Engineering biological systems capable of autonomously sensing environmental signals, processing information, and executing defined responses—sense-decide-act functionality—remains a central goal of synthetic biology. In this talk, I will present our laboratory's efforts toward realizing this goal across both cell-free and cell-based platforms, each offering distinct advantages for programmable biological function.
In cell-free contexts, we developed a one-pot isothermal assay that embodies cell-free sense-compute-respond logic. The system senses a target RNA through probe hybridization and ligation, computes a binary decision—gating T7 polymerase-driven transcription only upon successful ligation—and responds by producing a fluorescent RNA aptamer. We further extended the platform to single-nucleotide polymorphism discrimination by positioning variant bases at the ligation junction, exploiting differential ligation efficiency to resolve single-base differences.
In cell-based contexts, we have developed a genetic circuit design platform that supports a broader logic repertoire than existing tools and is deployable across multiple microbial chassis. By integrating transcription factor-based biosensors with engineered genetic circuits, we construct sense-compute-respond systems in living cells—where sensing of small-molecule ligands and metabolic intermediates is coupled to multi-layered signal processing and programmed biological responses. This enables sustained autonomous function in complex environments, extending programmable behavior beyond single-decision logic toward complex decision-making and actuation.
Together, these cell-free and cell-based capabilities establish a versatile and scalable foundation for programmable biological systems that sense, decide, and act.
8 giugno 2026
08/06/2026 at ore 12.00 in Aula Gassano
Engineering Programmable Sense-Decide-Act Systems across Cell-Free and Cell-Based Platforms
Prof. Jeong Wook Lee, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea