Part:BBa_K5480009

Overview

The Y38-DpnI-TrrnB composite part is designed to induce cell death at 37°C via the expression of the DpnI restriction enzyme. The construct features a temperature-sensitive Y38 promoter, which activates the expression of the DpnI gene at 37°C, leading to DNA cleavage and cell death. At 30°C, the Y38 promoter is inactive, preventing DpnI expression and allowing the cells to survive. This composite part offers an effective solution for projects that require precise control over cell fate, particularly in applications related to biosafety and secure information transmission.

Components

Y38 Promoter: A temperature-sensitive promoter that activates expression at 37°C and is inactivated at 30°C. DpnI Gene: Encodes the DpnI restriction enzyme, which recognizes and cleaves specific DNA sequences. TrrnB Terminator: Ensures efficient termination of transcription and prevents transcriptional interference.

Mechanism of Action

At 37°C, the Y38 promoter is activated, leading to the expression of the DpnI gene. The DpnI enzyme recognizes and cleaves specific sites in the E. coli genome, resulting in DNA fragmentation and cell death. The following diagrams illustrate the regulatory mechanism of the Y38 promoter:

< img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5480/part/part-1.png" width="300" >

Temperature-regulated control of DpnI expression via the Y38 promoter. At temperatures equal to or above 37°C, the Y38 promoter is activated, leading to the expression of the DpnI gene. The expressed DpnI enzyme cleaves the DNA, ultimately causing cell death. In contrast, at approximately 30°C, the Y38 promoter is inactivated, preventing DpnI expression and allowing cells to survive. This temperature-dependent system enables precise control over cell fate, ensuring cell survival under lower temperatures and self-destruction when temperatures rise above 37°C.