Collaborations

Data Collection for the EtBr Spot Protocol

We want our standard curve to be able to predict concentrations from varying levels of pixel intensity. In order to do so, we needed a larger and more diverse dataset. So we asked iGEM teams to perform the following task: dilute 1 uL of DNA of an unknown concentration into 9 uL EtBr (1 ng/uL), photograph the samples under UV light, and send us the images. Using ImageJ®, we compared the pixel intensity of the sample with a known DNA concentration to the predicted pixel intensity based on our standard curve. Special thanks to HD Resolution from the US and Tec de Monterrey_Gdl from Mexico!

Predicting Collateral Cleavage Activity of Cas13a

This year, we collaborated with the Columbia University iGEM Team to help them model the collateral cleavage activity of Cas13a, an enzyme used to cleave RNA in CRISPR technology. Our team provided the system of equations and resulting graphs.

What is CRISPR?

CRISPRs, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, are DNA sequences commonly found in bacteria and archaea that serve as a defense mechanism. They originate from pathogens that previously infected the host are are used to detect said pathogens when they try to re-infect the host.

A Nuclease Defends - Its Mechanism of Action

When pathogens that have previously infected the host try to re-invade, host nucleases use CRISPR sequences to detect the RNA sequences of the pathogen. A nuclease is an enzyme the cleaves nucleic acids in DNA or RNA. In CRISPR derived technology, the nuclease is lead by a guid RNA (gRNA) - a sequence of nucleotides complementary to a target strand area - to the CRISPR originating from the pathogen, and cleaves it. Here, Cas13a is the nuclease.

Exchanging Ideas

Thanks to the HD Resolution Team in NYC, USA, we collaborated to host an event to present our projects to each other. They learned about the EtBr Spot Protocol and the light operon and we learned about their goal to cure Huntington's Disease. It was a great experience!