Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives
Name
fbioe-10-1029403.pdf
Description
Published version
Size
3.01 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
a2b827c0e1a9dc3f25fd683ac357cdb7
Author(s)
Ohlendorf, Robert
Möglich, Andreas
Date Issued
October 14, 2022
Journal
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Citation
Ohlendorf R and Möglich A (2022) Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 10:1029403.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biological Engineering
Terms of Use
Creative Commons Attribution
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029403
