Two-minute read In this study, researchers cloned the gene for PhoCl, a photo-cleavable protein, into plasmids, placing it between different protein components. When those plasmids were delivered into cells, the cells built the PhoCl-containing protein, and light then activates that protein by physically breaking it. In darkness, PhoCl keeps the attached components covalently connected. But when exposed to violet light near 400 nanometers, it cuts its own protein backbone. Ov

In Cyclone Labs' first-ever journal club post, we're excited to discuss Slomovic and Collins' "DNA sense-and-respond protein modules for mammalian cells" publication in Nature Methods Vol. 12 (2015)! Shimyn Slomavic and James J Collins' Publication Abstract! Imagine if cells could act like microscopic security guards - constantly scanning for specific DNA signatures and taking action the moment they detect a threat. That's exactly what this new synthetic biology platform aims

A streamlined cloning method for small inserts and sequence repairs. Some cloning strategies require large DNA fragments or PCR amplification. Duplex oligo ligation cloning is a much simpler approach, perfect for repairing short sequences, inserting small elements, or fixing repetitive regions such as poly(A) tails . Let’s waddle through the process! 🐧 Step 1 – Identify the Region to Repair First, locate the region of the plasmid that needs to be repaired or modified. I