Team:Imperial College/Model
Modelling
Assembling the Pixcell Constructs
The PixCell Construct consists of a repurposed version of the soxRS regulon from E. coli, consisting of SoxR and GFP being expressed from either side of the pSoxR/pSoxS bidirectional promoter. pSoxR provides constitutive expression of SoxR. When oxidised, either directly by redox-cycling molecule or by oxidative stress, SoxR binds and activates transcription of GFP downstream of pSoxS.
Figure 1. Illustration of the PixCell Construct
The Pixcell construct was designed to test whether we could control the expression of GFP by controlling the oxidation state of SoxR through our electrochemical set up.
Using the Golden Gate assembly method, with two inserts; the SOXRS regulon and GFP, which were originally amplified out from the E. coli genome and a storage vector respectively, the construct was assembled. Gel electrophoresis showed that a construct of approximately the right length was produced and the construct was then sequence verified.
Figure 1. PCR results from the amplification of the entire construct
In order to lower the basal level of GFP expression a degradation tag was added. Therefore, any increase in GFP expression induced by the oxidation of SoxR would be more predominant.
Figure 1. Illustration of the PixCell Construct DegTag
The Pixcell construct enables us to test whether we can control gene expression by controlling the oxidation state of soxR. The Pixcell construct DegTag enables the system to be more dynamic in that seeing the system switch from on to off is quicker.
What is Modelling?
Why is Modelling important in biological studies?
Our Computer Models
1 state patterning
2 state patterning
3 state patterning
