Genome shuffling

BioBrick

Hbsu-(x)fp BioBrick

Purpose of BioBrick

Tag the bacterial chromosome with a fluorescent protein, in order to observe genetic recombination between two bacteria by genome shuffling.

Introduction to Project

Hbsu is a non-specific DNA binding protein that interacts with DNA through the formation of homodimers. B. subtilis L-forms will be squeezed together using microfluidics in the presence of PEG (polyethylene glycol, which facilitates cellular fusion). Fusion will result in the genomes coming into close proximity. The L-forms being fused are from the same strain; therefore their genomes will be almost identical. This will allow homologous recombination, in which similar sections of DNA are ‘swapped’ between genomes, to take place. Subsequent splitting of the fusion product will give two new cells, neither of which is identical to their ‘parents’. This could be viewed as making the bacteria procreate. This introduces variation, which can be used to improve desired phenotypic traits (e.g. increased production of a desirable protein). In theory, different strains, or even species, of bacteria could be fused and exhibit shuffling, increasing variation further.

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