Continuous computation in engineered gene circuits

Biosystems. 2012 Jul;109(1):52-6. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2012.02.001. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Abstract

In this paper we consider the problem of representation and measurement in genetic circuits, and investigate how they can affect the reliability of engineered systems. We propose a design scheme, based on the notion of continuous computation, which addresses these issues. We illustrate the methodology by showing how a concept from computer architecture (namely, branch prediction) may be implemented in vivo, using a distributed approach. Simulation results confirm the in-principle feasibility of our method, and offer valuable insights into its future laboratory validation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer Systems*
  • Computers, Molecular / trends*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Neomycin
  • Synthetic Biology / instrumentation
  • Synthetic Biology / methods*

Substances

  • Neomycin