Open AccessProgramming an in vitro DNA oscillator using a molecular networking strategy
Author(s) -
Montagne Kevin,
Plasson Raphael,
Sakai Yasuyuki,
Fujii Teruo,
Rondelez Yannick
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
molecular systems biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.523
H-Index - 148
ISSN - 1744-4292
DOI - 10.1038/msb.2010.120
Subject(s) - biology , synthetic biology , computational biology , encode , template , systems biology , computer science , biochemical engineering , biological system , distributed computing , genetics , gene , engineering , programming language
Living organisms perform and control complex behaviours by using webs of chemical reactions organized in precise networks. This powerful system concept, which is at the very core of biology, has recently become a new foundation for bioengineering. Remarkably, however, it is still extremely difficult to rationally create such network architectures in artificial, non‐living and well‐controlled settings. We introduce here a method for such a purpose, on the basis of standard DNA biochemistry. This approach is demonstrated by assembling de novo an efficient chemical oscillator: we encode the wiring of the corresponding network in the sequence of small DNA templates and obtain the predicted dynamics. Our results show that the rational cascading of standard elements opens the possibility to implement complex behaviours in vitro . Because of the simple and well‐controlled environment, the corresponding chemical network is easily amenable to quantitative mathematical analysis. These synthetic systems may thus accelerate our understanding of the underlying principles of biological dynamic modules.