Transcript iGEM 2010: Idea Brainstorm

iGEM 2010:
Idea Brainstorm
Alejandro Virrueta
Topics/Problems
• Create a standardized vesicular transport system. Uses:
gene therapy studies, cellular transport studies, etc.
• Long-distance signaling. Uses: Detection/radar,
population dynamics, etc.
Mechanisms: Vesicular Transport
• Choose a peptide sequence, which serves as an address.
Fuse it to a protein sequence in DNA format. Insert
plasmid into cell, express protein plus tag, protein
directs to appropriate location.
• Might expand to intercellular systems.
• Standardize to facilitate targeting process.
Mechanisms: Long-Distance
Communication
• Idea 1) Add a chemical inducer. One cell population
secretes protein 1, other population produces protein 2.
These two proteins associate to form protein 3. Bacteria
sense protein 3 and swim towards it.
Mechanisms: Long-Distance
Communication
• Idea 2) Form a neuronal circuit to transmit an
electromagnetic wave. Might consist of 4 neurons,
oriented anti-parallel to each other. Program in such a way
as to control firing frequency to concentration of chemical
inducer.
Mechanisms: Long-Distance
Communication
• Idea 3) Fluorescence emission and detection. A
population of cells produces of a luminescent protein in
vesicles, while another population of cells forms rows of
light sensitive chemicals. Activation leads to directed
motility.
• Might be modified for specific wavelength recognition,
or behavioral pattern.
Other Ideas
• Modify cells to serve as electrical conduits for use in
materials integration, i.e. neural prosthetics, brainmachine interfaces, etc.