Shining a Light on Gene Control in Bacteria

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a critical player in the production of amino acids and valuable chemicals. Balancing the metabolic processes between cell growth and product synthesis is essential for boosting efficiency. The challenge lies in developing effective and safe gene regulation tools that can dynamically control these processes. This study introduces a novel light-based system to control gene expression in C. glutamicum, a first for this bacterium. Scientists developed a tool called 'LightOnC. glu', which uses light-controlled RNA-binding proteins to create light-controlled transcription factors. Simultaneously, they created a high-performance gene interference system using CRISPR/Cpf1, all controlled by light. This allowed for the production of chitin oligosaccharides (CHOSs) and chondroitin sulphate oligosaccharides A (CSA) in C. glutamicum for the first time. To achieve this, researchers built a specialized bioreactor that responded to light. The result was a significant achievement: a CHOSs production concentration of 6. 2 g/L, the highest ever recorded. This breakthrough marks a significant step in understanding how light can be used to control genetic processes. It opens the door to optimizing metabolic pathways in other bacteria and producing different compounds. This advancement is crucial because it provides a new way to fine-tune bacterial operations. By using light, scientists can more precisely control when and how much of a specific product is made. This could lead to more efficient and sustainable industrial processes. However, it's important to consider the limitations. While light-based control offers precision, it also requires specific equipment and conditions. Ensuring that this technology is practical and cost-effective for widespread use will be the next challenge.