Synthetic Mammalian Gene Networks
Event details
| Date | 28.05.2009 |
| Hour | 12:15 |
| Speaker | Martin Fussenegger |
| Location |
SV 1717A
|
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
Capitalizing on our latest advances in the design of heterologous mammalian transgene control systems we have engineered a variety of gene expression circuitries with unique signal processing capacities in mammalian cells and mice. Some of our highlights include: (i) (semi-) synthetic regulatory cascades, which process physiologic and synthetic signals into up to six discrete expression levels; (ii) epigenetic toggle switches that lock transgene expression at high and low levels for several weeks in response to transient administration of inducer molecules; and (iii) hysteretic expression networks, which can buffer small changes in inducer molecule concentration. The latest-generation synthetic mammalian gene networks provide circadian clock-like oscillating transgene expression or emulate synthetic ecosystems which reveal unique cross-talk dynamics between species sharing the same habitat. One such cross-talk circuit coordinates the metabolic communication between mammalian cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has been used successfully to screen for compounds that knock down the ethionamide-resistance pathway of this pathogen, making it resusceptible to this antibiotic. We believe that the design of synthetic gene networks, which process molecular signals with near digital precision, may provide novel therapeutic opportunities.
Links
Practical information
- General public
- Free
Contact
- Prof. Stewart Cole - Global Health Institute