MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, are responsible for physiological functions, like vascularization and neuron generation. It is also known that microRNAs are important signaling factors, participating in mammalian cell-to-cell communications. Those interacting processes are either mediated through releasing of free miRNAs into adjacent tissues or transporting of miRNAs packed in exosomes, nanosized membrane vesicles, for trafficking and signaling in the distal tissues. Liu, S. et al. indicated fecal miRNA <i>in vivo</i> has an effect on bacteria proliferation in the gastrointestinal tract through unknown mechanisms. It's understandable for bacterial cells to be capable of receiving the signals produced from mammalian hosts since gut microbiota has co-existed with their hosts for synergistically maintaining the health of hosts and checking the balance of mutual metabolism. From a synthetic biology perspective, we aim to create an innovative miRNA sensing circuit within commensal bacteria as a model to study whether interkingdom communication could also occur between mammalian and bacterial cells mediated through miRNA. Specifically, we have chosen several colon cancer cell lines, WiDr and SW480, as our host models. Additionally, we have constructed RNA sensing riboswitches inside the bacterial cells for sensing the corresponding miRNAs to reveal any cross-talk between the host and bacterial cells. Furthermore, a series of experiments to study the exosomal mediated interaction with bacterial cells are carried out systematically as well. We envision this project can lead to understand miRNA mediated communication between cell types and also facilitate establishing the bacterial-based theranostic devices to probe the miRNAs in the hosts.

Engineering bacterial systems to probe miRNAs secreted from mammalian cells

2019 Spring National Meeting

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