Dynamic gene expression engineering as a tool in pathway engineering

Taking inspiration from natural dynamic regulatory mechanisms in microbes, construction of dynamic regulatory networks has recently emerged as a promising strategy for metabolic pathway engineering. Over the past years, a variety of dynamic control systems have been developed to maximize the production by balancing cell growth and product formation. Here, we review the attractive dynamic regulation tools that have been applied in biosynthetic pathway optimization. We particularly put emphasis on the recent successful implementations in pathway engineering by utilization of fermentation parameters-based, metabolites-based and quorum sensing system-based dynamic control networks, and the future challenges in extending the application of those promising dynamic regulation tools in industrial manufacturing.