Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (한국미생물·생명공학회)
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Synthetic Biology-Driven Microbial Therapeutics for Disease Treatment

  • Tae Hyun Kim (Synthetic Biology Research Center and the K-Biofoundry, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB)) ;
  • Byung Kwan Cho (Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)) ;
  • Dae-Hee Lee (Synthetic Biology Research Center and the K-Biofoundry, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB))
  • Received : 2024.07.03
  • Accepted : 2024.08.06
  • Published : 2024.10.28
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Abstract

The human microbiome, consisting of microorganisms that coexist symbiotically with the body, impacts health from birth. Alterations in gut microbiota driven by factors such as diet and medication can contribute to diseases beyond the gut. Synthetic biology has paved the way for engineered microbial therapeutics, presenting promising treatments for a variety of conditions. Using genetically encoded biosensors and dynamic regulatory tools, engineered microbes can produce and deliver therapeutic agents, detect biomarkers, and manage diseases. This review organizes engineered microbial therapeutics by disease type, emphasizing innovative strategies and recent advancements. The scope of diseases includes gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, metabolic diseases, infections, and other ailments. Synthetic biology facilitates precise targeting and regulation, improving the efficacy and safety of these therapies. With promising results in animal models, engineered microbial therapeutics provide a novel alternative to traditional treatments, heralding a transformative era in diagnostics and treatment for numerous diseases.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Bio & Medical Technology Development Program [grant number 2018M3A9H3024746] of the National Research Foundation funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) Research Initiative Program (KGM5402423).

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