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Engineering Genetically-Encoded Mineralization and Magnetism via Directed Evolution

Xueliang Liu, Paola A. Lopez, Tobias W. Giessen, Michael Giles, Jeffrey C. Way, Pamela A. Silver
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/085233
Xueliang Liu
1Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
2School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
3Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School
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Paola A. Lopez
4Graduate Program in Bioengineering UC Berkeley/UCSF
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Tobias W. Giessen
1Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
3Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School
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Michael Giles
5Harvard College, Harvard University
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Jeffrey C. Way
1Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
3Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School
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Pamela A. Silver
1Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
3Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School
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Abstract

Genetically encoding the synthesis of functional nanomaterials such as magnetic nanoparticles enables sensitive and non-invasive biological sensing and control. Via directed evolution of the natural iron-sequestering ferritin protein, we discovered key mutations that lead to significantly enhanced cellular magnetism, resulting in increased physical attraction of ferritin-expressing cells to magnets and increased contrast for cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The magnetic mutants further demonstrate increased iron biomineralization measured by a novel fluorescent genetic sensor for intracellular free iron. In addition, we engineered Escherichia coli cells with multiple genomic knockouts to increase cellular accumulation of various metals. Lastly to explore further protein candidates for biomagnetism, we characterized members of the DUF892 family using the iron sensor and magnetic columns, confirming their intracellular iron sequestration that results in increased cellular magnetization.

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Posted November 02, 2016.
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Engineering Genetically-Encoded Mineralization and Magnetism via Directed Evolution
Xueliang Liu, Paola A. Lopez, Tobias W. Giessen, Michael Giles, Jeffrey C. Way, Pamela A. Silver
bioRxiv 085233; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/085233
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Engineering Genetically-Encoded Mineralization and Magnetism via Directed Evolution
Xueliang Liu, Paola A. Lopez, Tobias W. Giessen, Michael Giles, Jeffrey C. Way, Pamela A. Silver
bioRxiv 085233; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/085233

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