A whole more than the sum of its synthetic parts

ACS Chem Biol. 2008 Jan 18;3(1):27-9. doi: 10.1021/cb700256w.

Abstract

Synthetic biology is the realization of systems with desired behavior using biological materials. A recent addition to the field is a bipartite consortium of the bacterium Escherichia coli in which each species harbors complementary gene circuits that actuate only when both are present above a critical density. This bacterial "consensus" system, functional in liquid, solid, and biofilm niches, represents a novel strategy that raises the bar in terms of the specificity and complexity of tasks performed by engineered organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms*
  • Escherichia coli* / genetics
  • Escherichia coli* / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Genetic Engineering / methods*
  • Models, Genetic