Florida State University iGEM

F-L-O-R-I-D-A-S-T-A-T-E, Florida State, Florida State, Florida State, WOOOOOO

The FSU iGEM team is working on developing a cell-based therapeutic for people with Celiac Disease (CD), an autoimmune disease that destroys the lining of the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Currently, the only treatment available for people with CD is a gluten free diet, which restricts their diets and drains their pockets. The current research on potential treatments for CD focuses on pharmaceutical approaches, which provide only temporary relief and are not a definite cure.

We are working on developing a cell that can be ingested in some form by an individual with CD and will hinder gluten before it causes any damage within the small intestine. Currently, we are studying several mechanisms by which the cells will operate, such as degrading or encapsulating gliadin (one of the protein strands in gluten which triggers intestinal attacks) and/or zonulin (a protein, which is overproduced in CD individuals, that loosens tight junctions in the small intestine and allows gliadin cross the intestinal lining). We are also studying several potential chassis, such as E-coli, which will be able to carry the cells and last within the body. Our idea is to engineer a cell that will be able to live and divide in the patient’s intestine; therefore, being a long term solution to this disease.