Smolke:Research: Difference between revisions

==Engineering RNA device platforms as programmable sensing-actuation devices==

We are exploring the design strategies for constructing molecular switches that act in vivo as both biosensors and ligand-controlled regulators of gene expression in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cell culture. Much of our effort is focused on the design of nucleic acid-based molecular sensors, although the design of some protein-based sensors is being explored as well. In the area of trans-acting molecular switches, we are exploring the design of sensors that act through diverse gene regulation mechanisms such as the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, ribozyme-based cleavage, and the antisense pathway. In the area of cis-acting molecular switches, we are exploring the design of sensors that act through regulatory mechanisms such as alternative splicing, RNase III cleavage, ribozyme-based cleavage, and internal ribosome entry site (IRES) activity.