Regensburg 2007 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 22: Molecular Machines

BP 22.1: Invited Talk

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 09:30–10:00, H43

DNA-based molecular machines and synthetic biology — •Friedrich Simmel — Department Physik, LMU München, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München

The unique biophysical and biochemical properties of DNA molecules can be utilized to artificially construct machine-like molecular devices. These devices can perform simple mechanical tasks, controllably bind and release molecules, they can be used as autonomous biosensors, or as active units of switchable materials.

A `natural' way to control DNA-based devices is to utilize RNA effector molecules rather than DNA. These RNA effectors can be transcribed from artificial `genes' which in turn can be put under the control of gene regulatory elements. This allows for the construction of genetic control circuits for DNA devices. For example, the action of molecular machines can be made dependent on environmental stimuli by use of appropriate transcriptional logic gates. Coupling DNA devices to transcription also opens up the possibility to realize molecular machines which respond to the presence of naturally occuring RNA molecules.