Difference between revisions of "Team:Paris Bettencourt/Optimization"

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<p>With these considerations in mind, we set out to improve on the basic StarCore designs developed in the Design Section. Our method of choice was targeted saturation mutagenesis. We developed a 12 000 variant library of StarCores varying mainly in the number and location of their positive charges. We systematically screened this library for activity, then explored the key determinants of activity with a custom-made machine learning software.</p>
 
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Revision as of 23:49, 17 October 2018

Optimization

Based on the results of the Testing and Modeling groups, we arrived at the following simple model for how StarCores function.

Box 1: Why are StarCore Proteins Difficult to Express?

Based on the results of the Testing and Modeling groups, we arrived at the following simple model for how StarCores function.


  • StarCores act by destabilizing the bacterial membrane, similar to conventional AMPs.


  • StarCore activity is mediated by a nonspecific mechanism, probably charge.

  • AMP-Core fusions are difficult to express, probably because the do not fold well.

  • With these considerations in mind, we set out to improve on the basic StarCore designs developed in the Design Section. Our method of choice was targeted saturation mutagenesis. We developed a 12 000 variant library of StarCores varying mainly in the number and location of their positive charges. We systematically screened this library for activity, then explored the key determinants of activity with a custom-made machine learning software.

    Centre for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI)
    Faculty of Medicine Cochin Port-Royal, South wing, 2nd floor
    Paris Descartes University
    24, rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques
    75014 Paris, France
    paris-bettencourt-2018@cri-paris.org