Effects of downstream genes on synthetic genetic circuits

BACKGROUND: In order to understand and regulate complex genetic networks in living cells, it is important to build simple and well-defined genetic circuits. We designed such circuits using a synthetic biology approach that included mathematical modeling and simulation, with a focus on the effects by which downstream reporter genes are involved in the regulation of synthetic genetic circuits. RESULTS: Our results indicated that downstream genes exert two main effects on genes involved in the regulation of synthetic genetic circuits: (1) competition for regulatory proteins and (2) protein degradation in the cell. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings regarding the effects of downstream genes on regulatory genes and the role of impedance in driving large-scale and complex genetic circuits may facilitate the design of more accurate genetic circuits. This design will have wide applications in future studies of systems and synthetic biology.