Networked Nanophotonic Devices for Stem Cell Regulation: From Optogenetics to Optogenomics

基因组学、胚胎干细胞（ESC）生物学、光遗传学和生物光子学领域的重大突破使人们能够通过光来控制和监测生物过程。该项目将为通过单细胞分辨率和实时操作控制和监测干细胞调节过程迈出第一步。新型纳米光子装置将激活/抑制基因表达，从而控制神经元细胞中的干细胞分化。光控蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用和纳米光子装置将用于控制基因组功能。本项目的新发现和发现将被纳入现有和新的课程，并将开发一个新的跨部门课程。通过将光致动/发光蛋白纳入细胞，可以真实的实时控制和监测亚细胞水平的关键生物过程。细胞发育和命运可以通过靶向细胞多能性网络中的关键基因来有效调控。宽带源将被用来照亮两个交错的等离子体纳米天线阵列，设计在所需的频率谐振。 将开发650 nm和750 nm的纳米激光器，这将提供对照明区域的空间和时间控制。 纳米光子装置和开发的光基因组构建体将首次用于通过调控基因活性和DNA拓扑结构来控制基因组功能。

Major breakthroughs in the field of genomics, embryonic stem cell (ESC) biology, optogenetics and biophotonics are enabling the control and monitoring of biological processes through light. This project will develop the first steps towards the control and monitoring of stem cell regulation processes with single-cell resolution and real-time operation. Novel nanophotonic devices will activate/inactivate gene expression and, thus, control stem cell differentiation in neuronal cells. Light-controlled protein-protein interactions and nanophotonic devices will be utilized to control genome function. New discoveries and findings from this project will be incorporated into existing and new courses, and a new cross-departmental course will be developed.By incorporating light-actuated/light-emitting proteins into cells, key biological processes at the sub-cellular level can be controlled and monitored in real time. Cell development and fate can be effectively regulated by targeting key genes in the cell pluripotency network. Broadband sources will be utilized to illuminate two interleaved plasmonic nano-antenna arrays designed to resonate at the required frequencies. Nano-lasers at 650 nm and 750 nm will be developed, which will provide spatial and temporal control of the illuminated area. Nanophotonic devices and the optogenomic constructs that are developed will be utilized for the first time to control genome function through regulation of gene activities and DNA topology..