Implementation of aptamer biosensors in coordinating gene expression

Keywords: Sensors and Instrumentation; Synthetic biology; Chemical biology and biological chemistry; Biomaterials and tissue engineering
Summary: Portabolomics aims to create a 'bio-adapter' which will enable migration of genetic circuits between organisms with minimal optimisation. This adaptor will require sensors of various cellular processes including transcription.
The initial stages of the project will involve in vitro and in vivo approaches to develop an RNA aptamer capable of activating mutant Beta-Galactosidase. This is a novel use of aptamers, and could have implications later when designing regulatory mechanisms. It will also facilitate gaining of experience in techniques relevant to the project.
From this proof of principal part, the expertise gained will be used to design bio-sensors which could play a part in regulating bacterial host gene expression, including sensing of transcriptional status and the corresponding responses.