Targeted Interventions in Biosynthesis Using Toehold Switches
Biosynthesis is a multi-step process in which simple substances are transformed into more complex substances by enzymes in the body. During biosynthesis, simple compounds undergo chemical reactions, transform into other compounds, or polymerize to form macromolecules. This process is usually accomplished in metabolic pathways. Intracellular biosynthesis includes the synthesis of proteins, lipids, nucleotides, and other substances. With the advent of gene-editing technology, humans want cells to synthesize specified substances, and therefore, the rise of synthetic biology. The goal of synthetic biology is to build artificial biological systems, linking "genes" into networks that allow cells to perform various tasks envisioned by designers.
Conventional Synthetic Biology Tools
In the process of modifying or creating microorganisms, it is necessary to simplify, insert or reconstruct the genome of the chassis organism, and some synthetic biology tools are usually used. Efficient and precise gene-editing technology has become an effective means to solve these problems. For targeted intervention in cell biosynthesis, such as Red homologous recombination technology, zinc finger ribozyme technology, RNA interference technology, transcription activator effector protein nuclease technology, and the popular CRISPR technology. These methods efficiently edit genes so that cells can synthesize specific substances.
Toehold Switches in Biosynthesis
With the emergence of toehold switches, synthetic biology has another promising tool. Such de novo RNA elements can be used to construct RNA-based synthetic gene circuits to manipulate cellular biosynthesis, especially protein synthesis, by targeted manipulation of gene expression. At CD BioSciences, we have built a technology platform for toehold switches that can provide you with technical support for targeted intervention in transcriptional and translational regulation to make cells work for your purpose.
The Services We Can Provide Based on Toehold Switches
At CD BioSciences, in order to achieve the purpose of directional control of cell biosynthesis, the main tools of synthetic biology include microbial cell factory construction technology, the metabolic regulation mechanism for efficient microbial synthesis of chemicals, and cell-free synthesis technology. To help scientists who are engaged in synthetic biology research save their research time, we provide them with one-stop services from the design of toehold switches RNA to the synthesis of gene circuits.
Advantages of Toehold Switches in Biosynthesis
- Toehold switches enable precise control of intracellular biosynthesis.
- Toehold switches enable the development of complex synthetic biological circuits.
- Toehold switches have programmability and predictable thermodynamic properties.
As a biotechnology company representing the international level, CD BioSciences has an experienced research team, first-class experimental equipment, and a professional toehold switches technology platform. We can provide you with strong technical support in the development of tools for targeted intervention in biosynthesis. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Hong, S.; et al. Design and Evaluation of Synthetic RNA-Based Incoherent Feed-Forward Loop Circuits. Biomolecules. 2021, 11(8): 1182.
- Braff, D.; et al. Synthetic biology platform technologies for antimicrobial applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2016, 105(Pt A): 35-43.