title: A computational model of gene expression in an inducible synthetic circuit.
abstract: Synthetic biology aims to the rational design of gene circuits with predictable behaviours. Great efforts have been done so far to introduce in the field mathematical models that could facilitate the design of synthetic networks. Here we present a mathematical model of a synthetic gene-circuit with a negative feedback. The closed loop configuration allows the control of transcription by an inducer molecule (IPTG). Escherichia coli bacterial cells were transformed and expression of a fluorescent reporter (GFP) was measured for different inducer levels. Computer model simulations well reproduced the experimental induction data, using a single fitting parameter. Independent genetic components were used to assemble the synthetic circuit. The mathematical model here presented could be useful to predict how changes in these genetic components affect the behaviour of the synthetic circuit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electronics, Computer Sciences and Systems (DEIS), Cellular and Molecular Engineering Laboratory, University of Bologna, via Venezia 52, Cesena 47023, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ceroni
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Furini
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cavalcanti
mesh_terms: D019295:Computational Biology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D056968:Lac Repressors / Q000235:genetics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D058615:Synthetic Biology
chemical_list: D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D056968:Lac Repressors; C539064:LacI protein, E coli; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins