The ability to engineer biosensors for user-specified molecules could significantly advance numerous biological applications. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Whitehead, who has made strides towards a method for rapidly engineering such biosensors.

The team used PYR1, a plant abscisic acid (ABA) receptor known for its adaptable ligand-binding pocket and a requirement for ligand-induced heterodimerization, which aids in constructing sense-response functions. The researchers successfully evolved 21 sensors with sensitivities ranging from nanomolar to micromolar for various small molecules, including structurally diverse natural and synthetic cannabinoids and multiple organophosphates.

Through X-ray crystallography analysis, they revealed the mechanistic basis for new ligand recognition by an evolved cannabinoid re ...