Developing a dichromatically-gated light-inducible transcription factor for spatiotemporal control of gene expression in 3D cellular architectures

Light can be used to control biological processes in living cells, a technique called optogenetics. Originally developed to control neural activity, optogenetics has been expanded to control protein interactions and gene expression with a high degree of spatial and temporal control. This has opened exciting possibilities in developmental biology and tissue engineering. However, current optogenetic tools have limitations—they are activated by a single wavelength of light, making it difficult to precisely control which cells are affected in complex 3D environments. Our project aims to develop a new optogenetic tool that requires two different wavelengths of light to activate gene expression. This will allow scientists to turn genes on only where the two light beams intersect, enabling better control of gene expression in tissues and giving researchers the ability to control gene activity in any geometry needed. This project will involve collaboration between participants from the biomedical engineering and biochemistry departments of Stony Brook University and the chemical engineering and chemistry departments from the University of Toronto combining expertise in protein design, microscopy, and developmental biology. This interdisciplinary approach will provide the knowhow needed to bring the proposed project to fruition and will create opportunities for future research partnerships.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Woolley;Christopher Yip

Student:

Partner:

Stony Brook University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

University of Toronto

Program: