Toward in vivo Digital Circuits

Abstract

We propose a mapping from digital logic circuits into genetic regulatory networks with the following property: the chemical activity of such a genetic network in vivo implements the computation specified by the corresponding digital circuit. Logic signals are represented by the synthesis rates of cytoplasmic DNA binding proteins. Gates consist of structural genes for output proteins, fused to promoter/operator regions that are regulated by input proteins. The modular approach for building gates allows a free choice of signal proteins and thus enables the construction of complex circuits. This paper presents simulation results that demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. Furthermore, a technique for measuring gate input/output characteristics is introduced. We will use this technique to evaluate gates constructed in our laboratory. Finally, this paper outlines automated logic design and presents BioSpice, a prototype system for the design and verification of genetic digital circuits.