Detecting changes in the caenorhabditis elegans intestinal environment using an engineered bacterial biosensor
Author(s)
Barnes, Chris
Rutter, Jack
Gomes Cabreiro, Filipe
Type
Dataset
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans has become a key model organism within biology. In particular, the transparent gut, rapid growing time, and ability to create a defined gut microbiota make it an ideal candidate organism for understanding and engineering the host microbiota. Here we present the development of an experimental model that can be used to characterize whole-cell bacterial biosensors in vivo. A dual-plasmid sensor system responding to isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside was developed and fully characterized in vitro. Subsequently, we show that the sensor was capable of detecting and reporting on changes in the intestinal environment of C. elegans after introducing an exogenous inducer into the environment. The protocols presented here may be used to aid the rational design of engineered bacterial circuits, primarily for diagnostic applications. In addition, the model system may serve to reduce the use of current animal models and aid in the exploration of complex questions within general nematode and host–microbe biology.
Version
1.0.1
Date Issued
2020-01-28
Citation
2020
Copyright Statement
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
Is Referenced By
10.1021/acssynbio.9b00166
Subjects
Synthetic biology
biosensors
microbiome engineering
E. Coli Nissle 1917
Caenorhabditis elegans