A synchronized quorum of genetic clocks

A synchronized quorum of genetic clocks

2010 January 21 | Tal Danino, Octavio Mondragón-Palomino, Lev Tsimring, and Jeff Hasty
The paper describes the engineering of a synchronized genetic clock in a growing population of cells using quorum sensing mechanisms. The design, based on elements from *Vibrio fisheri* and *Bacillus thuringiensis*, involves the production of an autoinducer (AHL) that diffuses between cells, coupling their oscillators. Microfluidic devices are used to maintain cell density and flow rates, which affect the period and amplitude of oscillations. Computational modeling explains the dynamics of bulk synchronization and wave propagation, showing that AHL diffusion and cell density play crucial roles. The synchronized oscillations can be used to create macroscopic biosensors and provide insights into coordinated behavior at the colony level. The study highlights the potential of synthetic biology in engineering complex cellular behaviors and the importance of quorum sensing in achieving synchronization.The paper describes the engineering of a synchronized genetic clock in a growing population of cells using quorum sensing mechanisms. The design, based on elements from *Vibrio fisheri* and *Bacillus thuringiensis*, involves the production of an autoinducer (AHL) that diffuses between cells, coupling their oscillators. Microfluidic devices are used to maintain cell density and flow rates, which affect the period and amplitude of oscillations. Computational modeling explains the dynamics of bulk synchronization and wave propagation, showing that AHL diffusion and cell density play crucial roles. The synchronized oscillations can be used to create macroscopic biosensors and provide insights into coordinated behavior at the colony level. The study highlights the potential of synthetic biology in engineering complex cellular behaviors and the importance of quorum sensing in achieving synchronization.
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