Microbes as Biosensors.

Microbes as Biosensors.
Annu Rev Microbiol. 2020 Jul 13;:
Authors: Inda ME, Lu TK
Abstract
The ability to detect disease early and deliver precision therapy would be transformative for the treatment of human illnesses. To achieve these goals, biosensors that can pinpoint when and where diseases emerge are needed. Rapid advances in synthetic biology are enabling us to exploit the information-processing abilities of living cells to diagnose disease and then treat it in a controlled fashion. For example, living sensors could be designed to precisely sense disease biomarkers, such as by-products of inflammation, and to respond by delivering targeted therapeutics in situ. Here, we provide an overview of ongoing efforts in microbial biosensor designs, highlight translational opportunities, and discuss challenges for enabling sense-and-respond precision medicines. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 74 is September 8, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
PMID: 32660390 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Annual Review of Microbiology - July 12, 2020 Category: Microbiology Authors: Inda ME, Lu TK Tags: Annu Rev Microbiol Source Type: research