Unraveling gene regulatory networks using an integrated microfluidic platform

Systematic investigation of complex cellular systems using micro and nano devices has distinctive advantages over traditional approaches. The capabilities of performing time-varying stimulation and real-time monitoring of cells are invaluable for investigating dynamic biological systems, such as gene regulatory networks. In this work, we report a generic microfluidic platform, which is capable of long term cell cultivation, for investigating the complex dynamics of a transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The temporal responses of NF-κB mediated gene expression were measured at the single cell level and the results were compared to a computational model. Our microfluidic platforms combining with advanced biotechnologies and computational techniques provide powerful tools for investigating complex biological networks.