2020 journal article

Dynamic and scalable DNA-based information storage

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 11(1).

By: K. Lin n, K. Volkel n, J. Tuck n  & A. Keung n

co-author countries: United States of America πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
MeSH headings : Algorithms; Bacteriophage T7 / genetics; DNA / genetics; DNA, Single-Stranded / genetics; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; Genetic Code; Models, Genetic; Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics; Transcription, Genetic
Source: Web Of Science
Added: July 13, 2020

Abstract The physical architectures of information storage systems often dictate how information is encoded, databases are organized, and files are accessed. Here we show that a simple architecture comprised of a T7 promoter and a single-stranded overhang domain (ss-dsDNA), can unlock dynamic DNA-based information storage with powerful capabilities and advantages. The overhang provides a physical address for accessing specific DNA strands as well as implementing a range of in-storage file operations. It increases theoretical storage densities and capacities by expanding the encodable sequence space and simplifies the computational burden in designing sets of orthogonal file addresses. Meanwhile, the T7 promoter enables repeatable information access by transcribing information from DNA without destroying it. Furthermore, saturation mutagenesis around the T7 promoter and systematic analyses of environmental conditions reveal design criteria that can be used to optimize information access. This simple but powerful ss-dsDNA architecture lays the foundation for information storage with versatile capabilities.