Difference between revisions of "Team:Tuebingen/Description"

Project Description

A Biosensor Memory Module: Cre Sensor

Analysis and imaging methods are an indispensable element of every scientific study - in a wider sense the results are only as good as their measurement methods are. Photostimulation is one of the most important non-invasive analysis methods existing which allows researches to examine the relationship between metabolic processes, e.g. through activating a molecule via light treatment. What we want to do is to create a module in which we can do a snapshot of the activity of a sensor at any time.

We want to design a module, which is capable to make a ‘snapshot’ of sensor activity at any time, which in turn activates a promotor and changes gene expression. This snapshot is induced by a certain wavelength.
For caging we use Dronpa, a fluorescent protein. Dronpa is able to dimerise at 400nm and monomerises again at 500nm. Therefore it can be used reversibly for caging an enzyme. If a amino- and carboxy-terminus bound Dronpa dimerises, it will cover the active site of the enzyme and inactivates it this way. One can control this reversible mechanism by light.

To proof a successful activation of the enzyme a reporter is necessary. The Cre-recombinase suits well for this. Cre can be inserted into the DNA permanently as a sensor and is able to be controlled by light if bound to Dronpa. When activated, it can lead to the expression of a GFP gene construct, which is easily proofable due to its fluorescence.
This module can be used with a variety of associated enzymes and proteins to light-dependently controll these. The possible applications are plenty and the augur analytical and diagnostical value.