Download - Kentuck- E . Derby
Nathan Reyna, BiologyJeff Matocha, Computer ScienceOuachita Baptist University
Kentuck-E. Derby
Project GoalsProject Goals
Active, hands-on approach to teaching basic Active, hands-on approach to teaching basic biology and computer science conceptsbiology and computer science concepts
Encourage abstract thinkingEncourage abstract thinking
Keeps students/faculty engaged in a Keeps students/faculty engaged in a semester long project.semester long project.
Have funHave fun
Project OverviewProject Overview
GoalGoal– To engineer a biological “wire” capable of To engineer a biological “wire” capable of
propagating a chemical signal down its propagating a chemical signal down its lengthlength
Initial Signal
Harvard iGEM 2005
Orr AshenbergPatrick BradleyConnie ChengChris DoucetteHing EngJennifer Gao
Kang-Xing JinYin LiThomas NoriegaDaniel PopperAlexander RushYves Wang
Doh!Doh!
RequirementsRequirements
Inducible PromoterInducible Promoter
Product/Signal that activates promoters in Product/Signal that activates promoters in other cellsother cells– Secrete product outside of cellSecrete product outside of cell
Cell to cell communication/Quorum sensingCell to cell communication/Quorum sensing
Detection MethodDetection Method
MethodMethod
Signal: acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) Signal: acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) used in bacterial quorum sensingused in bacterial quorum sensing– Lux system: 3OC6HSLLux system: 3OC6HSL– Las system: 3OC12HSLLas system: 3OC12HSL– Sender device Sender device
Other promoters associated with cell to Other promoters associated with cell to cell communicationcell communication– Most are “in planning” stageMost are “in planning” stage
– LacI generatorLacI generator– LacI promoterLacI promoter
Harvard’s ConclusionsHarvard’s Conclusions
ConclusionsConclusions– Degradation tags, RBS/promoter strength Degradation tags, RBS/promoter strength
may need fine-tuningmay need fine-tuning– Because of positive feedback, noise is Because of positive feedback, noise is
amplifiedamplified– Further experiments necessaryFurther experiments necessary
GFP production across plateGFP production across plate
Change in pH gradientChange in pH gradient
Vernier conductivity probeVernier conductivity probe– Senses changes in pHSenses changes in pH– Connects to a computerConnects to a computer– Currently use probes in Freshman Bio and Gen Currently use probes in Freshman Bio and Gen
ChemChem
Tracking the HorsesTracking the Horses
Data acquisitionData acquisition– interfacing with probesinterfacing with probes
Data reportingData reporting
CS student projectsCS student projects
Computer ScienceComputer Science
Time Time
Not just a one heat raceNot just a one heat race
Reduce pathway bottlenecksReduce pathway bottlenecks
Diffusion rates/distance between cellsDiffusion rates/distance between cells
QuestionsQuestions
What promoter/signal pairs do we have?What promoter/signal pairs do we have?
Are they secreted outside the cell?Are they secreted outside the cell?