Principles of genetic circuit design

Cells navigate environments, communicate and build complex patterns by initiating gene expression in response to specific signals. Engineers seek to harness this capability to program cells to perform tasks or create chemicals and materials that match the complexity seen in nature. This Review describes new tools that aid the construction of genetic circuits. Circuit dynamics can be influenced by the choice of regulators and changed with expression 'tuning knobs'. We collate the failure modes encountered when assembling circuits, quantify their impact on performance and review mitigation efforts. Finally, we discuss the constraints that arise from circuits having to operate within a living cell. Collectively, better tools, well-characterized parts and a comprehensive understanding of how to compose circuits are leading to a breakthrough in the ability to program living cells for advanced applications, from living therapeutics to the atomic manufacturing of functional materials.National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U.S.) (Grant P50 GM098792)National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U.S.) (Grant R01 GM095765)National Science Foundation (U.S.). Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center (EEC0540879)Life Technologies, Inc. (A114510)National Science Foundation (U.S.). Graduate Research FellowshipUnited States. Office of Naval Research. Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (Grant 4500000552

Exploring attachment to the "homeland" and its association with heritage culture identification

Conceptualisations of attachment to one’s nation of origin reflecting a symbolic caregiver can be found cross-culturally in literature, art, and language. Despite its prevalence, the relationship with one’s nation has not been investigated empirically in terms of an attachment theory framework. Two studies employed an attachment theory approach to investigate the construct validity of symbolic attachment to one’s nation of origin, and its association with acculturation (operationalized as heritage and mainstream culture identification). Results for Study 1 indicated a three-factor structure of nation attachment; the factors were labelled secure-preoccupied, fearful, and dismissive nation attachment. Hierarchical linear modelling was employed to control for differing cultures across participants. Secure-preoccupied nation attachment was a significant predictor of increased heritage culture identification for participants residing in their country of birth, whilst dismissive nation attachment was a significant predictor of decreased heritage culture identification for international migrants. Securepreoccupied nation attachment was also associated with higher levels of subjective-wellbeing. Study 2 further confirmed the validity of the nation attachment construct through confirmatory factor analysis; the three-factor model adequately fit the data. Similar to the results of Study 1, secure-preoccupied nation attachment was associated with increased levels of heritage culture identification and psychological well-being. Implications of the tripartite model of nation attachment for identity and well-being will be discussed

Endogenous Annexin-A1 Regulates Haematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilisation and Inflammatory Response Post Myocardial Infarction in Mice In Vivo.

Endogenous anti-inflammatory annexin-A1 (ANX-A1) plays an important role in preserving left ventricular (LV) viability and function after ischaemic insults in vitro, but its long-term cardioprotective actions in vivo are largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that ANX-A1-deficiency exaggerates inflammation, haematopoietic stem progenitor cell (HSPC) activity and LV remodelling in response to myocardial ischaemia in vivo. Adult ANX - A1 -/- mice subjected to coronary artery occlusion exhibited increased infarct size and LV macrophage content after 24-48 h reperfusion compared with wildtype (WT) counterparts. In addition, ANX - A1 -/- mice exhibited greater expansion of HSPCs and altered pattern of HSPC mobilisation 8 days post-myocardial infarction, with increased circulating neutrophils and platelets, consistent with increased cardiac inflammation as a result of increased myeloid invading injured myocardium in response to MI. Furthermore, ANX - A1 -/- mice exhibited significantly increased expression of LV pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes and collagen deposition after MI compared to WT counterparts. ANX-A1-deficiency increased cardiac necrosis, inflammation, hypertrophy and fibrosis following MI, accompanied by exaggerated HSPC activity and impaired macrophage phenotype. These findings suggest that endogenous ANX-A1 regulates mobilisation and differentiation of HSPCs. Limiting excessive monocyte/neutrophil production may limit LV damage in vivo. Our findings support further development of novel ANX-A1-based therapies to improve cardiac outcomes after MI.This work was supported in part by both the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia, including APP1045140 (to R.H.R., X.M.G., Y.H.Y.), APP1083138 & APP1106154 (to A.J.M.), and the Victorian Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support Program. R.H.R. and X.J.D. are NHMRC Senior Research Fellows (APP1059960; APP1043026 respectively), A.J.M. is an NHMRC Career Development Fellow (APP1085752) and a NHF Future Leader Fellow (100440). A.A.S. and S.B.F. are supported by Australian Postgraduate Awards

9-Oxo-10(E),12(Z),15(Z)-Octadecatrienoic Acid Activates Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α in Hepatocytes.

First online: 19 September 2015The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α is mainly expressed in the liver and plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. It has been reported that PPARα activation enhances fatty acid oxidation and reduces fat storage. Therefore, PPARα agonists are used to treat dyslipidemia. In the present study, we found that 9-oxo-10(E), 12(Z), 15(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid (9-oxo-OTA), which is a α-linolenic acid (ALA) derivative, is present in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) extract. We showed that 9-oxo-OTA activated PPARα and induced the mRNA expression of PPARα target genes in murine primary hepatocytes. These effects promoted fatty acid uptake and the secretion of β-hydroxybutyrate, which is one of the endogenous ketone bodies. We also demonstrated that these effects of 9-oxo-OTA were not observed in PPARα-knockout (KO) primary hepatocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that 9-oxo-OTA promotes fatty acid metabolism via PPARα activation and discuss its potential as a valuable food-derived compound for use in the management of dyslipidemia