A defining goal of synthetic biology is to engineer cells to coordinate tasks that often require precise temporal modulation of gene expression. Although a variety of relatively small gene circuits have been constructed and characterized, their logical combination into larger networks remains a central challenge. This is due primarily to the lack of compatible and orthogonal elements for predictable dynamic control of gene expression. As an alternative approach to promoter-level regulation, we explored the use of DNA copy number as a circuit control element. We engineered colony-wide DNA cycling in Escherichia coli in the form of plasmid copy number oscillations via a modular design that can be readily adapted for use with other gene circuitry. Copy number modulation is a generalizable principle that adds a layer of control to synthetic gene circuits, allowing dynamic regulation of circuit elements without requiring specially engineered promoters.

中文翻译：

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跨细菌种群的同步DNA循环。

合成生物学的定义目标是改造细胞以协调通常需要基因表达的精确时间调控的任务。尽管已经构建并表征了各种相对较小的基因电路，但将它们逻辑组合成更大的网络仍然是一个主要挑战。这主要是由于缺乏可预测的动态控制基因表达的相容和正交元件。作为启动子水平调控的一种替代方法，我们探索了DNA拷贝数作为电路控制元件的用途。我们通过模块化设计以质粒拷贝数振荡的形式在大肠杆菌中工程化了整个菌落的DNA循环，该设计可以很容易地与其他基因电路配合使用。