Difference between revisions of "Team:UCopenhagen/HP/Events"

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                 <h2>Scientific approach description</h2>
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                 <h2>Vartov's Videnskab - Ethics and future of synthetic biology</h2>
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<p>For both the Interdependence and Number Control projects we have chosen to use Escherichia coli as our chassis. As for the Endocytosis, multiple bacteria spanning different taxonomical groups will be examined. In the following paragraphs, a concise experimental plan for each of the projects will be described.</p>
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<p>
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The 21th of September inCell and Vartovs Videnskab hosted an evening in the sign of synthetic biology.  
  
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<div id="Interdependence">
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Vartovs Videnskab (VV) is a small organization driven by two dedicated science students at University of Copenhagen. VV arranges evening events with a clear concept: science and wine. At every event a new interesting scientific topic will be presented and discussed by researchers working within the area. The audience at the events is a diverse group of young, old, science nerds, curious minds and entrepreneurs.  
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<h3>Interdependence</h3>
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<p>The goal of the interdependence project is to explore the use of amino acid auxotrophy as the framework for a mutually beneficial relationship between two different organisms, namely engineering bacteria to export essential nutrients in a readily available form and in the proper quantity to be sufficient for the host. This will create a strong dependency in a host lacking the production facility of these nutrients. We will perform the experiments on free-living cells, and investigate if the exported amino acids would be sufficient to sustain a S. cerevisiae host. </p>
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<br>
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The 21th of September the theme of the evening was synthetic biology. In the beautiful location at Vartov in downtown Copenhagen the two girls behind VV; Jamila Lilja and Anna Øhlenschlæger introduced the concept of VV and the program. Following Jon Fugl and Sissel Stork gave an introduction to the field of synthetic biology, the iGEM competition and the inCell project.
 +
 
 +
After giving the audience a basic idea of the field of synthetic biology Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Copenhagen Sune Holm shared his thoughts on the ethical considerations related to synthetic biology. Sune categorized the ethical considerations into two boxes: those that are related to doing synthetic biology and those considerations that relate to the consequences that synthetic biology may have. Sune stressed the importance that the intellectual property (IP) rights of synthetic biology as a technology should not end up in a corporate company but should be retained in society. He also addressed the need of public discussion of the future of synthetic biology - which problems should we as a society be focusing on solving using synthetic biology; producing medicine, a sustainable food future or a greener future. Finally, Sune also raised concerns on the potential of synthetic biology applied in biological weapons and other negative potential consequences of the technology.
 +
 
 +
Postdoc in plant biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen Thomas Laursen gave after Sune a glimpse of the ways we use synthetic biology today and what we might be using it for in the future. Thomas focused on how synthetic biology can be used to create a greener future using different organisms and harvesting the energy from the sun.
 +
 
 +
At a panel discussion with stud.scient Jon Fugl, Sune Holm and Thomas Laursen the audience had the opportunity to ask questions for discussion by the panel and the rest of the audience. Many interesting topics and thoughts related to the future of synthetic biology were shared featuring, artificial intelligence, robotics, IP rights, the public GMO debate in Denmark, the alternatives to synthetic biology, and elaboration of the potential implications in food and medicine.
 +
 
 +
More than 100 interested people showed up, drank wine and left with a better understanding of synthetic biology as a technique and applications. A big applause to the team behind Vartovs Videnskab for hosting this great event with us and sharing the passion for communicating science beyond the academic walls.
  
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<p> As part of the interdependence project the following will be examined:</p>
 
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<ul style="text-align:left; color:white;">
 
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<li> the functional expression of amino acid exporters in E. coli; </li>
 
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<li>the level of amino acid produced and exported by the symbiont;</li>
 
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<li> the effect of nutrient export on E. coli cell viability and growth; </li>
 
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<li> Grow auxotrophic S. cerevisiae in co-culture with respective amino acid exporting E. coli. </li>
 
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<li>In silico modelling growth of S. cerevisiae under the levels of amino acids that can be exported by E. coli to investigate the minimum number of E. coli symbionts to sustain an auxotrophic yeast host cell.</li>
 
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<div id="Number control">
 
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<h3>Number control</h3>
 
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<p>The goal of the number control project is to lower or stop symbiont replication in case of a high symbiont abundance and/or a starvation status of the host cell, with proof of concept being performed in E. coli cultures. To intertwine the cell replication cycle and lower the stress created by the presence of a symbiont inside the cytoplasm of the host, we aim to put the number control system under control with three signals: the symbiont abundance (a quorum sensing circuit), the host cell starvation status, and the host cell replication. QS and cell starvation should lower symbiont replication, while host replication should increase it.
 
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We aim to establish a replication control and intertwinement using a modular system based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology. A catalytically-dead Cas9 (dCas9) lacking endonuclease activity and a small guide RNA will be guided via RNA-DNA interaction to the origin of replication on the bacterial chromosome, to efficiently and transiently inhibit the chromosome replication (Wiktor J. et al, 2016).</p>
 
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<br>
 
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<p>The dCas9 system will be put under control of the quorum sensing pathway with the lux promoter, which will be active during high symbiont density.
 
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Additionally, we aim to put the number control system under control of cell starvation status and host cell replication. Moreover, to overcome an unrestrained cell growth, we aim to inhibit the membrane production silencing the expression of a key enzyme for lipid biosynthesis, i.e. Enoyl Acyl Reductase, commonly target of bacteriostatic drugs.</p>
 
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<br>
 
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<p> As part of the Number Control project the following will be examined:</p>
 
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<ul style="text-align:left;color:white;">
 
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<li> The effect of dCas9 expression on the cell cycle of E. coli </li>
 
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<li>The effect of sgRNA binding to various site of the chromosomal origin of replication  on the cell cycle of E. coli</li>
 
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<li>The effectiveness of the two parts, i.e. dCas9 and sgRNA, to block DNA replication and cell growth </li>
 
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<li> QS efficiency in controlling dCas9 expression</li>
 
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<li>Inhibition of Enoyl Acyl Reductase expression via dCas9 in combination with a sgRNA targeting the enzyme promoter.</li>
 
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<p>The integration of the host signals, i.e. the host starvation status and the cell cycle phase, to control the dCas9 expression will be tested using an in-silico model.</p>
 
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<div id="Protein import">
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<h3>Protein import</h3>
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<p>The goal of the protein import project is to import fluorescent proteins into a bacteria by covalently connecting the protein to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP).</p>
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<p>CPPs are small peptides (down to 8 amino acids), generally rich in arginine molecules, capable of initiating cellular uptake of a large variety of molecules and proteins by inducing endocytosis. In both plant and mammalian cells CPPs have been shown to mediate protein uptake by both covalent and non-covalent association, with increased specificity during covalent association. However, in bacteria only non-covalent uptake of proteins have so far been demonstrated (Chang et al. 2014). We will explore the utilization of the synthetic CPP nona-arginine (R9) as a vector for facilitation of targeted protein import in bacteria.</p>
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<p> As part of the Endocytosis project the following will be examined: </p>
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<ul style="text-align:left;color:white;">
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<li> An initial screening process aimed at evaluating the ability of a variety of bacterial species to take up fluorescent proteins through covalent and non-covalent CPP association </li>
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<li>Investigation of the cellular localization of proteins taken up in a CPP-mediated fashion. </li>
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<li>If proteins taken up are localized in membrane derived vesicles we will further investigate the potential ability of last 20 amino acids of influenza virus hemagglutinin (H2) to facilitate vesicular escape.  </li>
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<p>Proteins needed for this sub-project will be expressed with His-tags in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography. Both flow cytometry and confocal microscopy will be used to evaluate bacterial protein uptake through use of the fluorescent proteins YFP and BFP as previously described (Chang et al. 2014). A lipophillic dye capable of staining membrane-derived vesicles (e.g. FM4-64) will be used to investigate cellular localization. To facilitate cleavage of R9 following import, either an endogenous or heterologously expressed peptidase will be used. Successful cleavage will be assessed through use of proteomics (e.g. targeted proteomics). The exact details for evaluation of enzymatic ability following protein import have still not been elucidated, we are however currently contemplating using an enzyme whose activity can be monitored through a colorimetric assay (e.g. 𝜷-lactamase).</p>
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                 <h2>References</h2>
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                 <h2>UNF - Youth Science association</h2>
  
 
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<ul>
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<li> Archibald, J. M. Endosymbiosis and Eukaryotic Cell Evolution. Current Biology 2015, 25: 911–921. </li>
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Spreading the knowledge of the synthetic biology is an very important mission for the inCell team. We think it is very important to communicate and discuss synthetic biology especially with the young generation and future scientist. For this reason inCell teamed up with the former iGEM team representing the University of Copenhagen in the iGEM competition; Cosmocrops.  
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<li>Diane Gershon Technology: pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Nature Medicine 2003; 9:97</li>
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<li>Jakub Wiktor, Christian Lesterlin, David J. Sherratt, Cees Dekker; CRISPR-mediated control of the bacterial initiation of replication. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44 (8): 3801-3810.</li>
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The Cosmocrops project worked on the development of a new co-culturing system combining the properties of microalgae (cyanobacterium) and a bacterium to efficiently harvest sunlight to produce essential compounds like biopharmaceuticals, vitamins or plastic for 3D-printing.  
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<li>Microsugar Chang, Yue-Wern Huang, Robert S. Aronstam and Han-Jung Lee; Cellular Delivery of Noncovalently-Associated Macromolecules by Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2014; 15: 267-275. </li>
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</ul>
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In order to communicate the important topic of synthetic biology we presented our projects to Ungdommens Naturvidenskabelige Forening (UNF) - the association of science for youth. The presentation featured both an introduction to iGEM, the inCell team and project. The audience consisted of high schoolers and young students studying science at the danish universities.  
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                <h2>Synapse Lecture Session: Synthetic Biology</h2>
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Synapse - Life Science Connect is a non-profit student organization based in Copenhagen. The organization is driven by a team of volunteer bachelor-, master-, and Phd-student all working to bridge the gap between student and the life science industry. They do this by arranging a broad range of events, workshops and international seminars to enlighten and prepare student for their future career in life science.
 +
 +
In collaboration with Synapse inCell is hosting a lecture session focusing on synthetic biology on the 27th of September at The Maersk Tower in Copenhagen. The evening enlighten students on the opportunities and future of synthetic biology.
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 +
Program:
 +
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16.45: Welcome by Bjørn Zabell
 +
17.00: Synapse Introduction by Chairman Katrine Jeong
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17.05: Rasmus Frandsen, DTU
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17.40: Hans Genee, Biosyntia
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18.15: Break w. coffee and sandwiches
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18.40: Christopher Workman, DTU
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19.10: Mohamad El Lakany, iGEM DTU
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19.20: Jon Fugl og Sissel Toverud Stork, iGEM KU
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19.30: Thank you for tonight
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 +
First the chairman of Synapse, Katrine Jeong Jørgensen, welcomed the audience and presented the organization synapse. Following the introduction Associate Professor Rasmus John Normand Frandsen from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) gave an introduction to the area of synthetic biology from an academic point of view. Co-founder and CSO of Biosyntia Hans Genee explained how synthetic biology is used in the industry in biological engineering.
 +
After a break with sandwiches and refreshments the session focused on the iGEM competition. Associate Professor Christopher Workman from (DTU) is an iGEM veteran and former judge. To set the stage Christopher presented the framework of the iGEM competition, its past and future. The iGEM team representing DTU presented their project followed by a presentation of the inCell project.
 +
 +
The evening was a great success and spread the word of synthetic biology between fellow students and graduates. A big applause to Synapse - Life Science Connect for co-planning a great event!
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Revision as of 12:02, 28 September 2017

E V E N T S

Introduction

Something, something. We've hosted many events to engage the public and experts. Here we will also have links pointing down to the events. Will be very nice.

Nordic iGEM Conference

<

The Nordic iGEM Conference (NiC) is an annual meetup for all nordic teams from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The 9 -11th of June inCell hosted the conference at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. It is an traditional to The traditional iGEM presentation competition -. Besides from the mini-jamboree the conference Saturday night the gala dinner gave the participants a great opportunity to bond and strengthen the bond between the nordic iGEM teams. NERMEENS AWESOME NiC VIDEO

Vartov's Videnskab - Ethics and future of synthetic biology

The 21th of September inCell and Vartovs Videnskab hosted an evening in the sign of synthetic biology. Vartovs Videnskab (VV) is a small organization driven by two dedicated science students at University of Copenhagen. VV arranges evening events with a clear concept: science and wine. At every event a new interesting scientific topic will be presented and discussed by researchers working within the area. The audience at the events is a diverse group of young, old, science nerds, curious minds and entrepreneurs. The 21th of September the theme of the evening was synthetic biology. In the beautiful location at Vartov in downtown Copenhagen the two girls behind VV; Jamila Lilja and Anna Øhlenschlæger introduced the concept of VV and the program. Following Jon Fugl and Sissel Stork gave an introduction to the field of synthetic biology, the iGEM competition and the inCell project. After giving the audience a basic idea of the field of synthetic biology Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Copenhagen Sune Holm shared his thoughts on the ethical considerations related to synthetic biology. Sune categorized the ethical considerations into two boxes: those that are related to doing synthetic biology and those considerations that relate to the consequences that synthetic biology may have. Sune stressed the importance that the intellectual property (IP) rights of synthetic biology as a technology should not end up in a corporate company but should be retained in society. He also addressed the need of public discussion of the future of synthetic biology - which problems should we as a society be focusing on solving using synthetic biology; producing medicine, a sustainable food future or a greener future. Finally, Sune also raised concerns on the potential of synthetic biology applied in biological weapons and other negative potential consequences of the technology. Postdoc in plant biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen Thomas Laursen gave after Sune a glimpse of the ways we use synthetic biology today and what we might be using it for in the future. Thomas focused on how synthetic biology can be used to create a greener future using different organisms and harvesting the energy from the sun. At a panel discussion with stud.scient Jon Fugl, Sune Holm and Thomas Laursen the audience had the opportunity to ask questions for discussion by the panel and the rest of the audience. Many interesting topics and thoughts related to the future of synthetic biology were shared featuring, artificial intelligence, robotics, IP rights, the public GMO debate in Denmark, the alternatives to synthetic biology, and elaboration of the potential implications in food and medicine. More than 100 interested people showed up, drank wine and left with a better understanding of synthetic biology as a technique and applications. A big applause to the team behind Vartovs Videnskab for hosting this great event with us and sharing the passion for communicating science beyond the academic walls.


UNF - Youth Science association


Spreading the knowledge of the synthetic biology is an very important mission for the inCell team. We think it is very important to communicate and discuss synthetic biology especially with the young generation and future scientist. For this reason inCell teamed up with the former iGEM team representing the University of Copenhagen in the iGEM competition; Cosmocrops. The Cosmocrops project worked on the development of a new co-culturing system combining the properties of microalgae (cyanobacterium) and a bacterium to efficiently harvest sunlight to produce essential compounds like biopharmaceuticals, vitamins or plastic for 3D-printing. In order to communicate the important topic of synthetic biology we presented our projects to Ungdommens Naturvidenskabelige Forening (UNF) - the association of science for youth. The presentation featured both an introduction to iGEM, the inCell team and project. The audience consisted of high schoolers and young students studying science at the danish universities.

Synapse Lecture Session: Synthetic Biology


Synapse - Life Science Connect is a non-profit student organization based in Copenhagen. The organization is driven by a team of volunteer bachelor-, master-, and Phd-student all working to bridge the gap between student and the life science industry. They do this by arranging a broad range of events, workshops and international seminars to enlighten and prepare student for their future career in life science. In collaboration with Synapse inCell is hosting a lecture session focusing on synthetic biology on the 27th of September at The Maersk Tower in Copenhagen. The evening enlighten students on the opportunities and future of synthetic biology. Program: 16.45: Welcome by Bjørn Zabell 17.00: Synapse Introduction by Chairman Katrine Jeong 17.05: Rasmus Frandsen, DTU 17.40: Hans Genee, Biosyntia 18.15: Break w. coffee and sandwiches 18.40: Christopher Workman, DTU 19.10: Mohamad El Lakany, iGEM DTU 19.20: Jon Fugl og Sissel Toverud Stork, iGEM KU 19.30: Thank you for tonight First the chairman of Synapse, Katrine Jeong Jørgensen, welcomed the audience and presented the organization synapse. Following the introduction Associate Professor Rasmus John Normand Frandsen from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) gave an introduction to the area of synthetic biology from an academic point of view. Co-founder and CSO of Biosyntia Hans Genee explained how synthetic biology is used in the industry in biological engineering. After a break with sandwiches and refreshments the session focused on the iGEM competition. Associate Professor Christopher Workman from (DTU) is an iGEM veteran and former judge. To set the stage Christopher presented the framework of the iGEM competition, its past and future. The iGEM team representing DTU presented their project followed by a presentation of the inCell project. The evening was a great success and spread the word of synthetic biology between fellow students and graduates. A big applause to Synapse - Life Science Connect for co-planning a great event!