Project Overview

This year we aim to solve the problem of quantitative multiple gene regulations on genomic level. To fulfill this goal, we need 2 systems in total. One is a regulating system acting on genomic genes, and the other is a controlling system functioning on regulating part, better with a user-friendly interface.

After careful discussion and selection, we decide to use the newly devised gene regulating tool named CRISPRi(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats interference) as a perfect candidate for efficiently knocking down specific genes simultaneously and independently according to different people's need. It has also been proved that this system can act on genomic genes with no detectable off-target effects. Then we choose three light controlled gene expression systems as the controlling part, each of them will control an sgRNA(small guide RNA), a key part of CRISPRi system, to regulate different targeted genes. By changing light intensity, the strength of the promoter will vary, thus realizing quantitative regulation of genes.

With the combination of these 2 systems, we are able to use common LED light to regulate different genomic genes. Moreover, considering advantages of using light as an induced signal, we have designed a dark box and written a software as our experiment measurements. Finally, we can adjust different genomic genes expression levels just by typing in several numbers.

Our project demonstrates a wide range of new application areas for both fundamental scientific research and industrial producing process.

Why CRISPRi?

Why Light?

• Easy to adjust. Get rid of those laborious work of adding inducing chemicals.

• Accurate.

• Distribute uniformly when culturing.

Why CRISPRi and Light?

• Universal. Regulate multiple genes in one same metabolic pathway simultaneously, independently and quantitatively.

• Extensible. The number of genes being regulated can be easily increased if other light sensing systems become available, which will further increase the complexity and accuracy of our regulating system.

Why Computer?

Computer and Electronics! Experience the information century!

• Input your desired expression level into the computer. And just leave the rest to our program and illuminating device to adjust to your specific requirement.