Abstract: Disclosed herein are substrate-promiscuous regulators which have been engineered to function as highly efficient biosensors. These engineered biosensors are significantly more specific to the target ligand than their naturally occurring counterparts, and are able to generate a detectable output signal upon exposure to the input signal (target ligand). Also disclosed of methods of making engineered biosensors based on a naturally occurring substrate-promiscuous regulator. Also disclosed are methods of using these biosensors to make a product, such as cell-based bioengineering platforms. Lastly, disclosed are kits, nucleic acids, and proteins related to the biosensors disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are engineered methyltransferases which are capable of methylating more than two sites in a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid or precursor thereof. Also disclosed are of methods of making benzylisoquinoline alkaloids using the engineered methyltransferase. Lastly, disclosed are kits, nucleic acids, and proteins related to the methyltransferases disclosed herein.