Genetically Encoded Protein Thermometer Enables Precise Electrothermal Control of Transgene Expression.

ABSTRACT: Body temperature is maintained at around 37 °C in humans, but may rise to 40 °C or more during high-grade fever, which occurs in most adults who are seriously ill. However, endogenous temperature sensors, such as ion channels and heat-shock promoters, are fully activated only at noxious temperatures above this range, making them unsuitable for medical applications. Here, a genetically encoded protein thermometer (human enhanced gene activation thermometer; HEAT) is designed that can trigger transgene expression in the range of 37-40 °C by linking a mutant coiled-coil temperature-responsive protein sensor to a synthetic transcription factor. To validate the construct, a HEAT-transgenic monoclonal human cell line, FeverSense, is generated and it is confirmed that it works as a fever sensor t

SUBMITTER: Stefanov BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8564464 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature