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journal article·2025-07Open access

Microbial Biosensor for Sensing and Treatment of Intestinal Inflammation

Duolong Zhu, Jeffrey Galley, Jason Pizzini, Elena Musteata, Martin V. Douglas, Walter J. Chazin, Eric P. Skaar, Jeffrey J. Tabor, Robert A. Britton

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 27
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Source abstract

Abstract

Abstract Synthetic biology has enabled the development of biosensors to detect intestinal inflammation, yet few target the clinically validated biomarker of intestinal inflammation calprotectin with both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Here, an optimized calprotectin biosensor is presented that leverages a zinc uptake regulator (Zur) controlled promoter coupled with a memory circuit to detect and record intestinal inflammation in vivo. The level of biosensor activation strongly correlates with calprotectin levels in the colon of two independent mouse models of colitis. Coupling of the biosensor with the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL10 allowed for the resolution of chemically induced colitis, demonstrating the ability of the biosensor to sense and respond to disease. This work highlights the utility of developing synthetic organisms for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal disease using clinically validated biomarkers.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Biosensors and Analytical Detection · Cancer Research and Treatments · bioluminescence and chemiluminescence research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology Baylor College of Medicine Houston 77030 USA

Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Ph.D. Program Rice University Houston 77005 USA

Department of Pathology Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology, and Inflammation Microbiology, and Immunology Vanderbilt University Nashville 37235 USA

Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry Vanderbilt University Nashville 37235 USA

Department of Bioengineering Department of Biosciences, Systems Synthetic, and Physical Biology Ph.D. Program Rice Synthetic Biology Institute Rice University Houston 77005 USA

Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Baylor College of Medicine Houston 77030 USA

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