Technology

Toehold Switches

Programmable engineered RNA elements, capable of regulating gene expression at will, are a powerful platform for translational regulation.

TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

CD BioSciences' toehold switches technology platform can be used in multiple fields of research to help researchers regulate the expression of genes of interest.

Powerful Gene Manipulation Capabilities

The structural features of toehold switches allow them to regulate the expression of arbitrary genes.

Sensitive Pathogen Detection Capabilities

Toehold switches are capable of sensitive detection of RNA sequences of specific pathogens.

Wide Range of
Applications

Development of new diagnostic tests, gene therapy development, disease biomarker detection, etc.

THE PROCESS

How Toehold Switch Works

Initial State

The toehold switch is a short RNA sequence containing a ribosomal binding site and an initiation codon. Under normal conditions, it forms a stable secondary RNA hairpin structure that isolates the ribosome binding site in a raised loop in addition to locking the start codon in the stem loop. When the target RNA is not present, the ribosome cannot bind and initiate translation of downstream genes due to the presence of the hairpin structure.

The Schematic Diagram of the Toehold Switch - CD BioSciences.

Activation State

When the target RNA is present, the toehold switch RNA detects the target RNA and the toehold undergoes linear-linear interaction with the target RNA. As a result, the ribosome binding site and the start codon are exposed and its linked reporter gene is translated.

The Schematic Representation of Toehold Switch Binding to Target RNA - CD BioSciences.

Toehold Switches + Machine Learning

In theory, toehold switches can regulate the expression of arbitrary genes, however, practical applications often fail to achieve the expected results. To improve this situation, toehold switches can be combined with deep machine learning. Machine learning algorithms are used to analyze a large number of RNA-based "toehold" sequences and predict which sequences are most effective in sensing and responding to the desired target sequence. This model can help CD BioSciences design precise toehold switches for our customers' target genes.

Toehold Switches + Biosensors

Toehold switches are programmable engineered RNA components that can detect small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids. Toehold switches' superior characteristics make them a preferred component for the development of new diagnostic tests. Sensors developed by combining toehold switches with paper-based platforms and others have been widely used in the detection of various viruses such as Zika virus, coronavirus, Ebola virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. CD BioSciences can develop highly sensitive and specific toehold switches sensors for our customers.

Toehold Switches + Therapeutics

Based on toehold switches, scientists have developed eToeholds, RNA elements that can control gene expression in eukaryotic cells. eToeholds can selectively initiate gene therapy in target cells, including human cells, only when cell-specific or specific viral RNA is present, the associated protein-coding sequences can be expressed. This will guide the development of platforms for applications such as RNA-targeted gene therapy, viral diagnostics, and cancer therapy. CD BioSciences can provide you with powerful assistance in these areas of research.

CD BioSciences offers a high-end toehold switches technology platform for organizations and research teams. We are confident that we can meet your research needs and help you apply toehold switches in a variety of research areas, please contact us for technical support.