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Team:Tufts
From 2014.igem.org
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| - | This year, we are competing in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition | + | <!--This year, we are competing in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition |
with a project which uses a bacteriophage to block the formation of biofilms. We have received a grant | with a project which uses a bacteriophage to block the formation of biofilms. We have received a grant | ||
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The conference, titled The Future of Phage and Synthetic Biology, incorporates two events. The first a | The conference, titled The Future of Phage and Synthetic Biology, incorporates two events. The first a | ||
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orally by Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) Research and online through Tufts Qualtrics. | orally by Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) Research and online through Tufts Qualtrics. | ||
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| + | Robust biofilm formation using a cyclic-di-GMP aptamer and investigating ethics and applications of engineered bactiophage | ||
| + | A long, noncoding massively expressed regulatory RNA (merRNA) discovered in Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is present in high levels during its dormant phase. The merRNA is believed to sequester cyclic-di-GMP, much like a sponge. Since cyclic-di-GMP is a second messenger for various cellular functions, including motility and biofilm formation, the Tufts iGEM team introduced this merRNA sequence into E. coli. Constitutive expression of this merRNA transcript was shown to increase biofilm formation. This property can be useful in microbe-based approaches to environmental remediation. Earlier designs for phage delivery of the merRNA to disrupt biofilms inspired an investigation into the policy surrounding engineered bacteriophage. Tufts iGEM will be convening a panel of experts from various disciplines to put forth recommendations for the responsible use of phage in therapeutic and industrial applications. A proposal will be drafted for a silk bandage containing a phage cocktail which can prevent and treat infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. | ||
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Revision as of 17:51, 17 September 2014
Tufts iGEM 2014 |
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| Robust biofilm formation using a cyclic-di-GMP aptamer and investigating ethics and applications of engineered bactiophage A long, noncoding massively expressed regulatory RNA (merRNA) discovered in Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is present in high levels during its dormant phase. The merRNA is believed to sequester cyclic-di-GMP, much like a sponge. Since cyclic-di-GMP is a second messenger for various cellular functions, including motility and biofilm formation, the Tufts iGEM team introduced this merRNA sequence into E. coli. Constitutive expression of this merRNA transcript was shown to increase biofilm formation. This property can be useful in microbe-based approaches to environmental remediation. Earlier designs for phage delivery of the merRNA to disrupt biofilms inspired an investigation into the policy surrounding engineered bacteriophage. Tufts iGEM will be convening a panel of experts from various disciplines to put forth recommendations for the responsible use of phage in therapeutic and industrial applications. A proposal will be drafted for a silk bandage containing a phage cocktail which can prevent and treat infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. | ||||||||||||
