Abstract:
The ability of living organisms to form patterns has been traditionally studied by genetics. We aim to generate unique patterns by rewiring the genetic circuitry controlling cell motility and cell-cell interactions. First, a single population of E. coli cells are programmed to regulate their movement by sensing local cell density. Furthermore, different modes of interactions are designed to mutually control the movements of two interacting populations of E. coli cells. Interesting patterns are formed by newly engineered cells. An engineered low-density mover strain spreads outwards and autonomously forms a sequential and periodic pattern with the single population programming. More complicated patterns are formed by programming two interacting populations. Moreover, we build theoretical models that satisfactorily fit our current experimental data, and also predicts some parameters which may significantly affect the pattern formation. The study of this self-organized spatial distribution of cells may help us to probe the principles underlying the formation of natural biological patterns, and to prepare for future engineering of biological structures. On the other hand, the bacterial genome can be re-programmed for application purpose. Dr. Huang will also discuss his work on program Salmonella to target tumor.