A synthetic mammalian electro-genetic transcription circuit.
Electric signal processing has evolved to manage rapid information transfer in neuronal networks and muscular contraction in multicellular organisms and controls the most sophisticated man-built devices. Using a synthetic biology approach to assemble electronic parts with genetic control units engineered into mammalian cells, we designed an electric power-adjustable transcription control circuit able to integrate the intensity of a direct current over time, to translate the amplitude or frequency of an alternating current into an adjustable genetic readout or to modulate the beating frequency of primary heart cells. Successful miniaturization of the electro-genetic devices may pave the way for the design of novel hybrid electro-genetic implants assembled from electronic and genetic parts.
Weber
Wilfried
W
ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Luzi
Stefan
S
Karlsson
Maria
M
Sanchez-Bustamante
Carlota Diaz
CD
Frey
Urs
U
Hierlemann
Andreas
A
Fussenegger
Martin
M
D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004560:Electricity; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D008839:Microelectrodes; D008904:Miniaturization; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D019076:Transgenes