Week 1
Literary research:
We looked into SUMO protein, a protective group that we could use to stabilize the melittin peptide. We also looked into mechanisms to express or release melittin:
- Using a signalling sequence, signal peptides and pathways (OmpA, SecB, IgA beta)in order to secrete melittin
- Lysing our cells with a killswitch and then using FLAG tags, affinity tags to purify melittin from lysate
- Proteases to cleave off a protecting group.
We also looked into understanding biobricking assembly standards
Week 2
Literary research:
- Prepromelittin nucleotide sequence was found.
- Decided on a fusion protein with melittin and GST tag
- Reached out to Genomics Core Facility on Stony Brook University Campus to talk with Dr. John Schwedes about RNA extraction and Dr. Dmitri Gnatenko about primer design.
- Searching for plasmids: met with Yelena from Molecular Cloning Facility to discuss appropriate plasmids for our experiment and search through their plasmid library
Experimental:
- Competent E.coli cell line made.
- Visited local beehive to obtain Apis mellifera samples; dissected our bees and extracted their RNA
- Transformed RhlR biobrick
Outreach:
We presented on synthetic biology at four classes at a local high school, East Sachem High School!
Week 3
Literary research:
- Looking into P. syringae as a model for P. aeruginosa?
- Optimal expression conditions
- Looking into TEV protease site to cleave off GST protein
- Detection methods
Experimental:
- Designed primers for melittin amplification and tagged melittin
- Successful RNA extraction!
- Obtained plasmid from our advisor, Dr. Czaplinski
- Designed RhlR circuit and obtained signaling compound C4HSL
- Constitutive promoter BBa_J23101 and J23102 transformed for later fluorescence testing
Week 4
Experimental:
- Synthesized cDNA library
- Designed and ordered Biobrick melittin primers
- mCherry and fluorescence testing
Outreach:
- Looked into doing an iGEM survey with other schools with the Stony Brook Institutional Review Board
- Attended iGEM High School Jamboree!