Team:Imperial College/Genetic Circuit

An accurate mathematical description of the genetic circuit is essential for projects involving synthetic biology. Such descriptions are an integral component of part submission to the Registry, as exemplified by the canonical characterisation of part F2620 #1. The ability to capture part behaviour as a mathematical relationship between input and output is useful for future re-use of the part and modification of integration into novel genetic circuits.

A simple synthesis-degradation model is assumed for the modelling of the expression of a protein under the control of a constitutive promoter, with the same model assumed for all four promoter-RBS constructs. The synthesis-degradation model assumes a steady state level of mRNA.

<math>\frac{d[protein]}{dt} = k_{1} - d_{1}[protein]</math>

In this case, <math>[protein]</math> represents the concentration of GFP, <math>k_{1}</math> represents the rate of sythesis and <math>d_{1}</math> represents the degradation rate. We can easily simulate this synthesis-degradation model using matlab:
ODE
Simulation File

We can also solve this ODE analytically. Consider the steady-state behaviour of <math>[protein]</math>.

<math>\frac{d[protein]}{dt}=0 \Rightarrow [protein]_{steady-state}=\frac{k_1}{d_1}</math>

This relationship can be seen in the parameter scan graphs on the right.

From the wetlab experiments it is likely that we will obtain steady-state data for each of the four promoter-RBS constructs. If we assume the same rate of degradation of GFP in each case, we can have some measure of the relative rate of transcription through each promoter which will help us with the selection of the most appropriate promoter to use for Phase 2. In order to obtain an absolute measure of transcription (as opposed to a relative measure of transcriptional strength) we require constitutive expression in terms of molecules per cell (as opposed to fluorescence in arbitrary units).
Note from the parameter scan graphs:

• In the case where <math>k_1 = 0</math>, no GFP is sythesised.
• In the case where <math>d_1 = 0</math>, the concentration of protein does not reach a steady state.

The repressor is constitutively expressed. Hence we can assume the constitutive expression model from the previous characterisation step.

<math>\frac{d[R]}{dt} = k_{1} - d_{1}[R]</math>

When the inducer is added it binds reversibly to the repressor.

<math> R + I \Leftrightarrow RI </math>

Repressor only binds to the promoter when it is in its unbound form, hence transcription will be a function of free repressor concentration.

<math> Transcription = \frac{\beta.{[R]}^n}{ {K_m}^n+[R]^n}</math>

And overall protein expression can be described as

<math>\frac{d[protein]}{dt} = Transcription - d_2[protein]</math>

The ODEs and simulation may be found in the Appendices section of the Dry Lab hub.

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1. 1 pmid=18612302

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