Inducible gene expression system for commensal bacteria

A powerful and versatile gene expression system for Bacteroides, the most common genus of bacteria in the human gut.
Expression of the gene-of-interest can be induced 5 orders of magnitude above background
Works in the 11 Bacteroides species tested.
Works in mice solely colonized with the modified Bacteroides and mice carrying the modified Bacteroides with a complete microbial community.
Can be potentially used to deliver therapeutic agents through commensal bacteria as well as a research tool.
Reference: Lim, Bentley et al. Engineered Regulatory Systems Modulate Gene Expression of Human Commensals in the Gut. Cell, 169, 547 - 558.e15(2017)
Intellectual Property: Patent Application Pending