Difference between revisions of "Team:Aachen"

 
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/c/cb/T--Aachen--homepage.jpg" class="img-index img-responsive" alt="Here you should see a team picture">
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<h3>Our project</h3>
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<p>
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We, the iGEM team Aachen 2018, are addressing a medical issue that has gained tremendous importance in past decades:
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the diagnosis of melatonin under- and overproduction. Melatonin is primarily known as a sleep hormone. However, as the endocrine research reveals,
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melatonin regulates all aspects of human physiology: day-night cycle, immune function, hormone release, muscle growth,
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and reproduction are some of the many physiological properties that melatonin regulates. <!-- KOMMENTAR:
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Sollte Dr. Michael Colgan noch mit meiner korrekten Qulle aus einem scientific paper auf meine Facebook message (Henri)
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oder mail (iGEM) antworten, können wir folgenden Satz noch mit rein nehmen: "It is estimated,
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that around 20% of the human genome is regulated by melatonin, making it he largest control system in human physiology."
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(Orginaltext aus seinem Fabebook-Beitrag: "[...] This activity uses daily expression of over 20% of your total genome,
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making melatonin the largest control system in human physiology. [...]" - Dr. Michael Colgan) -->
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Underproduction of melatonin is primarily associated with insomnia. However, melatonin also plays an essential role in
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neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), psychological disorders (depression and schizophrenia) and fibromyalgia.
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Melatonin acts antiproliferative on inflammations, reduces reactive oxygen species and has oncostatic properties.<br>
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Our innovative approach solves the problems of the current melatonin measurements.
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Providing a faster, cheaper and a more versatile method, is our core motivation.
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</p>
  
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<br>
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For our project we got a Gold medal as well as a nomination for the Best Hardware for our Spectrometer and LSPR device.
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/7/77/T--Aachen--melasense_device.png" style="height: 100px!important; width: auto; margin-left:100px;">
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<h3>Key achievements</h3>
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<p>
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&#10004; Developed a concept for a novel biological and cell-free melatonin biosensor<br>
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    &#10004; Modified the DNA binding site of a melatonin sensitive transcription receptor<br>
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    &#10004; Expressed the melatonin sensitive receptor in <em>Escherichia coli</em><br>
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    &#10004; Modeled our cell and cell-free approaches precisely<br>
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    &#10004; Built first iGEM ever spectrometer with a resolution of 4 nm<br>
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    &#10004; Successfully hosted a biotechnology conference in collaboration with iGME Utrecht<br>
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<div class="col-sm-10">
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<h3>Human Practices</h3>
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<p>To bring our project forward, we integrated feedback from experts of different backgrounds in our project.
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Therefore, we engaged in dialogues with medical and engineering professionals, as well as discussed the rights of melatonin deficiency treatments with the Medicines Evaluation Board. <br></br>
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Besides, involving youth with synthetic biology was a part of our human practice. We cooperated with Germany's greatest scientific student competition "Jugend Forscht", the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and a school. <br>
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Collaborations and meetups enabled us to unite internationally. <br></br>
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We  also took part in the international March for Science to demonstrate for free accessibility of scientific research, met Emmanuelle Charpentier and by radio, we raised awareness for melatonin-related diseases.
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</p>
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<a href="https://2018.igem.org/Team:Aachen/Human_Practices">Learn more about our public engagement.</a> <br></br>
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<h3>Wetlab</h3>
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<p>Who are we?</p>
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<p>
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<p> In the following months we will be developing a yeast-based biosensor for the sleeping hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm and plays an important role in depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, we want to facilitate melatonin measurement by building a less expensive biosensor which can be used without special laboratory equipment.</p>
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During the last five months, the team experienced a new style of "life", we updated our biosafety level and got a new first home.
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In the laboratory, gloves and tips, western blots and electrophoresis gels, were part of our new daily routine.  
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<p>Scientific approach:</p>
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We thought, worked and lived together. Get to know our lab successes and failures in this <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Team:Aachen/Wetlab/Notebook">
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<p>Our approach is to genetically modify Saccharomyces cerevisiae by integrating a highly specific human melatonin receptor into the cells. This will allow us to detect melatonin from a saliva sample without previous purification. To get a signal from the melatonin binding, we will use two different signalling systems:</p>
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chronologic weekly overview</a>.
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<p>Using a nuclear receptor and a reporter gene:</p>
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</p>
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<p>The membrane permeability for melatonin is high. This permits us to use the nuclear retinoid z receptor (RZR) which is directly regulating gene expression. As the genes regulated by RZR do not exist in S. cerevisiae, we plan to create a chimeric receptor consisting of the RZR and the recognition sequence of the human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). When melatonin is bound, the modified receptor can bind to the estrogen receptor responsive element (ERE) and as a consequence regulate expression of firefly luciferase reporter genes. The signal intensity of luciferase is dose-dependent in the presence of ligands.</p>
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<p>Enzyme-Fragment Complementation Assay:</p>
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<p>When melatonin binds to the G protein-coupled receptor MT1, β-arrestins can be recruited. We are going to use this mechanism by designing two fusion-proteins: on the one hand the MT1 receptor will be fused to a fragment of an enzyme, on the other hand, the complementing enzyme fragment will be fused to the β-arrestin. Thus, receptor activation leads to β-arrestin recruitment and therefore to the formation of an active enzyme.</p>
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<h1> Welcome to iGEM 2018! </h1>
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<p>Your team has been approved and you are ready to start the iGEM season! </p>
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<h3>Hardware</h3>
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<p> For detection of melatonin in saliva, we decided to use LSPR. For this a spectrometer was built, so we are able to see changes in the refraction index,  
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<img src="http://placehold.it/1080x320/c4baba/e4dede">
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due to fine changes in the composition of the medium.
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LSPR makes our sensor a very sensitive device, while a gold nano structure with the binding domain of RZR with streptavidin and biotin is responsible for
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the high selectivity.<br>
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As most of the components of our hardware can be used multiple times, the sensor is very cost efficient.<br>
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To learn more about our hardware project, please take a look at our <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Team:Aachen/Hardware/Overview">Hardware page</a></p>
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<h3>Before you start</h3>
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<p> Please read the following pages:</p>
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<li>  <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Competition">Competition Hub</a> </li>
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<li> <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Competition/Deliverables/Wiki">Wiki Requirements page</a></li>
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<li> <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Resources/Template_Documentation">Template documentation</a></li>
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<h3> Styling your wiki </h3>
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<p>You may style this page as you like or you can simply leave the style as it is. You can easily keep the styling and edit the content of these default wiki pages with your project information and completely fulfill the requirement to document your project.</p>
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<p>While you may not win Best Wiki with this styling, your team is still eligible for all other awards. This default wiki meets the requirements, it improves navigability and ease of use for visitors, and you should not feel it is necessary to style beyond what has been provided.</p>
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<h3> Uploading pictures and files </h3>
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<p> You must upload any pictures and files to the iGEM 2018 server. Remember to keep all your pictures and files within your team's namespace or at least include your team's name in the file name. </p>
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<p>When you upload, set the "Destination Filename" to <b> T--YourOfficialTeamName--NameOfFile.jpg</b>. (If you don't do this, someone else might upload a different file with the same "Destination Filename", and your file would be erased!)</p>
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<p>We have created these wiki template pages to help you get started and to help you think about how your team will be evaluated. You can find a list of all the pages tied to awards here at the <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Judging/Pages_for_Awards">Pages for awards</a> link. You must edit these pages to be evaluated for medals and awards, but ultimately the design, layout, style and all other elements of your team wiki is up to you!</p>
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<h3>Tips</h3>
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<p>This wiki will be your team’s first interaction with the rest of the world, so here are a few tips to help you get started: </p>
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<li>You have a global audience! Consider the different backgrounds that your users come from.</li>
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<li>Start documenting your project as early as possible; don’t leave anything to the last minute before the Wiki Freeze. For a complete list of deadlines visit the <a href="https://2018.igem.org/Calendar">iGEM 2018 calendar</a> </li>
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<h3>Inspiration</h3>
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<p> You can also view other team wikis for inspiration! Here are some examples:</p>
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<li> <a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/"> 2014 SDU Denmark </a> </li>
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<li> <a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:Aalto-Helsinki">2014 Aalto-Helsinki</a> </li>
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<li> <a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:LMU-Munich">2014 LMU-Munich</a> </li>
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<li> <a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:Michigan"> 2014 Michigan</a></li>
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<li> <a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:ITESM-Guadalajara">2014 ITESM-Guadalajara </a></li>
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<li> <a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:SCU-China"> 2014 SCU-China </a></li>
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{{Aachen/footer}}

Latest revision as of 14:36, 28 November 2018

Here you should see a team picture

Our project

We, the iGEM team Aachen 2018, are addressing a medical issue that has gained tremendous importance in past decades: the diagnosis of melatonin under- and overproduction. Melatonin is primarily known as a sleep hormone. However, as the endocrine research reveals, melatonin regulates all aspects of human physiology: day-night cycle, immune function, hormone release, muscle growth, and reproduction are some of the many physiological properties that melatonin regulates. Underproduction of melatonin is primarily associated with insomnia. However, melatonin also plays an essential role in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), psychological disorders (depression and schizophrenia) and fibromyalgia. Melatonin acts antiproliferative on inflammations, reduces reactive oxygen species and has oncostatic properties.
Our innovative approach solves the problems of the current melatonin measurements. Providing a faster, cheaper and a more versatile method, is our core motivation.


For our project we got a Gold medal as well as a nomination for the Best Hardware for our Spectrometer and LSPR device.


Key achievements

✔ Developed a concept for a novel biological and cell-free melatonin biosensor
✔ Modified the DNA binding site of a melatonin sensitive transcription receptor
✔ Expressed the melatonin sensitive receptor in Escherichia coli
✔ Modeled our cell and cell-free approaches precisely
✔ Built first iGEM ever spectrometer with a resolution of 4 nm
✔ Successfully hosted a biotechnology conference in collaboration with iGME Utrecht

Human Practices

To bring our project forward, we integrated feedback from experts of different backgrounds in our project. Therefore, we engaged in dialogues with medical and engineering professionals, as well as discussed the rights of melatonin deficiency treatments with the Medicines Evaluation Board.

Besides, involving youth with synthetic biology was a part of our human practice. We cooperated with Germany's greatest scientific student competition "Jugend Forscht", the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and a school.
Collaborations and meetups enabled us to unite internationally.

We also took part in the international March for Science to demonstrate for free accessibility of scientific research, met Emmanuelle Charpentier and by radio, we raised awareness for melatonin-related diseases.

Learn more about our public engagement.

Wetlab

During the last five months, the team experienced a new style of "life", we updated our biosafety level and got a new first home. In the laboratory, gloves and tips, western blots and electrophoresis gels, were part of our new daily routine. We thought, worked and lived together. Get to know our lab successes and failures in this chronologic weekly overview.

Hardware

For detection of melatonin in saliva, we decided to use LSPR. For this a spectrometer was built, so we are able to see changes in the refraction index, due to fine changes in the composition of the medium. LSPR makes our sensor a very sensitive device, while a gold nano structure with the binding domain of RZR with streptavidin and biotin is responsible for the high selectivity.
As most of the components of our hardware can be used multiple times, the sensor is very cost efficient.
To learn more about our hardware project, please take a look at our Hardware page