NICOP - Electric-field control of gene expression in on-chip DNA compartments
Abstract
Research towards programmable and externally controllable cell-free compartments isimportant for the development of man-made autonomous biological systems capable ofemulating information processing in organisms. Here, we propose to assemble twodimensionalDNA compartments carved in a silicon chip, and implement control of geneexpression by localized electric fields. We will fabricate electrodes close to transcriptiontranslationreaction centers and use radio frequency electric fields to exertdielectrophoretic (DEP) forces on macromolecules. We will explore electric fieldfrequency, intensity, and geometry that affect ribosome, RNA and protein concentrationsin designated regions on the surface aimed to control gene expression. Once established,we will combine electric-field control of gene expression with real-time ratemeasurements to implement bioelectronic feedback loops of expression, for example toexternally drive a genetic oscillator. Furthermore, we will apply DEP forces to cell-freereactions of self-assembling proteins and explore whether assemblies could be controlledin time and space in DNA compartments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2018
- Source ID
- N629091812094
Entities
People
- Roy Bar Ziv
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Weizmann Institute of Science