Efflux pump knockout minimizes crosstalk and boosts response in transcription factor-based biosensors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cellular transport systems are key determinants of intracellular molecule concentrations and can be utilized to modulate the responsiveness of transcription factor (TF)-based biosensors. Efflux pumps facilitate the export of small molecules; therefore, their activity can directly compromise the accuracy of biosensor-based assays. We engineered a cellular export machinery to enhance the responsiveness and reduce crosstalk of a DmpR-based biosensor, which employs the phenol-responsive TF DmpR to detect intracellular phenolic ligands but is affected by ligand diffusion between cells. To overcome this limitation, efflux pump genes were knocked out to minimize ligand diffusion and improve signal fidelity.

Results

Among the efflux pumps tested, deletion of mdtA was foun

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613691 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature