2009

The 2009 Brown iGEM Team aims to treat allergic rhinitis by engineering Staphylococcus epidermidis to secrete a histamine binding protein in response to elevated histamine concentrations during an allergic attack. The histamine-binding protein, rEV131, has been cloned from a species of tick,Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. rEV131 binds histamine with an extreme high affinity, and normally functions to prevent the inflammatory response while the tick sucks blood. We are transforming the gene for rEV131 into an endogenous nasal flora, S. epidermidis. rEV131 will have a secretion tag specific for S. epidermidis.

Additionally, to synchronize rEV131 production with elevation of histamine, we are engineering a novel histamine receptor, via mutagenic PCR. We are mutating periplasmic receptors normally linked to gene transcription. The eventual goal is to link this histamine-responsive receptor to activation of an operon that promotes transcription of rEV131.

Although S. epidermidis is a non-pathogenic specimen, additional safety precautions are being taken to control over-proliferation. When S. epidermidis reaches a certain population threshold, it begins to produce hazardous biofilms. We have cloned this population sensor, however, and placed its promoter over a DNA gyrase poison, cuing its "suicide" when populations have reached a dangerous level.

Check back soon to see our wiki for the Jamboree with full project!

 

2008

The 2008 Brown iGEM Teams worked on two projects--one a toxin detection & electrical reporting system using E. Coli bacteria and the second a genetic limiter circuit to control gene regulation in Yeast. See more details on our Wiki Page @ : http://ung.igem.org/Team_Wikis (see Brown & BrownTwo)

2007

In February 2007, the Brown iGEM team recruited 7 new undergraduate members. This summer, the team is working through design tutorials, learning laboratory techniques, and pushing the limits of synthetic biology.

Here is a short introduction to our work:

Tri-Stable Toggle Switch (iGEM 2006 + 2007) In order to create standardized genetic circuits, we set out to create a three-state switch for E. Coli. With this genetic circuit we will be able to control three different states within a cell. For instance, add chemical A to these cells, and they'll produce compound #1. Add B to product compound #2, and add chemical C for compound #3. This genetic circuit will allow for the precise control of cellular activity.

Lead Detector (iGEM 2007) Lead Poisoning is often caused by ingesting contaminated drinking water, or soil. It can cause neurological and gastrointestinal disorders, especially among children. Current ways of testing for lead either require expensive chemical lab analysis or involve inaccurate home kits. The legal limit of lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion. A lead-specific biosensor is the solution! We are using a lead-detecting protein from a bacteria called Ralstonia metallidurans, and connecting that with a gene for fluorescence. Our concept is simple: when the cells detect lead, they'll glow!