The modular nature of the transcriptional unit makes it possible to design robust modules with predictable input-output characteristics using a ‘parts- off a shelf’ approach. Customized regulatory circuits composed of multiple such transcriptional units have immense scope for application in diverse fields of basic and applied research. Synthetic transcriptional engineering seeks to construct such genetic cascades. Here, we discuss the three principle strands of transcriptional engineering: promoter and transcriptional factor engineering, and programming inducibilty into synthetic modules. In this context, we review the scope and limitations of some recent technologies that seek to achieve these ends. Our discussion emphasizes a requirement for rational combinatorial engineering principles and the promise this approach holds for the future development of this field.

转录单元的模块化性质使得可以使用“零配件”方法设计出具有可预测输入输出特性的功能强大的模块。由多个这样的转录单位组成的定制调节电路在基础研究和应用研究的各个领域中具有广阔的应用范围。合成转录工程试图构建这种遗传级联。在这里，我们讨论了转录工程的三个主要方面：启动子和转录因子工程，以及将诱导能力编程到合成模块中。在这种情况下，我们回顾了一些旨在实现这些目标的最新技术的范围和局限性。