Team:KU Leuven/Project/Modelling/Cellular Level

Ultimately our project aims to reduce crop loss due to aphid infestations. With an environmental project like ours, the computer is our best friend: through modelling and prediction algorithms we can reduce the real costs of field tests. Our first step in the modelling was to predict the effect of our pheromones on the environment and the ecosystem through a series of modelling steps. You can find this in our ecological model page. The pheromones E-β-farnesene and methyl salicylate will not only affect the environment but also the bacterial cell itself. To figure out the impact of our system on our E. coli we performed a Flux Balance Analysis. Once we knew that our bacteria could handle the production of the pheromones we tried to predict the exact production amounts and find the rate limiting steps. Here our goal was also to feed wet-lab data into our algorithms. Finally, to optimise the impact of the released pheromones on the aphids and the ladybugs, we designed an oscillating transcription factor network to regulate their production. This oscillator also communicates between cells, enforcing the oscillating rhythm onto the whole colony. Summarised, these algorithms allow us to model our system from the cellular metabolism throughout to the environmental impact. Based on our models, we adapted the actual building of the system towards the most effective circuit. Finally, our mathematical predictions will provide significant benefits once we prepare our E. coligy for field tests.