Dynamical Modeling of Optogenetic Circuits in Yeast for Metabolic Engineering Applications

Robert J. Lovelett, Evan M. Zhao, Makoto A. Lalwani, Jared E. Toettcher, Ioannis G. Kevrekidis, José L. Avalos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dynamic control of engineered microbes using light via optogenetics has been demonstrated as an effective strategy for improving the yield of biofuels, chemicals, and other products. An advantage of using light to manipulate microbial metabolism is the relative simplicity of interfacing biological and computer systems, thereby enabling in silico control of the microbe. Using this strategy for control and optimization of product yield requires an understanding of how the microbe responds in real-time to the light inputs. Toward this end, we present mechanistic models of a set of yeast optogenetic circuits. We show how these models can predict short- and long-time response to varying light inputs and how they are amenable to use with model predictive control (the industry standard among advanced control algorithms). These models reveal dynamics characterized by time-scale separation of different circuit components that affect the steady and transient levels of the protein under control of the circuit. Ultimately, this work will help enable real-time control and optimization tools for improving yield and consistency in the production of biofuels and chemicals using microbial fermentations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)219-227
Number of pages9
JournalACS Synthetic Biology
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 19 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)
  • Biomedical Engineering

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