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
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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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from the European Commission’s SYNENERGENE Project which aims to initiate and foster public  
from the European Commission’s SYNENERGENE Project which aims to initiate and foster public  
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dialogue on synthetic biology and mutual learning processes among a wide variety of stakeholders from
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dialogue on synthetic biology and mutual learning processes among a wide variety of stakeholders from  
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science, industry, civil society, education, art and other fields. We are one of eight teams to have been  
science, industry, civil society, education, art and other fields. We are one of eight teams to have been  
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awarded the grant and the only team in the United States.<br><br>
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awarded the grant and the only team in the United States.
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In fulfillment of this grant, we are pursuing two avenues. The first is the writing of “application  
In fulfillment of this grant, we are pursuing two avenues. The first is the writing of “application  
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scenarios” and “techno-moral scenarios” meant to discuss the feasibility and desirability of applications  
scenarios” and “techno-moral scenarios” meant to discuss the feasibility and desirability of applications  
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of our iGEM projects. The second is the organization and hosting of a one day conference on  
of our iGEM projects. The second is the organization and hosting of a one day conference on  
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bacteriophage.
bacteriophage.
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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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professional workshop that brings together leaders of industry, regulation, and research to discuss and  
professional workshop that brings together leaders of industry, regulation, and research to discuss and  
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advance a pre-written framework on the intersection of bacteriophage application and associated safety
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advance a pre-written framework on the intersection of bacteriophage application and associated safety  
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and regulation considerations. This will be followed by a public forum to present and discuss the results
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and regulation considerations. This will be followed by a public forum to present and discuss the results  
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with a broader audience.
with a broader audience.
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In conjunction with this, we will are seeking insight into public perception and acceptance of synthetic  
In conjunction with this, we will are seeking insight into public perception and acceptance of synthetic  
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biology, bacteriophage, and antibiotic resistance by means of a survey. The survey will be disseminated  
biology, bacteriophage, and antibiotic resistance by means of a survey. The survey will be disseminated  
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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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Revision as of 20:50, 25 September 2014

Tufts iGEM 2014
Home Team Official Team Profile Project Parts Modeling Notebook Safety Attributions

Robust biofilm formation using a cyclic-di-GMP aptamer and investigating ethics and applications of engineered bacteriophage

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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