Team:Penn
Communication between bacterial cells is essential for coordinating population-level activity. In a process known as quorum sensing, bacterial species produce a class of chemical signaling molecules, termed auto-inducers, in order to enable large groups of bacteria to synchronize gene expression paradigms. However, since chemical signals must diffuse between sender and receiver cells for successful communication to occur, communication is restricted to cells that share the same environment and compatible parts.The 2015 Penn iGEM team has worked towards expanding cell-to-cell communication to include a transfer of information between isolated cells via light. The genetic circuits designed closely resemble an electrical system known as an optocoupler which allows for electrical signals to be transferred between two circuits operating at incompatible voltages by designing a light sender and receiver system (Figure 1). In a similar approach, we engineered a separate "sender" cell that generates light via bio luminescence and "receiver" cells that express photoreceptors to enable light-dependent physiological responses. The team also further illuminated potential applications for this alternative form of light-based communication.
