Triggerable DNA condensation for on-demand expression of gene products
Abstract
Bacteria are often used as molecular factories for desirable bioproducts. Some bacteria have a remarkable ability to condense their genomic DNA into compact nucleoid structures, which help them survive harsh environmental conditions that would otherwise be fatal. Such a drastic physical change in organization and crowdedness of the genome seems likely to have exploitable implications for gene expression, but this has not been explored. Here, we propose to establish basic knowledge that is pre-requisite for future work to engineer bacterial systems for triggerable gene expression via DNA condensation. To this end, we will first determine what protein (and other) factors are required for genome condensation in Deinococcus radiodurans and the correlation of condensation with gene expression. This organism is well-known both for having a constantly-condensed genome and for the protection thereby conferred against ionizing radiation. Then, we will extend this understanding to other organisms’ genome condensation, under other stress conditions. Finally, we will uncover the process of de-condensation, which is required to make triggered gene expression reversible. These studies will combine quantitative microscopy and specialized software for longitudinal image analysis, molecular biology and genetics, and new assays and genetic tools that we propose to develop. In the course of this study we will do proof-of-concept experiments for inducing changes in gene expression via condensation. The overall outcome of this study will be new basic knowledge that opens a pathway for controlling gene expression and the manufacture of gene products in extremophile organisms that are well-adapted to survival under harsh conditions such as those found on the battlefield or in other military applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010131
Entities
People
- Lydia M Contreras
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Texas at Austin