Chapter 23 - Synthetic gene circuits for higher-order information processing

Abstract

Synthetic biology employs electronic circuit-analogous synthetic gene networks, termed as synthetic gene circuits for rational reprogramming of biological systems resulting in the predictable desired behavior. Recent progress in synthetic biology tools, bioparts, modules, and available biological knowledge has enabled rapid development of forward engineering of synthetic gene circuits from device level to systems-level with higher-order information processing ability, greater circuit complexity, and improved real-world applicability. This chapter overviews some of the recent examples of higher-order information processing synthetic gene circuits which can sense multiple inputs, process them, and take appropriate decisions. Further, their potential applications in various fields including biotechnology, developmental biology, environmental sensing, and human therapy have been discussed and associated challenges and safety issues have been highlighted.