Research > Smart Plasmid Vectors
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Smart Plasmid Vectors

Development of self-regulating plasmid systems with built-in feedback mechanisms for optimal gene expression control. Our innovative approach combines synthetic biology principles with advanced molecular engineering to create plasmid vectors that can autonomously adjust their expression levels based on cellular conditions.

Project Overview

Traditional plasmid vectors often suffer from unpredictable expression levels and cellular toxicity due to overexpression. Our smart plasmid vector project addresses these challenges by incorporating sophisticated regulatory circuits that enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of gene expression.

These vectors represent a paradigm shift in gene delivery systems, offering unprecedented control over therapeutic gene expression while minimizing off-target effects and cellular stress responses.

Key Features

Feedback Control Systems

Integrated circuits that monitor cellular response and automatically adjust expression levels to maintain optimal therapeutic windows.

Biosensor Integration

Built-in molecular sensors that detect cellular stress, metabolite levels, and environmental conditions to guide expression decisions.

Modular Architecture

Standardized components that can be easily swapped and combined to create vectors tailored for specific therapeutic applications.

Enhanced Stability

Advanced design features that improve plasmid maintenance and reduce the risk of recombination or degradation in target cells.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 - Completed

Design & Simulation

Computational modeling of regulatory circuits and initial vector designs using synthetic biology CAD tools.

Phase 2 - In Progress

Prototype Development

Construction and testing of first-generation smart vectors in bacterial and mammalian cell systems.

Phase 3 - Upcoming

Optimization & Validation

Fine-tuning of regulatory parameters and comprehensive validation in disease-relevant cell models.

Phase 4 - Future

Preclinical Testing

In vivo studies to evaluate safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of optimized vector systems.

Research Team

Dr. Sarah Chen

Principal Investigator

Dr. Michael Rodriguez

Synthetic Biology Specialist

Emily Thompson

Graduate Student

James Liu

Postdoctoral Fellow

Related Publications

  • Engineering Feedback-Controlled Gene Expression Circuits in Plasmid Vectors
    Chen, S., Rodriguez, M., Thompson, E.
    Nature Biotechnology, 2024
  • Computational Design of Self-Regulating Plasmid Systems
    Liu, J., Chen, S., Rodriguez, M.
    ACS Synthetic Biology, 2023
  • Biosensor-Integrated Plasmids for Real-Time Monitoring of Gene Expression
    Thompson, E., Liu, J., Chen, S.
    Molecular Systems Biology, 2023