</br><font face="Arial" size="4">For our project this year we focused on characterizing the optimal extracellular calcium conditions to induce the expression of our calcium sensitive reporters. We are working with two reporter proteins that provide quick maturation rates and bright fluorescence within yeast so they will make for useful output indicators for <i>In-Silico</i> control in future work.
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</br></br>We also built on work from previous iGEM teams to further develop a deterministic model for the calcium pathway in yeast that will activate our reporter genes. Additionally, we developed a stochastic model to predict the nature of ion channel gating in response to temperature change. These models will help guide future work with TRPV1 as a thermal actuator in yeast.
Characterization of a ThermalActuator and Calcium-Sensitive Reporter inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Project Description
Our current work was inspired by the ability of a thermosensitive ion channel, known as TRPV1, to import calcium into the cell in response to temperature changes. This process could one day be used to provide a method of In-Silico control of genetic circuits in synthetic biology. Our project explores the characterization of a calcium-sensitive reporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to monitor gene expression levels within a range of temperatures.
Human Practices is an integral part of creating impactful relationships with our community, and conducting research that is embraced by a generalized audience. The iGEM competition is centered around synthetic biology, of which includes genetic engineering, which traditionally has been a controversial area of research. Careful consideration of Human Practices ensures that our research is ethical, responsible, safe, secure, and sustainable.
The iGEM Measurement Committee aims to develop robust measurement procedures for enhancing the quantification and reproducibility of results through the InterLab Study. The objective of the 2017 InterLab Study is to determine absolute units for measuring green fluorescent protein (GFP) that are easily comparable regardless of the type of plate reader used to make the measurement. We used a standardized protocol and analysis method for measuring GFP with a BioTek Synergy 4 plate reader.
About UsThe Lubbock_TTU Team is part of a student organization at Texas Tech University known as iGEM Raiders. This year, the Lubbock_TTU team is composed of 10 undergraduate and graduate students.