GROUP "BIOLOGICAL SENSOR-ACTORSYSTEMS"

GROUP "BIOLOGICAL SENSOR-ACTORSYSTEMS"

Biological Sensor-Actor Systems:

Biological structures, ranging from molecules to proteins, cells and  organised groups of cells, are of high interest for different technical applications. In our research area of "biological sensor-actor systems" we develop tailored proteins for technical challenges, i.e. by generating fusion proteins that consist of a domain with a desired function (e.g. a specific receptor or catalytic domain) and a domain with self-assembling properties. This allows the controlled and defined functionalization of surfaces or phase borders. Genes coding for respective fusion-proteins are generated and expressed in appropriate host cells, mainly Escherichia coli or yeast.

Furthermore we utilize whole cells, especially budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, as sensors or actors. After identification of promoters which modulate the transcription rate due to the presence of specific analytes/toxic substances, genes coding for easily detectable marker proteins (e.g. fluorescent proteins) are cloned under control of these promoters. The respective marker proteins indicate the presence of the analyte. If possible, we combine these sensor cells with actor cells expressing enzymes that degrade the respective analyte/toxic substance.

Based on the pheromone system of yeasts we have developed methods that allow controlled cell-cell communication and signal modulation. This offers the possibility to design and assemble networks of specifically functionalized sensor- and actor cells.

Group Leader: Dr. Kai Ostermann