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From 2013.igem.org

Welcome to the Iron coli Project

Abstract

This year we choose to develop a project which deals with hematologic diseases. We focused specifically on diseases with an iron overload disorder. Among those type of diseases, we were interested in the hereditary hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis. In the case of hereditary hemochromatosis, the iron overload disorder is a direct consequence of this disease. While in the hemosiderosis the iron overload is due to a metabolic perturbation.

Today the iron overload can be treated by bloodletting in the case of the hemochromatosis but it cannot be used as a treatment of hemosiderosis because patients suffer of anaemia. In our project we want to solve this problem acting directly at the iron absorption source, in the intestines.

Using the Ferric Uptake Regulation (FUR) system to control siderophore (iron chelator) biosynthesis, we engineered bacteria giving them the ability to produce these siderophores in response of iron. In order to limit the iron overload in the patient, these bacteria will be placed in capsule and ingested during a meal. Arriving in the duodenum our bacteria will limit iron absorption by chelating it.