Antigen 43 (Ag43), the product of the flu gene, is a cell-surface autotransporter protein found in Escherichia coli. It is expressed at about 50, 000 copies/cell and is initially synthesised as a precursor of 1039 amino acids. Upon removal of the signal peptide, the protein is transported to the cell surface and is composed of an α subunit (499 amino acids) at the N-terminus and a β subunit (488 amino acids) at the C-terminus. Ag43 is mainly known to induce cell-to-cell aggregation and be involved in biofilm formation. However, as the necessary information required for auto transportation resides in the protein itself, the main of our project was to use it as a platform for displaying specific peptides on the surface of E. coli.

We have worked all summer towards what we hope would turn out to be some peace of mind for a lot of people. The goal is to develop a novel method for diagnosing Trypanosomiasis. A simpler, cheaper alternative to current methods that would be more versatile in developing countries and their remote regions. We wish to create a test that would be portable, endure harsh environmental conditions and most importantly be sensitive to the early stages of the disease.

This would give a lot of unsuspecting sufferers the chance to get diagnosed early. This way they can get cured quickly, before the disease reaches its later stages, when it is virtually incurable.