We engineer biological systems to advance knowledge and address societal challenges.

1. Engineering bacterial two-component systems

Bacterial two-component systems (TCSs) are the largest family of signal transduction pathways in nature, and a treasure trove of genetically-encoded sensors for synthetic biology applications. However, TCSs are difficult to study in the bacteria in which they evolved. We have developed technologies for identifying TCSs within bacterial genomes, porting them into heterologous strains, discovering their stimuli, and optimizing their performance features. Our TCS engineering pipeline helping to elucidate how bacteria interact with diverse environments and to program bacteria to sense and respond to new stimuli for biotechnology applications.

2. Engineering diagnostic & therapeutic bacteria

Engineered bacteria have untapped potential to diagnose and treat disease. We are programming bacteria to treat inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic diseases. In some cases, we are using biomaterial-based delivery methods to improve the delivery, durability, and safety of these technologies.

3. Bacterial optogenetics

Light can be used to remotely control the processes of life with applications in fundamental science and engineering. We have designed bacterial light sensors that regulate gene expression in response to specific wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the near infrared. We are using these light sensors to optimize engineered metabolic pathways, remotely control microbiome metabolism, and study the regulation of bacterial cell-fate decisions.