Toolkit/blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch

blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch

Construct Pattern·Research·Since 2023

Taxonomy: Mechanism Branch / Architecture. Workflows sit above the mechanism and technique branches rather than replacing them.

Summary

The blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch is a light-responsive DNA construct that enables transcription to be initiated by blue light. In the reported combined system, it was used with a separate light-controlled OFF switch to start transcription with one wavelength and later halt translation of the corresponding mRNA-to-protein output with a different wavelength.

Usefulness & Problems

Why this is useful

This tool is useful for remote, wavelength-specific control of gene expression timing in cell-free systems. The cited study shows that it can provide orthogonal optical initiation of transcription when combined with a second light-responsive construct that stops downstream translation.

Problem solved

It helps solve the problem of externally controlling when transcription begins using light, while remaining compatible with a second optical control layer acting at translation. The reported application specifically addresses multi-timepoint, multiwavelength regulation of gene expression in a combined transcription-translation workflow.

Problem links

Need precise spatiotemporal control with light input

Derived

The blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch is a light-responsive nucleic-acid construct that enables transcription to be initiated by one wavelength of light. In the reported combined system, it was paired with a separate light-controlled OFF switch so that transcription could be started and translation of the resulting mRNA could later be halted at multiple timepoints using different wavelengths.

Need tighter control over gene expression timing or amplitude

Derived

The blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch is a light-responsive nucleic-acid construct that enables transcription to be initiated by one wavelength of light. In the reported combined system, it was paired with a separate light-controlled OFF switch so that transcription could be started and translation of the resulting mRNA could later be halted at multiple timepoints using different wavelengths.

Need tighter control over protein production

Derived

The blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch is a light-responsive nucleic-acid construct that enables transcription to be initiated by one wavelength of light. In the reported combined system, it was paired with a separate light-controlled OFF switch so that transcription could be started and translation of the resulting mRNA could later be halted at multiple timepoints using different wavelengths.

Taxonomy & Function

Primary hierarchy

Mechanism Branch

Architecture: A reusable architecture pattern for arranging parts into an engineered system.

Techniques

No technique tags yet.

Target processes

transcriptiontranslation

Input: Light

Implementation Constraints

cofactor dependency: cofactor requirement unknownencoding mode: genetically encodedimplementation constraint: context specific validationimplementation constraint: spectral hardware requirementoperating role: regulator

The available evidence indicates that this is a DNA template-based construct used in conjunction with a separate light-controlled OFF switch in a cell-free expression context. The source summary associates the broader system with photocaged nucleic acids, but the provided excerpt does not specify construct architecture, photocage chemistry, or illumination parameters for this ON switch alone.

The provided evidence only documents performance in a combined system and does not supply standalone quantitative characterization of the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch. No details are provided here on activation wavelength, dynamic range, sequence design, kinetics, or validation beyond the cited report.

Validation

Cell-freeBacteriaMammalianMouseHumanTherapeuticIndep. Replication

Observations

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

successCell-freeapplication demo

Inferred from claim c4 during normalization. Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints. Derived from claim c4. Section: abstract. Quoted text: By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

Supporting Sources

Ranked Claims

Claim 1combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 2combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 3combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 4combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 5combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 6combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 7combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 8combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 9combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 10combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 11combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 12combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 13combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 14combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 15combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 16combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 17combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 18combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 19combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 20combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 21combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 22combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 23combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 24combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 25combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 26combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract
Claim 27combined controlsupports2023Source 1needs review

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.
Section: abstract

Approval Evidence

1 source1 linked approval claimfirst-pass slug blue-light-activated-dna-template-on-switch
By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

combined controlsupports

Combining the blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch with the light-controlled OFF switch allowed transcription to be started with one wavelength and translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein to be halted with a different wavelength at multiple timepoints.

By combining with our previously generated blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch, we were able to start transcription with one wavelength of light and then halt the translation of the corresponding mRNA to protein with a different wavelength, at multiple timepoints.

Source:

Comparisons

Source-backed strengths

The main demonstrated strength is orthogonal wavelength-dependent control in a combined system, where transcription was initiated with one wavelength and translation was halted with another. The study also reports temporal flexibility, as translation could be stopped at multiple timepoints after transcription had been started.

Compared with CaRTRIDGE

blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch and CaRTRIDGE address a similar problem space because they share transcription, translation.

Shared frame: same top-level item type; shared target processes: transcription, translation; shared mechanisms: translation_control

Relative tradeoffs: looks easier to implement in practice.

blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch and photobiomodulation therapy address a similar problem space because they share translation.

Shared frame: same top-level item type; shared target processes: translation; shared mechanisms: translation_control; same primary input modality: light

blue-light-activated DNA template ON switch and Phytochrome-based reporters and biosensors address a similar problem space because they share translation.

Shared frame: same top-level item type; shared target processes: translation; shared mechanisms: translation_control; same primary input modality: light

Strengths here: looks easier to implement in practice; may avoid an exogenous cofactor requirement.

Ranked Citations

  1. 1.
    StructuralSource 1Journal of the American Chemical Society2023Claim 22Claim 21Claim 21

    Seeded from load plan for claim c4. Extracted from this source document.