Using CRISPRi Between Cells to Build Distributed Genetic Circuits

Multicellular logic-gate circuits in bacterial co-cultures demonstrate functionality comparable to small molecule signaling.

• DNA messaging is used for communication between sender and receiver bacteria.
• Sender bacteria transmit DNA messages that encode guide RNAs.
• Receiver bacteria express guide RNAs to regulate gene activity through CRISPR interference.
• Functional circuits represent digital logic gates: NOT, YES, AND, and AND-AND-NOT.
• Receiver cells process inputs to perform computations and generate logical outputs.

Simplified