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Genetically engineered light sensors for control of bacterial gene expression
Author(s) -
Camsund Daniel,
Lindblad Peter,
Jaramillo Alfonso
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.144
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1860-7314
pISSN - 1860-6768
DOI - 10.1002/biot.201100091
Subject(s) - genetically engineered , gene expression , computational biology , gene , biology , genetics
Light of different wavelengths can serve as a transient, noninvasive means of regulating gene expression for biotechnological purposes. Implementation of advanced gene regulatory circuits will require orthogonal transcriptional systems that can be simultaneously controlled and that can produce several different control states. Fully genetically encoded light sensors take advantage of the favorable characteristics of light, do not need the supplementation of any chemical inducers or co‐factors, and have been demonstrated to control gene expression in Escherichia coli. Herein, we review engineered light‐sensor systems with potential for in vivo regulation of gene expression in bacteria, and highlight different means of extending the range of available light input and transcriptional output signals. Furthermore, we discuss advances in multiplexing different light sensors for achieving multichromatic control of gene expression and indicate developments that could facilitate the construction of efficient systems for light‐regulated, multistate control of gene expression.