title: Photonic gene circuits by optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas.
abstract: The precise perturbation of gene circuits and the direct observation of signaling pathways in living cells are essential for both fundamental biology and translational medicine. Current optogenetic technology offers a new paradigm of optical control for cells; however, this technology relies on permanent genomic modifications with light-responsive genes, thus limiting dynamic reconfiguration of gene circuits. Here, we report precise control of perturbation and reconfiguration of gene circuits in living cells by optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas. The siRNA-Au nanoantennas fulfill dual functions as selectively addressable optical receivers and biomolecular emitters of small interfering RNA (siRNA). Using siRNA-Au nanoantennas as optical inputs to existing circuit connections, photonic gene circuits are constructed in living cells. We show that photonic gene circuits are modular, enabling subcircuits to be combined on-demand. Photonic gene circuits open new avenues for engineering functional gene circuits useful for fundamental bioscience, bioengineering, and medical applications.
authors: UCSF/UCB Joint Graduate Group in Bioengineering, Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center, Department of Bioengineering, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States.
authors: Somin Eunice
authors: SE
authors: Lee
authors: Darryl Y
authors: DY
authors: Sasaki
authors: Younggeun
authors: Y
authors: Park
authors: Ren
authors: R
authors: Xu
authors: James S
authors: JS
authors: Brennan
authors: Mina J
authors: MJ
authors: Bissell
authors: Luke P
authors: LP
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks / Q000235:genetics* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics* / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D006046:Gold