title: Systematic approach to Escherichia coli cell population control using a genetic lysis circuit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cell population control allows for the maintenance of a specific cell population density. In this study, we use lysis gene BBa_K117000 from the Registry of Standard Biological Parts, formed by MIT, to lyse Escherichia coli (E. coli). The lysis gene is regulated by a synthetic genetic lysis circuit, using an inducer-regulated promoter-RBS component. To make the design more easily, it is necessary to provide a systematic approach for a genetic lysis circuit to achieve control of cell population density.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Firstly, the lytic ability of the constructed genetic lysis circuit is described by the relationship between the promoter-RBS components and inducer concentration in a steady state model. Then, three types of promoter-RBS libraries are established. Finally, according to design specifications, a systematic design approach is proposed to provide synthetic biologists with a prescribed I/O response by selecting proper promoter-RBS component set in combination with suitable inducer concentrations, within a feasible range.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides an important systematic design method for the development of next-generation synthetic gene circuits, from component library construction to genetic circuit assembly. In future, when libraries are more complete, more precise cell density control can be achieved.
authors.forename: Chih-Yuan
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Tsu-Chun
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Ling-Jiun
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Rei-Hsing
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Bor-Sen
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D002452:Cell Count; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000235:genetics; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000235:genetics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics*; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D025461:Feedback, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks / Q000235:genetics*; D024861:Genetic Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C560213:lysis protein, E coli