Design, cloning and characterization of transcription factor-based inducible gene expression systems

Erik K.R. Hanko, Nigel P. Minton, Naglis Malys*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Cellular functions are often controlled by small molecular weight molecules such as metabolites. Microorganisms, mainly prokaryotes, have evolved sensing and regulatory mechanisms based on transcriptional regulators (TRs) that are able to activate gene expression in response to changes in intra- and extracellular metabolite (ligand) concentrations. To understanding control mechanisms and cell factory development in synthetic biology applications, high throughput analytical procedures are required. In this chapter, we outline a methodological pipeline to design and build reporter constructs enabling the characterization of metabolite-responsive inducible gene expression systems. As an example, we present the design, cloning and characterization of the itaconate-inducible system which is composed of the LysR-type transcriptional regulator ItcR and the promoter Pccl from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Fluorescence-based plate reader and flow cytometry assays are described and the steps for performing data analysis are provided.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChemical and Synthetic Biology Approaches To Understand Cellular Functions - Part A
EditorsArun K. Shukla
PublisherKluwer Academic/Human Sciences Press Inc.
Chapter9
Pages153-169
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)9780128181171
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 May 2019

Publication series

NameMethods in Enzymology
Volume621
ISSN (Print)0076-6879
ISSN (Electronic)1557-7988

Keywords

  • cellular function
  • fluorescence reporter
  • gene expression
  • Hill coefficient
  • inducible system
  • itaconate
  • ligand
  • protein synthesis rate
  • synthetic biology
  • transcriptional regulator
  • vector design

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