Genetically encoded system for constructing and detecting biologically active agents

A method of using a genetically encoded detection system, said method comprising:

• a. providing:
• i. an inhibitor detection system comprising a first region of DNA and a second region of DNA, wherein:
• (A) the first region of DNA encodes:
• 1. a first promoter;
• 2. a first fusion protein comprising a substrate recognition domain linked to a DNA-binding protein;
• 3. a second fusion protein comprising a substrate domain linked to a protein capable of recruiting RNA polymerase to DNA;
• 4. a second promoter;
• 5. a protein kinase;
• 6. a molecular chaperone;
• and
• 7. a protein phosphatase;
• and
• (B) the second region of DNA encodes:
• 8. a third promoter;
• 9. an operator for said DNA-binding protein;
• 10. a binding site for said RNA polymerase;
• and
• 11. a reporter protein;
• and
• ii. an isoprenoid pathway DNA sequence encoding one or more components of an isoprenoid pathway under control of a fourth promoter;
• iii. a synthase DNA sequence encoding a synthase enzyme;
• and
• iv. a plurality of cells;
• b. introducing into each cell of said plurality of cells said inhibitor detection system under conditions sufficient to express said reporter protein;
• c. introducing into each cell of said plurality of cells said isoprenoid pathway DNA sequence under conditions sufficient to express said one or more components of said isoprenoid pathway;
• d. introducing into each cell of said plurality of cells said synthase DNA sequence under conditions sufficient to express said synthase enzyme;
• and
• e. identifying a cell of said plurality of cells expressing said reporter protein, wherein expression of said reporter protein in said cell is indicative that said cell comprises an inhibitor of said protein phosphatase that is synthesized by said synthase enzyme.