A team of researchers from POSTECH, led by Professor Jongmin Kim and graduate students Hyunseop Goh and Seungdo Choi, has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in synthetic biology: the Synthetic Translational Coupling Element (SynTCE). This new tool promises to revolutionize the precision and integration density of genetic circuits, addressing long-standing challenges in the field. The research findings were recently published in the prestigious journal Nucleic Acids Research.
Unlocking the Potential of Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology is a rapidly evolving field that reprograms organisms with novel functions, combining natural and synthetic genetic regulatory tools. Its applications span across diverse domains, from developing microorganisms that degrade plastics to biofuel production and disease therapeutics. A key component in synthetic biology is the “polycistronic operon” system, where multiple genes work together in a coordinated manner, enabling complex biological functions within limited cellular resources.
However, designing highly sophisticated genetic circuits comes with its challenges. Interference during the protein translation process and limited encoding density have hindered the efficiency of synthetic RNA-based tools. To overcome these issues, Professor Kim’s team explored the concept of “translational coupling,” a natural gene regulation mechanism. Translational coupling ensures that the translation of upstream genes directly influences the translation efficiency of downstream genes, an approach often seen in operons.
Introducing SynTCE: A Game-Changer in Genetic Circuits
Inspired by translational coupling, the researchers developed SynTCE to mimic this mechanism. SynTCE was seamlessly integrated into synthetic biological RNA devices, significantly enhancing the precision and functionality of genetic circuits. By embedding SynTCE into an RNA computing system previously designed by the team, the tool demonstrated an ability to transmit input signals accurately to downstream genes. This innovation enables the simultaneous control of multiple inputs and outputs within a single RNA molecule—an unprecedented advancement.
Additionally, SynTCE addresses key limitations in protein translation. By precisely controlling the N-terminal regions of proteins and eliminating interference, it offers new opportunities for applications in biological containment. For instance, SynTCE can selectively target and eliminate cells or direct proteins to specific cellular locations, opening new avenues in customized cell therapeutics and bioremediation.
A Vision for the Future
“This research marks a significant step forward in enabling precise and sophisticated genetic circuit designs,” said Professor Kim. He expressed optimism that SynTCE could be applied in areas such as tailored cell therapies, environmentally friendly microorganisms, and advanced biofuel technologies.
The research received support from multiple organizations, including Korea’s National Research Foundation, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry, Gyeongbuk Techno Park, and Pohang City’s synthetic biology initiatives.
This pioneering work highlights the transformative potential of SynTCE, paving the way for new applications and a deeper understanding of synthetic biology’s capabilities.
