A Molecular Dynamic Model of Tryptophan Overproduction in Escherichia coli

Abstract

Several deterministic models simulate the main molecular biology interactions among the numerous mechanisms controlling the dynamics of the tryptophan operon in native strains. However, no models exist to investigate bacterial tryptophan production from a biotechnological point of view. Here, we modified tryptophan models for native production to propose a biotechnological working model that incorporates the activity of tryptophan secretion systems and genetic modifications made in two reported E. coli strains. The resultant deterministic model could emulate the production of tryptophan in the same order of magnitude as those quantified experimentally by the genetically engineered E. coli strains GPT1001 and GPT1002 in shake flasks. We hope this work may contribute to the rational development of biological models that define and include the main parameters and molecular components for designing and engineering efficient biotechnological chassis to produce valuable chemicals.