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Co-evolution of small molecule responsive riboswitches

ReferenceBB/D005612/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Jason Micklefield
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Dr Finbarr Hayes, Professor John McCarthy
Institution The University of Manchester
DepartmentChemistry
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 688,480
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 16/05/2006
End date 15/09/2010
Duration52 months

Abstract

Small molecule modulators of gene expression, which offer rapid, temporal and spatial control of gene expression, would be tremendously valuable tools in biological and biomedical sciences. Indeed there are relatively few examples of small molecule-inducible expression systems that are available for general use. In addition, the ability to control differentially the expression of multiple genes simultaneously, using distinct small molecule inhibitors or inducers, remains extremely limited. In this project we aim to engineer new regulatory systems that function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and respond in a rapid dose-dependent fashion to a wide range of small drug-like molecules. It is envisaged that the ability to control gene expression in response to a wide range of small molecule could lead to many profound applications in pharmaceutical target validation, gene therapy, bioremediation, biosensors, and plant biotechnology.

Summary

Small molecule modulators of gene expression, which offer rapid, temporal and spatial control of gene expression, would be tremendously valuable tools in biological and biomedical sciences. Indeed there are relatively few examples of small molecule-inducible expression systems that are available for general use. In addition, the ability to control differentially the expression of multiple genes simultaneously, using distinct small molecule inhibitors or inducers, remains extremely limited. In this project we aim to engineer new regulatory systems that function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and respond in a rapid dose-dependent fashion to a wide range of small drug-like molecules. It is envisaged that the ability to control gene expression in response to a wide range of small molecule could lead to many profound applications in pharmaceutical target validation, gene therapy, bioremediation, biosensors, and plant biotechnology.
Committee Closed Committee - Biomolecular Sciences (BMS)
Research TopicsIndustrial Biotechnology, Microbiology, Technology and Methods Development
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative Selective Chemical Intervention In Biological Systems (SCIBS) [2005]
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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