Engineering genetic circuits that compute and remember

Nat Protoc. 2014;9(6):1292-300. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2014.089. Epub 2014 May 8.

Abstract

Memory and logic are central to complex state-dependent computing, and state-dependent behaviors are a feature of natural biological systems. Recently, we created a platform for integrated logic and memory by using synthetic gene circuits, and we demonstrated the implementation of all two-input logic gates with memory in living cells. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the construction of two-input Boolean logic functions with concomitant DNA-based memory. This technology platform allows for straightforward assembly of integrated logic-and-memory circuits that implement desired behaviors within a couple of weeks. It should enable the encoding of advanced computational operations in living cells, including sequential-logic and biological-state machines, for a broad range of applications in biotechnology, basic science and biosensing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Storage Devices*
  • Computers, Molecular*
  • Genetic Engineering / methods*
  • Recombinases / chemistry*

Substances

  • Recombinases