Team:Chiba/Project

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__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
==Abstract==
==Abstract==
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====''E.coli'' time manager====
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==== ''E. coli'' time manager====
We are constructing delay switches to control/preset the timing of
We are constructing delay switches to control/preset the timing of
target gene expression. Our project uses two classes of bacteria: senders and receivers. Senders produce signaling molecules, and receivers are activated only after a particular concentration of this molecule is reached. The combinatorial use of senders/receivers allows us to make a‘switching
target gene expression. Our project uses two classes of bacteria: senders and receivers. Senders produce signaling molecules, and receivers are activated only after a particular concentration of this molecule is reached. The combinatorial use of senders/receivers allows us to make a‘switching
consortium’which activates different genes at the preset times.
consortium’which activates different genes at the preset times.
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As signaling molecules, we utilize molecules associated with Quorum sensing, a phenomenon that allows bacteria to communicate with each other. Although different quorum sensing species have slightly different signaling molecules, these molecules are not completely specific to their hosts and cross-species reactivity is observed [[Team:Chiba/Project#references|(1),(2)]]. Communication using non-endogenous molecules is less sensitive than the original, and requires a higher signal concentration to take effect. This reduced sensitivity results in the slower activation of receivers, thus creating a system in which different receivers are activated after
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As signaling molecules, we utilize molecules associated with Quorum sensing, a phenomenon that allows bacteria to communicate with each other. Although different quorum sensing species have slightly different signaling molecules, these molecules are not completely specific to their hosts and cross-species reactivity is observed [[Team:Chiba/Project#References|<sup>(1),(2)</sup>]]. Communication using non-endogenous molecules is less sensitive than the original, and requires a higher signal concentration to take effect. This reduced sensitivity results in the slower activation of receivers, thus creating a system in which different receivers are activated after
different amounts of time following signaling molecule release.
different amounts of time following signaling molecule release.
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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
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[[Image:Project design chiba QS.gif|frame|right|'''Fig.1''' Project design]]
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[[Image:Chiba_popcorn.jpg|thumb|right|'''Fig. 1 Burnt popcorn'''. He could have prevent this if he properly preset the timer...]]
Many electronic devices we use in our daily lives have the ability to keep track of time. For example, a VCR is able to record a TV program at a pre-set time, and a microwave automatically stops heating after a set amount of time. automatically stop heating when the right time comes. Using these '''temporal pre-programming''' functions, we have been liberated from either staying up late to watch a European soccer game or from worrying about our popcorn being burned black while yelling and shouting to the match we have videotaped. In this way, the timer function has revolutionized our lifestyle.
Many electronic devices we use in our daily lives have the ability to keep track of time. For example, a VCR is able to record a TV program at a pre-set time, and a microwave automatically stops heating after a set amount of time. automatically stop heating when the right time comes. Using these '''temporal pre-programming''' functions, we have been liberated from either staying up late to watch a European soccer game or from worrying about our popcorn being burned black while yelling and shouting to the match we have videotaped. In this way, the timer function has revolutionized our lifestyle.
We thought the same applies to the biotechnology; we would like to freely implement the 'timer switches” to various biological functions, preferably both independently and in parallel format. These “functions” include sensors, synthesizers, or degraders of bioactive compounds/ materials, transportation and secretion machineries, communications, getting/ sticking together, proliferation and cell death. If successful, we will be able to program exceedingly more complex [[Team:Chiba/Project/Applications|complex behaviors]] in cellular systems.
We thought the same applies to the biotechnology; we would like to freely implement the 'timer switches” to various biological functions, preferably both independently and in parallel format. These “functions” include sensors, synthesizers, or degraders of bioactive compounds/ materials, transportation and secretion machineries, communications, getting/ sticking together, proliferation and cell death. If successful, we will be able to program exceedingly more complex [[Team:Chiba/Project/Applications|complex behaviors]] in cellular systems.
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As one of the thousands of possible applications, we are trying to
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[[Image:Chiba_lifestinks.gif|frame|left|'''Fig. 2 Temporal imaging system.''' You can display secret message only for a short period of time. (reload to replay)]]As one of the thousands of possible applications, we are trying to construct a '''metamorphosizing image''' using ''E. coli'' 'ink' that differ not in color but the 'timing' at which they are a certain color (fig2). Over time, parts of images (or characters) are getting visible one by one, making animated message/ picture. If the coloration process proceeds to completion, the message is obscured. Only when the message is observed at the correct timing during the coloration process is any useful information obtained. Such a system should be useful for communication security: we can convey our message to only those that know the exact moment they should take a look. After a while, the message is gone and cannot be retrieved.
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construct a '''temporal imaging system''' using ''E. coli'' 'ink' that differ not
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in color but the 'timing' at which they are a certain color (fig). Over time, parts of images (or characters) are getting visible one by one, making animated message/ picture. If the coloration process proceeds to completion, the message is obscured. Only when the message is observed at the correct timing during the coloration process is any useful information obtained. Such a system should be useful for communication security: we can convey our message to only those that know the exact moment they should take a look. After
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a while, the message is gone and cannot be retrieved.
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==Project Design==
==Project Design==
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[[Image:System design Chiba 1.jpg|right|thumb|'''Fig. ''' System design]]
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[[Image:Chiba fig3 2.png|right|frame|'''Fig. 3 System design''']]
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We designed a "switching consortium" that works like a water clock
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We designed a '''switching consortium''' that works like a water clock
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(Water clock-wikipedia.en). Here is how it works (Fig X).
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([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_clock Water clock-wikipedia.en]). Here is how it works (Fig 3).
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1. Sender cells slowly generate signal molecules AT A CONSTANT RATE.
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1. Sender cells slowly generate signal molecules at a constant rate.
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The signal molecules are non-degradable so they get accumulated
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The signal molecules are non-degradable (or virtually so in a reasonable time scale) so they get accumulated
(linearly) over time.
(linearly) over time.
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In this project, we use acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), signaling
In this project, we use acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), signaling
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molecules used for quorum sensing in gram negative bacteria.
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molecules used for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quorum_sensing quorum sensing] in gram negative bacteria.
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Senders express LuxI or similar enzymes, which catalyze the production
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'''Senders''' express LuxI or similar enzymes, which catalyze the production
of AHLs, under the control of a constitutive (Tet) promoter. Each cell
of AHLs, under the control of a constitutive (Tet) promoter. Each cell
thus generates AHL more or less at a constant rate. AHL can freely
thus generates AHL more or less at a constant rate. AHL can freely
permeate cell membranes and are detected by neighboring cells.
permeate cell membranes and are detected by neighboring cells.
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Receivers constitutively express LuxR proteins (or a similar
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'''Receivers''' constitutively express LuxR proteins (or a similar
ortholog), the protein that detects AHL concentrations. When AHLs bind
ortholog), the protein that detects AHL concentrations. When AHLs bind
LuxR proteins, the AHL-LuxR complex activates the Lux promoter. The
LuxR proteins, the AHL-LuxR complex activates the Lux promoter. The
threshold [AHL] at which switching occurs is determined by the
threshold [AHL] at which switching occurs is determined by the
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affinity of AHL for the particulr LuxR ortholog.[[Team:Chiba/Project#references|<sup>(3),(4)</sup>]].
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affinity of AHL for the particulr LuxR ortholog.[[Team:Chiba/Project#References|<sup>(3),(4)</sup>]].
[[Team:Chiba/about_qs|(more about quorum sensing)]]
[[Team:Chiba/about_qs|(more about quorum sensing)]]
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===System Design===
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===Constructing A Delay Switch, Multiple Ways===
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In principle, there are three ways to delay the activation of chemical communications;
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#'''Silencing the Speakers''': Rate of signal accumulation down-regulated, for instance, by slowing down the signal generators.
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#'''Desensitize Receivers''': Switching threshold elevated, for instance, by using insensitive receiver/ reporter systems.
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#'''Partial Blocking''': Decreasing the by chewing the signal up.
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{| style="border:0px" width="500px"
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'''Inter-species communications!'''
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We decided to go for the strategy inspired by Japanese-classic experience; Whenever we speak to somebody in English, we often experience a certain delay in activating the communication. We though this is exactly what we pursued in [[Team:Chiba/Project#List of Experiments|See Exp #4.]]. Same applies to the reverse, too. When somebody speaks to us, we definitely need some time (sometime infinite) to get activated. This is all in spite that he/ she was loud and clear enough. The less affinity (perception) we have to English, the longer we need to activate them.[[Team:Chiba/Project#List of Experiments|See exp #5.]]
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'''プランA: Cross-talk'''
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*Iクロストーク
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*Rクロストーク
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[[Team:Chiba/Qurum Sensing Cross-talk|more about Quorum Sensing Cross-talk ]]
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| width="50% balign="top"|
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'''プランB: Tuning'''
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*luxI合成量
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*luxR感受性
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*AHL分解
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|}
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==List of Experiments==
==List of Experiments==
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===plan A Crosstalk===
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===='''For details, click each of the index titles'''====
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{| style="border:0px;" cellpadding="5px"
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[[Image:Chiba project design Sender.jpg|thumb]]<br clear=all>
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'''[[Team:Chiba/Project/Experiments:Sender_Crosstalk|Signal Molecule Sender Phase]]'''
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<center>
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[[Image:Chiba project design Receiver.jpg|thumb]]<br clear=all>
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'''[[Team:Chiba/Project/Experiments:Receiver_Crosstalk|Signal Molecule Receiver Phase]]'''
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|-
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| valign="center" align="center" width="20%"|
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[[Image:Chiba Igem 1.png|130px|'''Fig.4''' Chiba project design.jpg]]
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| valign="center" align="center" width="20%"|
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[[Image:Chiba Igem 2.png|172px|'''Fig.5''' ]]
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| valign="center" align="center" width="20%"|
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[[Image:Chiba Igem 3.png|172px|'''Fig.6''' LuxR mutant]]
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| valign="center" align="center" width="20%"|
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[[Image:Chiba Igem 4.png|130px|'''Fig.7''' ]]
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| valign="center" align="center" width="20%"|
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[[Image:Chiba Igem 5.png|130px|'''Fig.8''' ]]
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| width="25%" valign="top" align="center"|
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|-
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| align="center"| '''[[Team:Chiba/Project/Experiments:Signal Molecule Quencher|Exp #1 Partial quenching of signals (jamming)]]'''
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| align="center"| '''[[Team:Chiba/Experiments:copy number|Exp #2 Balancing Player]]'''
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| align="center"| '''[[Team:Chiba/Experiments:LuxR_mutant|Exp #3 Lux Mutants]]'''
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| align="center"| '''[[Team:Chiba/Project/Experiments:Sender_Crosstalk|Exp #4 Spoken to by Foreigners]]'''
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| align="center"| '''[[Team:Chiba/Project/Experiments:Receiver_Crosstalk|Exp #5 Speaking to Foreigners]]'''
|}
|}
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</center>
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[[Team:Chiba/Qurum Sensing Cross-talk|more about Quorum Sensing Cross-talk ]]
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*'''Others'''
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**'''[[Team:Chiba/Experiments:Reporter|Searching for Reporters]]'''
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**'''[[Team:Chiba/Demo_experiments|Demonstrations]]'''
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===plan B Tuning===
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===Our (incomplete) metamorphosizing image ===
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{| style="border:0px;" cellpadding="5px"
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<br>
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[[Image:Demo-flower Chiba.gif|frame|left|'''Fig.4a''' Flower should have blossomed!!!<br>
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[[Image:Chiba project design.jpg|thumb|Chiba project design.jpg]]<br clear=all>
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Leaves, a stem and a flower was drawned with [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_T9002 BBa_T9002], T9002-p15A, and AiiA Receiver, respectively on the plate containing [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_S03623 BBa_S03623 (AHL sender)]--->more about [[Team:Chiba/Demo_experiments#Demo Experiment ~Temporal imaging system~|Temporal imaging system Demo experiments detail]]]]
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'''[[Team:Chiba/Project/Experiments:Signal Molecule Quencher|Signal Molecule Quencher]]'''
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|}
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====Copy number of Receiver Plasmid====
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[[Image:Receiver copy number chiba.jpg|left]]
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<br>English:
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<br>日本語:レシーバーのコピーナンバーを減らすことで、GFPが確認できるまでの時間を延長する。
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コピーナンバーが少なくなれば、LuxRの合成量は減少する。
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LuxRの合成量が減少すれば、AHLを受け取るLuxRは従来より減ってしまう。
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そのため、プロモーターの活性化は遅くなり、GFPの発現量は減る。
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したがって、コピーナンバーが多いレシーバーより、GFPが確認できるまでの時間を延長させることができる。
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(杉山)
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<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>
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====LuxR/Plux mutants show====
 
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[[Image:Receiver switch mLuxR chiba.jpg|left]]
 
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<br>English:
 
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<br>日本語:私たちはmutated Receiverを用いることで、AHL感受性の違う2種類(WTと変異体)のレシーバーを用意し、delay-timeのバリエーションを増やした。
 
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#a greater response to 3OC6HSL[http://authors.library.caltech.edu/5553/ <sup>(3)</sup>]
 
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#a increase in sensitivity to 3OC12HSL[http://mic.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/151/11/3589  <sup>(4)</sup>].
 
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<br clear=all>
 
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====[[Team:Chiba/Receiver_experiments|Receiver experiments details]]====
 
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-->
 
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====[[Team:Chiba/AHL Receiver Phase#LuxR mutant|LuxR mutant (Under construction)]]====
 
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レシーバータンパク質であるLuxRに変異を入れることで応答感度を上下させる[[Team:Chiba/Project#references|<sup>(5),(6)</sup>]]
 
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[[Image:Receiver switch mLuxR chiba.jpg|frame|left|'''Fig.''' LuxR mutant]]
 
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<br clear=all>
 
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==Demo Experiments==
 
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=== Demo ~Senders~ ===
 
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一番時差が見られたSender遺伝子のLuxIとLasIをつかってデモ実験を行った。
 
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LuxIおよびLasIの遺伝子がそれぞれ組み込まれた大腸菌(XL10G)と、
 
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LuxRの遺伝子が組み込まれた大腸菌(BW)を液体培養したものを
 
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液量1:1で混ぜて、それらのGFPが発現するのを目視で観測した。
 
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=== Results ===
 
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[[Image:Team-Chiba-demo-mihon.gif|200px]]<br> Green region: sender=LuxI (100 uL), Red circular region: sender=Las I (100uL). <br>Receiver=LuxR (???? uL)
 
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<gallery>
 
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Image:Team-Chiba-demo-1.JPG|0 h
 
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Image:Team-Chiba-demo-2.JPG|4 h <br>(Lux I GFP detected)
 
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Image:Team-Chiba-demo-3.JPG|8 h <br>(Lux I GFP and Las I GFP detected)
 
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</gallery> 
 
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--toyota<br>
 
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-->more about [[Team:Chiba/Demo_experiments|Demo experiments detail]]
 
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=== Demo ~Receivers~ ===
 
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English:
 
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<BR>日本語:
 
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<BR>
 
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固体培地中にセンダー[http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_S03623 BBa_S03623],(Ptet-LuxI) を混ぜ、固体培地表面にレシーバーのコロニーをN.Cフィルターで移す。
 
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センダーの作るAHLは培地中を移動し、表面のレシーバーがAHLを一定濃度感知すればGFPを発現
 
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する。一種のセンダーに対し、様々な種類のレシーバーを用いることで時間差が生じることを確認する。
 
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用いるレシーバーは・・・
 
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・シグナル自体を分解するAiia を利用する
 
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・レシーバーの遺伝子回路を含むプラスミドのコピーナンバーの変化
 
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・レシーバータンパク質であるLuxRに変異を入れる
 
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<BR>
 
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・確認の仕方
 
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<BR>
 
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N.Cフィルターをはった個体培地を37&deg;Cで培養し、時間(30min?)ごとにUVをあててGFPが見えるかチェックする。
 
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<BR>
 
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香取
 
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====Results====
 
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--->more about [[Team:Chiba/Demo_experiments|Demo experiments detail]]
 
==Conclusion==
==Conclusion==
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シグナル分子を3OC6HSLから3OC12HSLに変更することで、LuxRの応答時間を二時間遅らせることができた.
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In conclusion, we tried (and are trying) to device a series of delay-switches by designing the "switching consortia". We got limited, by certain success in generating delay switches. 
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#We confirmed that various "foreign" AHL sender can activate the LuxR/ LuxP switch. 
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以下の実験を行うことで、Delayed Timeのバリエーションがもっと増えるだろう。
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#Using the 3OC12HSL (Las-type) instead of 3OC6HSL (Lux-type) as signaling input, we could delay the activation of the LuxR/ LuxP switch for 2 hours. As of today, Oct 29th), this is the slowest delay switch in our hand.
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#Interestingly, we kept failing to observe the crosstalk between Lux-sender and receivers from other organisms. Interestingly, we never seen the function of cinI/ cinR from Rhizobium leguminosarum. We have no idea why we could not reconstruct the communication (by this natural pairs).
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*Sender実験とReceiver実験で時間差を作り出すことが出来たものを組み合わせる。
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#Several other strategies have been tested, too. We have positive expectation especially on the engineering of LuxR protein.
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*LuxRのミューテーション。
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#Fiinally, we have provided 13 biobricks that will be useful in various future projects using cell-cell communications.
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*ポジティブフィードバックループを利用する。
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One of the technical challenge of our project was that the reporter genes are quite slow by itself to develop readable signal. There are significant time-lag between transcription initiation and the time the reporter start emitting the signal. We have screened many different reporters including lucifeases, lacZ, and other fluorescent proteins. With our experimental setup, they all looked more or less the same level (some were in the range of 30-60 mins in microscope, but all needed 90-120 mins to get visible by eye). For more precise PoPS analysis, we should have conduct blotting analysis, instead of fluorescent analysis.
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--[[User:Yoshimi|Yoshimi]] 11:09, 29 October 2008 (UTC)
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Biological timer was previously designed by [https://2007.igem.org/Missouri_Miners Missouri Miners (2007)]. In their system, they feed arabinose (input signal) to the bacteria, which consume the signal molecule. Upon eating up the molecule, the bacteria will generate GFP, signaling that time is up. This system is clever in that one can freely set the timer by adjusting the amount of arabinose fed to the cells. Our approach is more to make a series of timers. Obvious drawback of this approach is that we have to make new timer for each and every applications. Good thing about our system is that once created, we can run several timers simultaneously in a single pot; Combinatorial use of biological timers with different delay time would allows us to sequential switching of various genes, enabling more sophisticated control of the biological processes.
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==references==
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==References==
#[http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119124142/abstract M.K Winson ''et al.:''Construction and analysis of luxCDABE-based plasmid sensors for investigating N-acyl homoserine lactone-mediated quorum sensing.FEMS Microbiology Letters 163 (1998) 185-192]
#[http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119124142/abstract M.K Winson ''et al.:''Construction and analysis of luxCDABE-based plasmid sensors for investigating N-acyl homoserine lactone-mediated quorum sensing.FEMS Microbiology Letters 163 (1998) 185-192]
#[http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_F2620:Specificity BBa_F2620:Specificity]
#[http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_F2620:Specificity BBa_F2620:Specificity]
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#[http://authors.library.caltech.edu/5553/ C. H. Collins.''et al.:''Directed evolution of Vibrio fischeri LuxR for increased sensitivity to a broad spectrum of acyl-homoserine lactones.Mol.Microbiol.2005.'''55'''(3).712–723]
#[http://authors.library.caltech.edu/5553/ C. H. Collins.''et al.:''Directed evolution of Vibrio fischeri LuxR for increased sensitivity to a broad spectrum of acyl-homoserine lactones.Mol.Microbiol.2005.'''55'''(3).712–723]
#[http://mic.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/151/11/3589 B. Koch. ''et al''.:The LuxR receptor: the sites of interaction with quorum-sensing signals and inhibitors.Microbiology '''151''' (2005),3589-3602]
#[http://mic.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/151/11/3589 B. Koch. ''et al''.:The LuxR receptor: the sites of interaction with quorum-sensing signals and inhibitors.Microbiology '''151''' (2005),3589-3602]
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{| style="color:white;background-color:Maroon" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" border="1" bordercolor="white" width="100%" align="center"
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#[http://mic.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/full/153/12/3923 Paul Williams :Quorum sensing, communication and cross-kingdom signalling in the bacterial world.Microbiology 153 (2007), 3923-3938]
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#[http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/acbcct/2006/1/i11/abs/cb6004245.html D. J. Sayut ''et al.:''Construction and Engineering of Positive Feedback Loops.ACS Chemical Biology.'''1'''.No.11.(2006)]<br>
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#[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WBK-4PRHJ6K-2&_user=136872&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=136872&md5=3ed7ffab9f831d102f5e99353843c080 D. J. Sayut ''et al.:''Noise and kinetics of LuxR positive feedback loops.Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.'''363'''(3),2007,667-673.]
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{| style="color:white;" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" border="0" width="100%" align="center" class="menu" |
!align="center"|[[Team:Chiba|Home]]
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Latest revision as of 11:57, 30 October 2008

Chiba-U.gif

Abstract

 E. coli time manager

We are constructing delay switches to control/preset the timing of target gene expression. Our project uses two classes of bacteria: senders and receivers. Senders produce signaling molecules, and receivers are activated only after a particular concentration of this molecule is reached. The combinatorial use of senders/receivers allows us to make a‘switching consortium’which activates different genes at the preset times.

As signaling molecules, we utilize molecules associated with Quorum sensing, a phenomenon that allows bacteria to communicate with each other. Although different quorum sensing species have slightly different signaling molecules, these molecules are not completely specific to their hosts and cross-species reactivity is observed (1),(2). Communication using non-endogenous molecules is less sensitive than the original, and requires a higher signal concentration to take effect. This reduced sensitivity results in the slower activation of receivers, thus creating a system in which different receivers are activated after different amounts of time following signaling molecule release.

Introduction

Fig. 1 Burnt popcorn. He could have prevent this if he properly preset the timer...

Many electronic devices we use in our daily lives have the ability to keep track of time. For example, a VCR is able to record a TV program at a pre-set time, and a microwave automatically stops heating after a set amount of time. automatically stop heating when the right time comes. Using these temporal pre-programming functions, we have been liberated from either staying up late to watch a European soccer game or from worrying about our popcorn being burned black while yelling and shouting to the match we have videotaped. In this way, the timer function has revolutionized our lifestyle.

We thought the same applies to the biotechnology; we would like to freely implement the 'timer switches” to various biological functions, preferably both independently and in parallel format. These “functions” include sensors, synthesizers, or degraders of bioactive compounds/ materials, transportation and secretion machineries, communications, getting/ sticking together, proliferation and cell death. If successful, we will be able to program exceedingly more complex complex behaviors in cellular systems.

Fig. 2 Temporal imaging system. You can display secret message only for a short period of time. (reload to replay)
As one of the thousands of possible applications, we are trying to construct a metamorphosizing image using E. coli 'ink' that differ not in color but the 'timing' at which they are a certain color (fig2). Over time, parts of images (or characters) are getting visible one by one, making animated message/ picture. If the coloration process proceeds to completion, the message is obscured. Only when the message is observed at the correct timing during the coloration process is any useful information obtained. Such a system should be useful for communication security: we can convey our message to only those that know the exact moment they should take a look. After a while, the message is gone and cannot be retrieved.

Project Design

Fig. 3 System design

We designed a switching consortium that works like a water clock ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_clock Water clock-wikipedia.en]). Here is how it works (Fig 3).

1. Sender cells slowly generate signal molecules at a constant rate. The signal molecules are non-degradable (or virtually so in a reasonable time scale) so they get accumulated (linearly) over time.

2. Receivers detect the signal molecules and then activate the genetic switch to the on state, but only when the signal concentration reaches the switching threshold of a receiver. Receivers are activated by different signaling molecules at different rates. In this way, the entire system behaves like a delay switch sequence.

3. Either by changing the receiver sensitivity or rate of signal accumulation, one can freely control the delay length of the individual switches. Using switches with various times-of-delay, one can sequentially activate many different cellular functions.


Signaling System

In this project, we use acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), signaling molecules used for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quorum_sensing quorum sensing] in gram negative bacteria. Senders express LuxI or similar enzymes, which catalyze the production of AHLs, under the control of a constitutive (Tet) promoter. Each cell thus generates AHL more or less at a constant rate. AHL can freely permeate cell membranes and are detected by neighboring cells. Receivers constitutively express LuxR proteins (or a similar ortholog), the protein that detects AHL concentrations. When AHLs bind LuxR proteins, the AHL-LuxR complex activates the Lux promoter. The threshold [AHL] at which switching occurs is determined by the affinity of AHL for the particulr LuxR ortholog.(3),(4). (more about quorum sensing)

Constructing A Delay Switch, Multiple Ways

In principle, there are three ways to delay the activation of chemical communications;

  1. Silencing the Speakers: Rate of signal accumulation down-regulated, for instance, by slowing down the signal generators.
  2. Desensitize Receivers: Switching threshold elevated, for instance, by using insensitive receiver/ reporter systems.
  3. Partial Blocking: Decreasing the by chewing the signal up.

Inter-species communications! We decided to go for the strategy inspired by Japanese-classic experience; Whenever we speak to somebody in English, we often experience a certain delay in activating the communication. We though this is exactly what we pursued in See Exp #4.. Same applies to the reverse, too. When somebody speaks to us, we definitely need some time (sometime infinite) to get activated. This is all in spite that he/ she was loud and clear enough. The less affinity (perception) we have to English, the longer we need to activate them.See exp #5.

List of Experiments

For details, click each of the index titles

Fig.4 Chiba project design.jpg

Fig.5

Fig.6 LuxR mutant

Fig.7

Fig.8

Exp #1 Partial quenching of signals (jamming) Exp #2 Balancing Player Exp #3 Lux Mutants Exp #4 Spoken to by Foreigners Exp #5 Speaking to Foreigners


Our (incomplete) metamorphosizing image


Fig.4a Flower should have blossomed!!!
Leaves, a stem and a flower was drawned with [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_T9002 BBa_T9002], T9002-p15A, and AiiA Receiver, respectively on the plate containing [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_S03623 BBa_S03623 (AHL sender)]--->more about Temporal imaging system Demo experiments detail


Conclusion

In conclusion, we tried (and are trying) to device a series of delay-switches by designing the "switching consortia". We got limited, by certain success in generating delay switches.

  1. We confirmed that various "foreign" AHL sender can activate the LuxR/ LuxP switch.
  2. Using the 3OC12HSL (Las-type) instead of 3OC6HSL (Lux-type) as signaling input, we could delay the activation of the LuxR/ LuxP switch for 2 hours. As of today, Oct 29th), this is the slowest delay switch in our hand.
  3. Interestingly, we kept failing to observe the crosstalk between Lux-sender and receivers from other organisms. Interestingly, we never seen the function of cinI/ cinR from Rhizobium leguminosarum. We have no idea why we could not reconstruct the communication (by this natural pairs).
  4. Several other strategies have been tested, too. We have positive expectation especially on the engineering of LuxR protein.
  5. Fiinally, we have provided 13 biobricks that will be useful in various future projects using cell-cell communications.

One of the technical challenge of our project was that the reporter genes are quite slow by itself to develop readable signal. There are significant time-lag between transcription initiation and the time the reporter start emitting the signal. We have screened many different reporters including lucifeases, lacZ, and other fluorescent proteins. With our experimental setup, they all looked more or less the same level (some were in the range of 30-60 mins in microscope, but all needed 90-120 mins to get visible by eye). For more precise PoPS analysis, we should have conduct blotting analysis, instead of fluorescent analysis.

Biological timer was previously designed by Missouri Miners (2007). In their system, they feed arabinose (input signal) to the bacteria, which consume the signal molecule. Upon eating up the molecule, the bacteria will generate GFP, signaling that time is up. This system is clever in that one can freely set the timer by adjusting the amount of arabinose fed to the cells. Our approach is more to make a series of timers. Obvious drawback of this approach is that we have to make new timer for each and every applications. Good thing about our system is that once created, we can run several timers simultaneously in a single pot; Combinatorial use of biological timers with different delay time would allows us to sequential switching of various genes, enabling more sophisticated control of the biological processes.

References

  1. [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119124142/abstract M.K Winson et al.:Construction and analysis of luxCDABE-based plasmid sensors for investigating N-acyl homoserine lactone-mediated quorum sensing.FEMS Microbiology Letters 163 (1998) 185-192]
  2. [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_F2620:Specificity BBa_F2620:Specificity]
  3. [http://www.pnas.org/content/100/suppl.2/14549.full Michiko E. Taga. Bonnie L.Bassler.:Chemical communication among bacteria.PNAS.November 25, 2003,100.suppl.2]
  4. [http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.micro.55.1.165?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dncbi.nlm.nih.gov Melissa B. Miller and Bonnie L. Bassler.:QUORUM SENSING IN BACTERIA.annurev.micro.55.1.165.2001]
  5. [http://authors.library.caltech.edu/5553/ C. H. Collins.et al.:Directed evolution of Vibrio fischeri LuxR for increased sensitivity to a broad spectrum of acyl-homoserine lactones.Mol.Microbiol.2005.55(3).712–723]
  6. [http://mic.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/151/11/3589 B. Koch. et al.:The LuxR receptor: the sites of interaction with quorum-sensing signals and inhibitors.Microbiology 151 (2005),3589-3602]
  7. [http://mic.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/full/153/12/3923 Paul Williams :Quorum sensing, communication and cross-kingdom signalling in the bacterial world.Microbiology 153 (2007), 3923-3938]
  8. [http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/acbcct/2006/1/i11/abs/cb6004245.html D. J. Sayut et al.:Construction and Engineering of Positive Feedback Loops.ACS Chemical Biology.1.No.11.(2006)]
  9. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WBK-4PRHJ6K-2&_user=136872&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=136872&md5=3ed7ffab9f831d102f5e99353843c080 D. J. Sayut et al.:Noise and kinetics of LuxR positive feedback loops.Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.363(3),2007,667-673.]