Harnessing the mechanisms of fungal bioluminescence to confer autonomous luminescence in plants and animal cells
Many tropical mushroom species glow in the dark. When scientists discovered the mechanism of luminescence, they found similarity to healthy plant metabolism. New research reveals plants might possess the native capability to emit light themselves
VIDEO:
PETUNIAS CREATED TO GLOW IN THE DARK BY USING METABOLIC MACHINERY FROM NATURALLY BIOLUMINESCENT MUSHROOMS
view moreCREDIT: KAREN SARKYSIAN, MRC_LMS
In a striking new study published today in Science Advances, a team of synthetic biologists led by Karen Sarkisyan at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, have reported the discovery of multiple plant enzymes – hispidin synthases – that can perform the most complex reaction of the bioluminescence pathway. This discovery is a significant milestone towards figuring out whether plants can natively produce all the molecules required for light emission. It also means that the glow of bioluminescent plants can now be more closely aligned with their internal biology.
The technology reported in the paper is a hybrid pathway that couples the newly found plant hispidin synthases to other necessary bioluminescence enzymes found in mushrooms. This hybrid pathway allows the subtle inner rhythms and dynamics within plants to be unveiled as an ever-changing display of living light. “This technology is a plug-and-play tool to visualise virtually any molecular physiology at the organismal level, completely non-invasively” Sarkisyan states. His work also revealed that not only does a single indigenous plant gene effectively substitute for two fungal genes, the plant gene is notably smaller and has simpler biological requirements for luminescence. The gene's reduced size also enhances its usability and flexibility, making it more adaptable for extended applications.
This research was sponsored by Light Bio, a plant synthetic biology company co-founded by Sarkisyan, which aims to transform the horticulture industry with beautiful biotech creations, such as glowing plants. The first product to exploit the hispidin-based pathway is Firefly Petunia, so named because its bright light-emitting flower buds resemble fireflies.
Beyond the advances in aesthetics that luminous vegetation may provide to plant-lovers, the foundational science offers profound insights into plant molecular physiology. By enabling continuous monitoring of plant responses to various stresses, such as drought stress or attacks by pests, the technology may lead to significant progress in fields such as crop development and disease resistance.
Sarkysian’s bioluminescence pathway has been replicated in other species including yeast and even in human cells. “We love growing our bioluminescent petunias, they are truly magical. But beyond aesthetics, understanding how we can adapt self-sustained luminescence to monitor disease progression and assist in the screening of drug candidates will make this technology even more impactful”, says Sarkysian.
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences synthetic biologist Karen Sarkysian observes his glowing plants which could one day be used to signal health or disease.
By exploiting the hispidin synthase pathway in plants, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences scientists have created Chrysanthemums that glow in the dark.
By exploiting an enzyme pathway found in bioluminescent fungi, MRC-LMS scientist Karen Sarkysian has created glow in the dark Firefly Petunias™️ with biotech company LightBio
Timelapse of self-sustaining b [VIDEO] |
This timelapse film shows the growth and movement of different plants that have been bioengineered by MRC LMS scientist Karen Sarkysian to glow in the dark sustainably without the need for chemicals or UV light.
JOURNAL
Science Advances
METHOD OF RESEARCH
Experimental study
SUBJECT OF RESEARCH
Cells
ARTICLE TITLE
A hybrid pathway for self-sustained luminescence
ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE
8-Mar-2024
COI STATEMENT
This study was partially funded by Light Bio and Planta. The Synthetic biology Group is funded by the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (UKRI MC-A658-5QEA0). Cloning and luminescent assays performed in BY-2 were partially supported by RSF, project number 22-14-00400, https://rscf.ru/project/22-14-00400/. Plant transformations were funded by RFBR and MOST, project number 21-54-52004. Plant imaging experiments were funded by RSF, project number 22-74-00124, https://rscf.ru/project/22-74-00124/. Viral delivery experiments were funded by the grant PID2019-108203RB-I00 Plan Nacional I+D from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain) through the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund).
Glowing flowers illuminate homes and gardens with organic light
IMAGE:
THE FIREFLY PETUNIA EMITS A CONTINUOUS GLOW SIMILAR TO MOONLIGHT. ITS ENCHANTING LIGHT IS PRODUCED BY GENES ISOLATED FROM BIOLUMINESCENT MUSHROOMS. THE PETUNIA HAS PROVEN TO BE HUGELY POPULAR, OFFERING A NATURAL SOURCE OF ILLUMINATION FOR HOMES, GARDENS, AND BEYOND.
view moreCREDIT: LIGHT BIO, INC.
Sun Valley, ID - March 8, 2024 – Recent discoveries published in Science Advances have unveiled a native plant gene that enables researchers to more effortlessly harness the captivating glow of bioluminescent plants. This gene, which varies across different plant species, allows for the redirection of living energy into organic light. The advancement reveals the intricate inner rhythms and dynamics of plants through continuously evolving luminosity, offering a natural source of illumination for homes, gardens, and beyond.
The study received support from Light Bio, a pioneer in the development of bioluminescent plants. Light Bio is dedicated to fostering greater connection and enjoyment of plants through the enchanting appeal of living light.
The latest research builds upon earlier findings, showing that the natural glow of luminous mushrooms aligns seamlessly with central metabolic processes in plants. Utilizing a gene native to plants further amplifies this bioluminescent harmony, optimizing the interplay between light production and energy utilization.
Prior approaches for creating bioluminescent plants involved incorporating five genes derived from fungi. In the new findings, a solitary gene indigenous to plants can effectively substitute for two of the fungal genes. The plant gene's compact size and simpler biological requirements enhance its versatility for diverse applications.
The compact gene plays a pivotal role, acting as a bridge between plant metabolism and light production. This connection allows the plant’s inner dynamics to be translated into a constantly changing spectacle of natural light.
Bioluminescent plants have garnered immense popularity among the public. Light Bio recently began taking orders for a bioluminescent petunia under the brand Firefly™ Petunia, so named because the bright buds resemble fireflies. The petunia emits a soft glow similar to moonlight.
Keith Wood, the CEO of Light Bio, reports that the Firefly Petunia is selling fast. He says that “sales for this remarkable plant have been impressively robust. We've had to ramp up production twice already to keep pace with the demand."
The company selected the petunia as its inaugural offering due to its popularity as an ornamental plant. Light Bio recently announced that their plants glow up to 100 times brighter than previously possible, with the petunia standing out as the most radiant. Known for their ease of cultivation and prolific flowering, petunias make an ideal choice for this innovative enhancement.
In September, following an independent review, the USDA concluded that the Firefly Petunia is safe for cultivation and breeding across the United States. Available for purchase at $29 USD per plant from Light Bio's website (www.light.bio), the petunia is set to start shipping in April to all 48 contiguous US states.
In partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks, Light Bio envisions future plants to be at least ten times brighter, with an expanded range of varieties and colors. Beyond the sheer delight these luminous plants provide, the foundational science offers profound insights into plant molecular physiology. The collaborative teams are confident that discoveries from this research will lead to significant progress in essential fields such as crop development and disease resistance.
For more information on Light Bio and the Firefly Petunia, please visit
About Light Bio
Founded in 2019, Light Bio is a pioneering synthetic biology startup focused on cultivating vibrant bioluminescent plants. Through the melding of proprietary technology and advanced genetic engineering, Light Bio is bringing the magic of living light to ornamental horticulture. The company enjoys robust backing from industry leaders such as NFX, Ginkgo Bioworks, and others. To learn more, please visit www.light.bio and follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @Light_Bio, Instagram @Light.Bio, and LinkedIn.
About Ginkgo Bioworks
Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo's biosecurity and public health unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, is building global infrastructure for biosecurity to empower governments, communities, and public health leaders to prevent, detect and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and concentricbyginkgo.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (formerly known as Twitter) (@Ginkgo and @ConcentricByGBW), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks and @ConcentricByGinkgo), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks) or LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of the partnership and Ginkgo's cell programming platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "can," "project," "potential," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) volatility in the price of Ginkgo's securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo's business, (ii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, (iii) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (v) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vi) our ability to realize the expected benefits of merger and acquisition transactions, (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings against Ginkgo, including as a result of recent acquisitions, (viii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs, (ix) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, and (x) the product development or commercialization success of our customers. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Ginkgo's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 8, 2023 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
LIGHT BIO CONTACT:
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JOURNAL
Science Advances
METHOD OF RESEARCH
Experimental study
SUBJECT OF RESEARCH
Not applicable
ARTICLE TITLE
A hybrid pathway for self-sustained luminescence
ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE
8-Mar-2024
COI STATEMENT
This study was partially funded by Light Bio and Planta.
Tiny wireless light bulbs for biomedical applications
IMAGE:
WIRELESSLY POWERED LIGHT BULB ILLUMINATING A TRANSPARENT BRAIN PHANTOM
view moreCREDIT: JULIAN BUTSCHER
A research team from the University of St Andrews and the University of Cologne has developed a new wireless light source that might one day make it possible to 'illuminate' the human body from the inside. Such light sources could enable novel, minimally invasive means to treat and better understand diseases that today require the implantation of bulky devices. The study was published under the title ‘Wireless Magnetoelectrically Powered Organic Light-Emitting Diodes’ in Science Advances.
The new approach presented by the scientists from Germany and Scotland is based on the integration of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) on ‘acoustic antennas’. Acoustic antennas are currently being explored for various applications such as the detection of low magnetic fields. As a major advantage over electric antennas, acoustic antennas can be designed to be much smaller. OLEDs are commonly found in modern smartphones and high-end televisions and consist of thin layers of organic materials that can be applied to almost any surface. In their work, the researchers exploit this property to deposit OLEDs directly onto the acoustic antenna, thus merging the unique properties of both platforms into a single extremely compact device. In this way, the acoustic antennas serve as substrate and power source for the custom-developed OLED. They convert energy from a magnetic field into a mechanical oscillation and subsequently into an electric current by means of an effect known as the composite magnetoelectric effect.
The new devices operate at sub-megahertz frequencies, a frequency range used for example for submarine communication, as electromagnetic fields at this frequency are only weakly absorbed by water. However, unlike in submarines, the intended application in biomedicine requires a small device in order to avoid a negative impact on the tissue.
In recent years, optical stimulation techniques have emerged as a promising alternative to electrical stimulation because they can be more cell selective and even enable the stimulation of individual cells. Such techniques have already shown promising results in early clinical trials, for instance, to treat an otherwise untreatable eye disease.
“Our novel wireless light source combines minimal device size, low operation frequency and optical stimulation,” said Humboldt Professor Dr Malte Gather, head of the Humboldt Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Cologne’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. “Many emerging applications require multiple sites to be stimulated independently, which is why modern brain stimulators often incorporate a large number of electrodes. In the case of our wireless light sources, the devices can be independently controlled and operated without the need of additional and potentially bulky electronics.”
This is possible because the operation frequencies of different acoustic antennas can be tuned to different values. In the future, this could allow for the individual control of multiple stimulators in different parts of the body, for example to treat tremor in the late stages of Parkinson's disease. As a next step, the researchers aim to further reduce the size of their wireless OLEDs and to test their technology in an animal model.
JOURNAL
Science Advances
METHOD OF RESEARCH
Experimental study
SUBJECT OF RESEARCH
Not applicable
ARTICLE TITLE
Wireless magnetoelectrically powered organic light-emitting diodes
ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE
6-Mar-2024
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