliminary studies indicate that sparse CV-1 cells, but not HeLa cells, respond to as little as 1 pM of TGF-beta 1 in the culture medium by the rapid appearance of nuclear immunoreactivity. TGF-alpha had no apparent effect. These findings are consistent with the participation of Ku in a signal transduction system responsive to the inhibitory effect of cell-cell contact on the one hand and to cytokines and growth-supportive components of the culture medium on the other.

scholarly journals “Cell-Free Synthetic Biology”: Synthetic Biology Meets Cell-Free Protein Synthesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Hong
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Biological Networks ◽  
Unnatural Amino Acids ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Free Protein ◽  
Protein Libraries ◽  
Cell Free Protein Synthesis

Since Nirenberg and Matthaei used cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) to elucidate the genetic code in the early 1960s [1], the technology has been developed over the course of decades and applied to studying both fundamental and applied biology [2]. Cell-free synthetic biology integrating CFPS with synthetic biology has received attention as a powerful and rapid approach to characterize and engineer natural biological systems. The open nature of cell-free (or in vitro) biological platforms compared to in vivo systems brings an unprecedented level of control and freedom in design [3]. This versatile engineering toolkit has been used for debugging biological networks, constructing artificial cells, screening protein libraries, prototyping genetic circuits, developing biosensors, producing metabolites, and synthesizing complex proteins including antibodies, toxic proteins, membrane proteins, and novel proteins containing nonstandard (unnatural) amino acids. The Methods and Protocols “Cell-Free Synthetic Biology” Special Issue consists of a series of reviews, protocols, benchmarks, and research articles describing the current development and applications of cell-free synthetic biology in diverse areas. [...]

scholarly journals Model-guided design of mammalian genetic programs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph J. Muldoon ◽  
Viswajit Kandula ◽  
Mihe Hong ◽  
Patrick S. Donahue ◽  
Jonathan D. Boucher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Biological Complexity ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Complex Functions ◽  
Mammalian Genetic ◽  
Analog Processing

ABSTRACTGenetically engineering cells to perform customizable functions is an emerging frontier with numerous technological and translational applications. However, it remains challenging to systematically engineer mammalian cells to execute complex functions. To address this need, we developed a method enabling accurate genetic program design using high-performing genetic parts and predictive computational models. We built multi-functional proteins integrating both transcriptional and post-translational control, validated models for describing these mechanisms, implemented digital and analog processing, and effectively linked genetic circuits with sensors for multi-input evaluations. The functional modularity and compositional versatility of these parts enable one to satisfy a given design objective via multiple synonymous programs. Our approach empowers bioengineers to predictively design mammalian cellular functions that perform as expected even at high levels of biological complexity.

scholarly journals A renewed tool kit to explore Chlamydia pathogenesis: from molecular genetics to new infection models

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Dolat ◽  
Raphael H Valdivia
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Infection Models ◽  
Cell Cell

Chlamydia trachomatisis the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen and the leading cause of preventable blindness in the developing world.C. trachomatisinvades the epithelium of the conjunctiva and genital tract and replicates within an intracellular membrane-bound compartment termed the inclusion. To invade and replicate in mammalian cells,Chlamydiaremodels epithelial surfaces by reorganizing the cytoskeleton and cell–cell adhesions, reprograms membrane trafficking, and modulates cell signaling to dampen innate immune responses. If the infection ascends to the upper female genital tract, it can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and tissue scarring.C. trachomatisinfections are associated with infertility, ectopic pregnancies, the fibrotic disorder endometriosis, and potentially cancers of the cervix and uterus. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms by which this clinically important human pathogen subverts host cellular functions and causes disease have remained relatively poorly understood because of the dearth of molecular genetic tools to studyChlamydiaeand limitations of bothin vivoandin vitroinfection models. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the experimental molecular tool kit available to dissectC. trachomatisinfections with a special focus onChlamydia-induced epithelial barrier disruption by regulating the structure, function, and dynamics of epithelial cell–cell junctions.

scholarly journals Precision Tools in Immuno-Oncology: Synthetic Gene Circuits for Cancer Immunotherapy

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 732
Author(s):  
Giuliano Bonfá ◽  
Juan Blazquez-Roman ◽  
Rita Tarnai ◽  
Velia Siciliano
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Cancer Immunotherapy ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Cell Therapies ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Synthetic Gene Circuits ◽  
Car T

Engineered mammalian cells for medical purposes are becoming a clinically relevant reality thanks to advances in synthetic biology that allow enhanced reliability and safety of cell-based therapies. However, their application is still hampered by challenges including time-consuming design-and-test cycle iterations and costs. For example, in the field of cancer immunotherapy, CAR-T cells targeting CD19 have already been clinically approved to treat several types of leukemia, but their use in the context of solid tumors is still quite inefficient, with additional issues related to the adequate quality control for clinical use. These limitations can be overtaken by innovative bioengineering approaches currently in development. Here we present an overview of recent synthetic biology strategies for mammalian cell therapies, with a special focus on the genetic engineering improvements on CAR-T cells, discussing scenarios for the next generation of genetic circuits for cancer immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Cell-free synthetic biology for in vitro prototype engineering

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 785-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Moore ◽  
James T. MacDonald ◽  
Paul S. Freemont
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Mathematical Modelling ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Genetic Circuits ◽  
Precision Engineering ◽  
Medical Test ◽  
Iterative Design ◽  
Synthetic Life ◽  
Site Identification

Cell-free transcription–translation is an expanding field in synthetic biology as a rapid prototyping platform for blueprinting the design of synthetic biological devices. Exemplar efforts include translation of prototype designs into medical test kits for on-site identification of viruses (Zika and Ebola), while gene circuit cascades can be tested, debugged and re-designed within rapid turnover times. Coupled with mathematical modelling, this discipline lends itself towards the precision engineering of new synthetic life. The next stages of cell-free look set to unlock new microbial hosts that remain slow to engineer and unsuited to rapid iterative design cycles. It is hoped that the development of such systems will provide new tools to aid the transition from cell-free prototype designs to functioning synthetic genetic circuits and engineered natural product pathways in living cells.

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