Let's sum up what we did during this summer!

First step...

After a summer of hard work, our team is proud of the achieved results. The first step of our project was to have a proof of concept of the three functions requiered to fight against canker. The three modules tested were Chemotaxis, Binding and Fungicides. The verifications of our genetic constructions were successful (PCR, Migration on an agarose gel and Sequencing). We could then proceed to specific test of the modules: capillary test, chitin beads test or fungicide tests.

Second step...

Once these results obtained, we decided to move on to next step: in order to get closer to our final objective, the three genetic modules have to be assembled and to be tested in model plants. In the short time we had, these tests were only performed with the antifungal module, but the results were very encouraging (See 3. In planta tests with SubtiTree in the Fungicides module).

Third step...

So encouraging that we moved on to the third step of our project and think about the real injection of SubtiTree in diseased trees. We then considered the spreading problems and proposed different strategies to avoid this major issue. Modeling enables us to predict the growth and the lifespan of SubtiTree in Plane Trees.

And what comes next?

This project could be continued thanks to a thesis as the problem of canker killing plane trees is a major concern. Moreover, the support of the Ministry and VNF could help us to continue and achieve our goal: save the plane trees and preserve the beauty of the Canal du Midi.
However, SubtiTree dissemination must be controlled, fungicide production regulated, and tests of the whole system performed. We also need to ask that the fungicides chosen could be used according to the legislation. In a nutshell, we still have a lot of things to do even if we did our best during all the summer!

Well aware that we are part of the iGEM Community, our team also worked for this community by improving the iGEMer's Bible: the Registry of Standard Biological Parts.
We improved the EcAMP BioBrick by adding a promotor, a RBS, but mainly by the addition of a STOP codon (BBa_K1364019).
As Bacillus subtilis appears to be for us an ideal chassis, we also developed new genetic tools to facilitate its utilization. Thanks to numerous interactions with other iGEM teams, we didn't see the time flying by during this amazing summer !

Medals Fulfillment

Bronze Medal	Silver Medal	Gold Medal
Register the team, have a great summer, and plan to have fun at the Jamboree	Experimentally validate that at least three new BioBrick Part or Device of your own design and construction work as expected.	Improve the function of an existing BioBrick Part or Device and improve the Bacillus subtilis genetic tools, enter this information in the Registry : BBa_K1364019, BBa_K1364016, BBa_K1364017, BBa_K1364021,
Successfully complete and submit this iGEM Judging form	Document the characterization of these three parts in the 'Main Page' of that Part's/Device's Registry entry Submit this new part to the iGEM Parts Registry: BBa_K1364005, BBa_K1364009, BBa_K1364013.	Your project may have implications for the environment, security, safety and ethics and/or ownership and sharing. Describe a novel approach that your team has used to help you and others consider these aspects of the design and outcomes of synthetic biology efforts. → Ethic Part
Create and share a Description of the team’s project using the iGEM wiki and the team’s parts using the Registry Biological Parts	Submit these new part to the iGEM Parts Registry (submissions must adhere to the iGEM Registry guidelines)
Plan to present a Poster and Talk at the iGEM Jamboree	Your project may have implications for the environment, security, safety and ethics and/or ownership and sharing. Describe one or more ways in which these or other broader implications have been taken into consideration in the design and execution of your project. → Ethical Page
Document at least one new standard BioBrick Part or Device used in your project/central to your project and submit this part to the iGEM Registry : BBa_K1364000, BBa_K1364002, BBa_K1364003, BBa_K1364005.

Parts