A tunable zinc finger-based framework for Boolean logic computation in mammalian cells

Nucleic Acids Res. 2012 Jun;40(11):5180-7. doi: 10.1093/nar/gks142. Epub 2012 Feb 9.

Abstract

The ability to perform molecular-level computation in mammalian cells has the potential to enable a new wave of sophisticated cell-based therapies and diagnostics. To this end, we developed a Boolean logic framework utilizing artificial Cys(2)-His(2) zinc finger transcription factors (ZF-TFs) as computing elements. Artificial ZFs can be designed to specifically bind different DNA sequences and thus comprise a diverse set of components ideal for the construction of scalable networks. We generate ZF-TF activators and repressors and demonstrate a novel, general method to tune ZF-TF response by fusing ZF-TFs to leucine zipper homodimerization domains. We describe 15 transcriptional activators that display 2- to 463-fold induction and 15 transcriptional repressors that show 1.3- to 16-fold repression. Using these ZF-TFs, we compute OR, NOR, AND and NAND logic, employing hybrid promoters and split intein-mediated protein splicing to integrate signals. The split intein strategy is able to fully reconstitute the ZF-TFs, maintaining them as a uniform set of computing elements. Together, these components comprise a robust platform for building mammalian synthetic gene circuits capable of precisely modulating cellular behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Humans
  • Inteins
  • Mathematical Concepts
  • Protein Engineering / methods
  • Protein Splicing
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / chemistry*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Zinc Fingers*

Substances

  • Repressor Proteins
  • Trans-Activators