Thursday, 30 Mar 2023

Mathematical models predict the behavior of modular synthetic gene circuits

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Most of synthetic circuits developed have been designed by an ad hoc approach, using a small number of components (i.e. LacI, TetR) and a trial and error strategy. We are at the point where an increasing number of modular, inter-changeable and well-characterized components is needed to expand the construction of synthetic devices and to allow a rational approach to the design. The use of interchangeable modular biological parts to create a set of novel synthetic devices for controlling gene transcription calls for the development of mathematical models of the modular circuits. Model parameters can be identified by experimental measurements from a subset of modular combinations. The parameters identified then hopefully allow the prediction of the behavior of networks not included in the identification procedure. The use of independent and well-characterized biological parts and mathematical modeling, what is called a bottom-up approach to the construction of gene networks, can thus allow the design of new and different devices re-using the same modular parts.

 

Variables gene circuits

Published in Synthetic Biology
Emanuele Giordano

Emanuele D. Giordano is an Italian Biomedical Scientist, affiliated with the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna. He earned his MD degree (with Honours) at the Università di Roma “La Sapienza” in 1985. He received his PhD (1997) degree in Biochemistry at the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna. More

Research by Emanuele Giordano

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