Engineering genetic circuits and biological memory for advanced biological security
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Kim, Dowan
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Abstract
Synthetic biology brings abilities to precise, modular, and complex control of cellular function, providing circuitry components into genetic network and bringing intelligence into biology. This approach allows researchers to improve on the ever-increasing demand for complex but reliable genetic programming. In this thesis, we explore the development of recombinase-based genetic circuits for memory and bio-cryptography, addressing the growing demand for complex and reliable genetic programming. These circuits play a crucial role in history-dependent programs that record and respond to transient environments in living cells.
First, we introduce a novel design strategy called interception by repurposing the transcription factors to regulate recombination events by physically blocking the attachment sites, providing an innovative approach to genetic regulation. Furthermore, an intelligent chassis cell with controllable recombinase memory arrays is developed. This technology allows for precise control over recombinase activities through the induction of transcription factors processing various inputs, enabling the creation of new unit operations. This breakthrough leads to the construction of tools for memory writing, erasing, rewriting, memory expansion through CRISPR, and enhanced cell-cell communication between probiotic and gut microbe.
The thesis leverages recombinase-based memory to establish a platform for applying cybersecurity principles within biological systems. This platform enables the development of sequential passcodes based on diverse combinations of chemical input signals, redefining biological security practices and offering a paradigm shift in how we secure valuable intellectual properties in the area of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of engineered genetic circuits and their applications, offering innovative solutions for reliable and controllable genetic programming and enhanced biological security.
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Date
2024-09-06
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Dissertation (PhD)