(698g) Genetic Circuit Design

I will describe the construction of genetically-encoded sensors that respond to diverse input signals (colors, chemicals, metabolites) and the circuits to respond to these sensors. To do this, we have developed the first programming language for cells (Cello). To compose a design, the user specifies the genetic sensors, circuitry, and actuators (cellular functions) using a descriptive language borrowed from electrical engineering (Verilog). The organism/strain, gate technology, and valid operating conditions are specified in a modular “user constraint file” (UCF). The software compiles the DNA sequence using a library of precise and highly-insulated genetic parts. I will show work to expand beyond the model organism Escherichia coli to bacteria that live in the human gut (Bacteroides) and soil environment (Rhizobium and Pseudomonas) and eukaryotes, including mammalian cells. As such, Cello has the potential to serve as a platform to engineer cells for a broad range of medical, materials, and sensing applications.