Mobius Assembly: A versatile Golden-Gate framework towards universal DNA assembly
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Published version
Author(s)
Andreou, Andreas I
Nakayama, Naomi
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Synthetic biology builds upon the foundation of engineering principles, prompting innovation and improvement in biotechnology via a design-build-test-learn cycle. A community-wide standard in DNA assembly would enable bio-molecular engineering at the levels of predictivity and universality in design and construction that are comparable to other engineering fields. Golden Gate Assembly technology, with its robust capability to unidirectionally assemble numerous DNA fragments in a one-tube reaction, has the potential to deliver a universal standard framework for DNA assembly. While current Golden Gate Assembly frameworks (e.g. MoClo and Golden Braid) render either high cloning capacity or vector toolkit simplicity, the technology can be made more versatile—simple, streamlined, and cost/labor-efficient, without compromising capacity. Here we report the development of a new Golden Gate Assembly framework named Mobius Assembly, which combines vector toolkit simplicity with high cloning capacity. It is based on a two-level, hierarchical approach and utilizes a low-frequency cutter to reduce domestication requirements. Mobius Assembly embraces the standard overhang designs designated by MoClo, Golden Braid, and Phytobricks and is largely compatible with already available Golden Gate part libraries. In addition, dropout cassettes encoding chromogenic proteins were implemented for cost-free visible cloning screening that color-code different cloning levels. As proofs of concept, we have successfully assembled up to 16 transcriptional units of various pigmentation genes in both operon and multigene arrangements. Taken together, Mobius Assembly delivers enhanced versatility and efficiency in DNA assembly, facilitating improved standardization and automation.
Date Issued
2018-01-02
Date Acceptance
2017-12-04
Citation
PLoS One, 2018, 13 (1), pp.1-18
ISSN
1932-6203
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Start Page
1
End Page
18
Journal / Book Title
PLoS One
Volume
13
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Andreou, Nakayama. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
License URL
Sponsor
Royal Society
The Royal Society
Identifier
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0189892
Grant Number
UF140640
UF140640
Subjects
General Science & Technology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-01-02