[SCAN] Towards standardization in Synthetic Biology: modulation of gene expression through RNA stability determinants and sRNA riboregulators

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Title: Towards standardization in Synthetic Biology: modulation of gene expression through RNA stability determinants and sRNA riboregulators

Speaker: Sandra Viegas

Affiliation: Cecilia Arraiano Lab - Control of Gene Expression

Abstract:

Synthetic Biology, by definition, refers either to the design of biological systems that do not exist in nature or the redesign of naturally existing ones. This presentation will focus on our work in frame of two different projects on Synthetic Biology.

Promoter strength and efficiency of ribosomal binding to transcribed mRNAs are two key steps than can be adjusted to fix heterologous expression of Genes of Interest (GOIs) in prokaryotic hosts. We have explored the contribution of transcripts’ stability to protein production levels. This was done in the sense of the main goal of the project, which was the design of a standard prokaryotic system with an increased robustness and predictability of functional properties.

We are presently focused in another project, in which we are exploring the use of novel, synthetically designed, small RNA (sRNA) riboregulators as a tool to redirect Pseudomonas putida metabolism. The general goal of this project is to create a genomic and biochemical refined version of this soil bacterium, strengthened in terms of resistance to the harsh conditions of industrial bioreactors.