Invention Title:

GENETICALLY ENCODED SYNTHETIC REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEM THAT CAN GENERATE PROGRAMMABLE OSCILLATIONS, PATTERNS, AND SPATIOTEMPORAL SIGNALING CIRCUITS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Publication number:

US20240159767

Publication date:

2024-05-16

Section:

Physics

Class:

G01N33/6803

Inventors:

Scott Coyle Madison, WI, United States

Rohith Rajasekaran Madison, WI, United States

Applicant:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Madison, WI, United States

Drawings (4 of 21)

Drawing 01 for GENETICALLY ENCODED SYNTHETIC REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEM THAT CAN GENERATE PROGRAMMABLE OSCILLATIONS, PATTERNS, AND SPATIOTEMPORAL SIGNALING CIRCUITS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Drawing 02 for GENETICALLY ENCODED SYNTHETIC REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEM THAT CAN GENERATE PROGRAMMABLE OSCILLATIONS, PATTERNS, AND SPATIOTEMPORAL SIGNALING CIRCUITS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Drawing 03 for GENETICALLY ENCODED SYNTHETIC REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEM THAT CAN GENERATE PROGRAMMABLE OSCILLATIONS, PATTERNS, AND SPATIOTEMPORAL SIGNALING CIRCUITS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Drawing 04 for GENETICALLY ENCODED SYNTHETIC REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEM THAT CAN GENERATE PROGRAMMABLE OSCILLATIONS, PATTERNS, AND SPATIOTEMPORAL SIGNALING CIRCUITS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Smart overview of the Invention

Compositions and methods for generating spatial and temporal distributions of molecules in mammalian cells are detailed, utilizing proteins expressed in different environments. Notably, the MinD and MinE proteins from bacteria have been shown to create various patterns such as oscillations, waves, and spirals when expressed in eukaryotic cells. These patterns can be coupled with functional moieties to enhance their utility.

Importance of Spatiotemporal Dynamics

The dynamic organization of protein activities in space and time is crucial for cellular functions like growth and motility. Disruptions in this organization can lead to diseases, making it essential to understand and control these dynamics. Current tools for manipulating protein localization are limited, often sacrificing genetic encoding for dynamic control, which does not replicate the self-organization seen in living cells.

Genetically Encoded Circuits

A composition or kit containing polynucleotides encoding MinD and/or MinE is proposed. The method involves expressing these proteins in eukaryotic cells to direct the spatial and temporal distribution of molecules. The unique behavior of these proteins allows for tailored distributions based on their concentrations, leading to predictable patterns within the cells.

Functional Applications

The MinD and MinE proteins can be coupled with reporters or functional molecules, allowing for visualization and distribution of these payloads within cells. By adjusting the concentrations of MinD and MinE, specific frequencies of distribution can be achieved, enabling selective observation of different cell types through optical techniques.

Polynucleotide Definition

The term "polynucleotide" encompasses various forms of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA. This flexibility allows for the incorporation of different sequences that can be tailored for specific applications within cellular environments, facilitating the exploration of synthetic reaction-diffusion systems in mammalian cells.