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Biology subjects

Harmer, Z. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Harmer, Z. P..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Dynamic Multiplexed Control and Modeling of Optogenetic Systems Using the High-Throughput Optogenetic Platform, Lustro

The ability to control cellular processes using optogenetics is inducer-limited, with most optogenetic systems responding to blue light. To address this limitation we leverage an integrated framework combining Lustro, a powerful high-throughput optogenetics platform, and machine learning tools to enable multiplexed control over blue light-sensitive optogenetic systems. Specifically, we identify light induction conditions for sequential activation as well as preferential activation and switching between pairs of light-sensitive spit transcription factors in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We use the high-throughput data generated from Lustro to build a Bayesian optimization framework that incorporates data-driven learning, uncertainty quantification, and experimental design to enable the prediction of system behavior and the identification of optimal conditions for multiplexed control. This work lays the foundation for designing more advanced synthetic biological circuits incorporating optogenetics, where multiple circuit components can be controlled using designer light induction programs, with broad implications for biotechnology and bioengineering. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=116 SRC="FIGDIR/small/572411v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (32K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1d560ecorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1ce5614org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1756e3corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@986683_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

synthetic biology↗

Lustro: High-throughput optogeneticexperiments enabled by automation anda yeast optogenetic toolkit

Optogenetic systems use genetically-encoded light-sensitive proteins to control cellular processes. This provides the potential to orthogonally control cells with light, however these systems require many design-build-test cycles to achieve a functional design and multiple illumination variables need to be laboriously tuned for optimal stimulation. We combine laboratory automation and a modular cloning scheme to enable high-throughput construction and characterization of optogenetic split transcription factors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We expand the yeast optogenetic toolkit to include variants of the cryptochromes and Enhanced Magnets, incorporate these light-sensitive dimerizers into split transcription factors, and automate illumination and measurement of cultures in a 96-well microplate format for high-throughput characterization. We use this approach to rationally design and test an optimized Enhanced Magnet transcription factor with improved light-sensitive gene expression. This approach is generalizable to high-throughput characterization of optogenetic systems across a range of biological systems and applications.

synthetic biology↗