Building Synthetic Memory (2021)

[Zoepin]

Inniss, M. C., & Silver, P. A. (2013). Building Synthetic Memory. Current Biology, 23(17), R812‑R816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2013.06.047 22/03/2021

A mini review on the existing synthetic memory circuits with examples.

Article summary.

In vitro Memory circuits

• DNA capable of performing calculations or logic functions via hybridization
• Mixtures of DNA and purified enzymes able to carry out transcription and translation

Writing memory into DNA

• Heritable memory by using recombinase systems.
• Heritable memory using invertase systems.
• Rewritable recombination-based memory.

Transmitting though Transcriptional Networks

• Double-negative feedback loops.
• A positive single feedback loop.

Memory after transcription => have yet to be explored

• The phosphorylation state of proteins with multiple phosphorylation sites.
• Can be controlled through RNA modifications.

Uses:

• Diagnosis: A synthetic memory circuit could be engineered to detect a biological signal of disease and start producing either an easily detectable reporter or a therapeutic agent
• Industry: A synthetic memory device would convert transient induction of a large culture into permanent expression of the exogenous biosynthetic pathways of interest, significantly reducing the cost of production. => Can be incorporated in a biosensor project!

[Zoepin]

Barman, A., Deb, B., & Chakraborty, S. (2019). A glance at genome editing with CRISPR–Cas9 technology. Current Genetics, 66(3), 447‑462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00294-019-01040-3 22/03/2021

A good review article on CRISPR-Cas 9 system, tools and applications.