A research team of Professor Jongmin Kim (LIFE), Jeongwon Kim, Minchae Seo, and Yelin Lim (LIFE Integrated Ph. D Candidate) has developed an RNA-based sensor platform that enables precise control of bacterial gene expressions. The research was published in the international scientific journal Advanced Science.

There is increasing interest in using beneficial microorganisms to manage obesity. Probiotics decompose food, absorb nutrients, and produce nutrients. They also regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Consequently, “Smart Probiotics,” which integrate probiotics with advanced technologies like sensors and gene editing, are emerging in healthcare.

The core of “Smart Probiotics” technology is the “sensor.” Biological systems operate through precise interactions and complex networks, making it important to detect changes in the gut environment in real time and regulate microbial activity. However, the types of parts that can be used in sensors are limited due to biocompatibility, accuracy, and sensitivity, making it difficult to develop the technology.

To solve this problem, the research team developed the “Synthetic Trans-Acting Riboswitch with Triggering RNA (START) Platform” technology using aptamers, a type of nucleic acid fragments that bind strongly to specific molecules. Aptamers are suitable for sensors that require selective binding. The team developed a platform that imitates bodily interactions, detects various molecules, and controls gene expression like LEGO blocks.

Based on this, the team implemented sensors for detecting drugs, antibiotics, and a specific protein (MS2) produced by bacteria. These sensors exhibit high specificity and orthogonality, effectively monitoring and regulating various biological signals within logic circuits combined with complex genetic circuits.

They also allow flexible adjustment of sensitivity and response intensity. It is especially meaningful that they implemented biosensor components that were previously absent. “This research presents a new perspective on the synthetic biosensors and microbial genetic circuits,” said Prof. Kim. He added, “We will continue with follow-up research to explore applications in microbial engineering technologies.”

The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the POSTECH Institute for Basic Science (IBS).