Team:uOttawa

From 2013.igem.org

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What is fold-change detection?

Many synthetic gene networks are susceptible to cellular noise, as they rely upon the absolute levels of gene regulators which can vary greatly between individual cells. To address this, uOttawa has engineered a network in S. cerevisiae that is responsive to fold-changes as opposed to absolute changes in stimulus. This allows the network to maintain sensitivity despite noise, and also permits response to stimuli in a much larger dynamic range. By modifying the promoter driving the stimulus, the network can be engineered to detect fold-changes of any molecule with a responsive promoter, thereby serving as a structural chassis for the next generation of molecule detectors. Learn more.

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How can we improve the process of designing genes?

Efficient tools for synthetic biology are often expensive. This year, we developed a web-based application that intelligently queries the iGEM registry and allows you to construct genes from available parts. This application, called Bricklayer, will also automatically suggest assembly methods, construct primers, and calculate chemical properties of desired DNA.
Learn more.

Can we promote science and synthetic biology among school children?

Our Human Practices team wrote, illustrated, and published a children's book following the adventures of Mr. Cool, a hilariously klutzy scientist who, with the help of his yeast colonies and some clever genetic engineering, can solve all kinds of problems on the microscopic scale. Learn more.

What is fold-change detection?

Most detection systems will look for the absolute concentration of a certain molecule. This year, we designed and built a fold-change detector, which is responsive to relative changes in input. Using this method, we can make our detector resistant to background noise, expand dynamic range, and reduce dependence on expensive analysis methods such as flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy. Learn more.

How can we improve the process of designing genes?

Efficient tools for synthetic biology are often expensive. This year, we developed a web-based application that intelligently queries the iGEM registry and allows you to construct genes from available parts. This application, called Bricklayer, will also automatically suggest assembly methods, construct primers, and calculate chemical properties of desired DNA. Learn more.

Can we promote science and synthetic biology among schoolchildren?

Our Human Practices team wrote, illustrated, and published a children's book following the adventures of Mr. Cool, a hilariously klutzy scientist who, with the help of his yeast colonies and some clever genetic engineering, can solve all kinds of problems on the microscopic scale. Learn more.