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Developing a Framework for the Genetic Manipulation of Non-Model and Environmentally Significant Microbes

Yale iGem

2015

Project Abstract

We focused on establishing a framework to implement genetic manipulation techniques—specifically, multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE) and CRISPR-Cas9 systems—into non-model, environmentally significant microbes using standard biological parts. The framework involves two components: (1) propagation and selection of cultures and (2) manipulation of cell genomes by MAGE and/or CRISPR. We identified design considerations for both components of the framework, and experimentally validated propagation and selection considerations using cyanobacterial strain Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 (a fast-growing cyanobacterium capable of lipid biofuel production) and Rhizobium tropici CIAT (a nitrogen-fixing rhizobium which forms root nodules in legume plants). We then developed a workflow for the design, construction, and testing of MAGE and CRISPR technologies into non-model prokaryotes. The insights we gained from validating the propagation component of our workflow will serve to improve the versatility and robustness of our framework and will inform the development of tools for genetic manipulation in other non-model organisms.

Contact Us:

Undergraduate Researchers

Colin Hemez: colin.hemez@yale.edu

Lionel Jin: chentian.jin@yale.edu

Danny Keller: daniel.keller@yale.edu

Dan Shapiro: daniel.m.shapiro@yale.edu

Jessica Tantivit: jessica.tantivit@yale.edu

Erin Wang: erin.wang@yale.edu

Holly Zhou: holly.zhou@yale.edu

Graduate Student Mentor

Natalie Ma (lead mentor): natalie.ma@yale.edu

igem.yale@gmail.com

iGEM Team Board

Ed Kong (president): edward.kong@yale.edu

Alex Buhimschi (vice-president): alexandru.buhimschi@yale.edu

Stephanie Mao (outreach chair): stephanie.mao@yale.edu

Faculty Advisors

Farren Isaacs (Yale MCDB): farren.isaacs@yale.edu

Stephen Dellaporta (Yale MCDB): stephen.dellaporta@yale.edu

Team:Yale/Entrepreneurship

Yale iGem

2015

Project Abstract

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