Toward DNA-Based Recording of Biological Processes

Exploiting the inherent compatibility of DNA-based data storage with living cells, various cellular recording approaches have been developed for recording and retrieving biologically relevant signals in otherwise inaccessible locations, such as inside the body. This review provides an overview of the current state of engineered cellular memory systems, highlighting their design principles, advantages, and limitations. We examine various technologies, including CRISPR-Cas systems, recombinases, retrons, and DNA methylation, that enable these recording systems. Additionally, we discuss potential strategies for improving recording accuracy, scalability, and durability to address current limitations in the field. This emerging modality of biological measurement will be key to gaining novel insights into diverse biological processes and fostering the development of various biotechnological applications, from environmental sensing to disease monitoring and beyond.

• Publication year

  2024

• Venue

  International Journal of Molecular Sciences

• Publication date

  2024-08-26

• Fields of study

  Biology, Medicine, Materials Science, Engineering

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3390/ijms25179233PMID 39273181PMCID 11394691
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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