How did we do it? 🧪🔬
✅ We made E. coli addicted to the activity of the STC using #growth-coupled-selection
✅ We engineered pathway modules in a step-wise manner
✅ We used adaptive evolution to achieve growth on formate.
✅ Whole-genome sequencing revealed key mutations enabling formatotrophy!

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Arren Bar-Even designed the synthetic Serine Threonine Cycle (STC) and we brought it to E. coli, enabling it to assimilate formate and grow without additional carbon sources. This synthetic cycle is oxygen-tolerant, efficient, and operates at ambient CO₂ levels! 🚀

(3/🧵)

Interested in Sustainability, Metabolic Engineering and Evolution?
Check out how we convinced E. coli to grow on the CO2-derived substrate formic acid using the synthetic Serine Threonine Cycle! ♻️🌱🦠

OPEN ACCESS publication to be found here:
🚨 doi.org/10.1016/j.ym... 🚨

#MEvoSky #microsky

(1/🧵)

Hello Bluesky community,
transitioning from passive observer to active participant on this platform, I want to quickly introduce myself:

I am a synthetic biologist with a passion for enzymes and metabolic pathways that enable microbial growth on CO2/CO2-derived carbon sources.

💥💥💥 !!! Please re-post !!! 💥💥💥

Hello Community,

We’re excited to announce that we’re moving to Groningen in January 2025 to embark on a new chapter in our research careers. For this, we need a house/flat and we hope to find a nice place with your help.