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A Plasmid, a Flash of Light, and a Protein That Snips Itself
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

Cyclone Labs
1 day ago


Programming Cells to Hunt Down DNA Invaders
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

Cyclone Labs
Jul 13


Duplex Oligo & Ligation Protocols
Here are some lab-ready, step-by-step protocols for duplex oligo ligation cloning and oligo phosphorylation and dephosphorylation!

Cyclone Labs
Apr 12
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