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Review
. 2009 Mar 27;16(3):298-310.
doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2009.02.011.

Frameworks for programming biological function through RNA parts and devices

Maung Nyan Win  1 , Joe C Liang, Christina D Smolke
Affiliations
Review

Frameworks for programming biological function through RNA parts and devices

Maung Nyan Win et al. Chem Biol. .

Abstract

One of the long-term goals of synthetic biology is to reliably engineer biological systems that perform human-defined functions. Currently, researchers face several scientific and technical challenges in designing and building biological systems, one of which is associated with our limited ability to access, transmit, and control molecular information through the design of functional biomolecules exhibiting novel properties. The fields of RNA biology and nucleic acid engineering, along with the tremendous interdisciplinary growth of synthetic biology, are fueling advances in the emerging field of RNA programming in living systems. Researchers are designing functional RNA molecules that exhibit increasingly complex functions and integrating these molecules into cellular circuits to program higher-level biological functions. The continued integration and growth of RNA design and synthetic biology presents exciting potential to transform how we interact with and program biology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Integration of RNA Parts and Devices as Information Processing and Control Components into Engineered Biological Systems
Figure 2
Figure 2. RNA Device Design Strategies
(A) A device design strategy based on the direct coupling of sensor and actuator parts. (B) A device design strategy based on the integration of a transmitter part between the sensor and actuator parts. (C) A device design strategy based on the integration of a transmitter part that enables the modular assembly of sensor, actuator, and transmitter parts.
Figure 3
Figure 3. A Functional Composition Framework that Supports Modular Assembly of Single-Input Single-Output RNA Devices and Extension to Higher-Order Devices
(A) The flow of information through the modular parts of an RNA device. (B) Modular assembly of single-input single-output RNA devices that exhibit different information processing functions. (C) Extension to the modular assembly of RNA devices that exhibit higher-order information processing functions.
Figure 4
Figure 4
RNA Device Performance Characterization
Figure 5
Figure 5
Process Flow of Enabling Technologies Supporting Device Design and Implementation into Engineered Systems
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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