Team:TU-Eindhoven/Description
From 2013.igem.org
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2013/6/6d/TU-Eindhoven_Images_LogoTransp.png)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2013/3/32/TU-Eindhoven_Images_MRiGEM.png)
![](http://2013.igem.org/wiki/images/4/45/TU-Eindhoven_iGEM_small.png)
Project Description
![TU-Eindhoven Images genDiagramI.png](/wiki/images/6/64/TU-Eindhoven_Images_genDiagramI.png)
Our project focuses on a relatively new form of MRI: CEST imaging. CEST imaging proteins contain hydrogen atoms which can be used to create the same image quality as when conventional heavy metals are used. We use Escherichia Coli as the CHASIS to express CEST proteins that leads to CEST contrast when the bacteria sense a hypoxic environment, thus working as a production factory and delivery system for the CEST MRI contrast agent.
We use ten PROTEINS, all of which are rich in Lysine and Arginine content, thus leading to a high CEST contrast. In order to achieve the production of the CEST MRI contrast agent by our bacteria, we must create a series of diverse MODELS focusing on the different components of the MRI contrast agent production.
In the LAB we attempt to produce the CEST MRI proteins, both aerobically and anaerobically. To Enable the anaerobic expression specialized promotors are designed to react to the changes in oxygen saturation and trigger the protein expression. After protein expression the proteins are tested for the quality of their contrast in an MRI machine.
Based on the principle of our project, we propose two APPLICATIONS, tumor CEST MR Imaging and tracking of bacteria in bacterial infections studies. Once the CEST MRI images have been taken, the bacteria will be killed and eliminated from the body using the Thymidine kinase/Ganciclovir system as a killing mechanism. In order to be injected into the bloodstream the bacteria should be modified once more to avoid activating an immune response. Similarly, our production and delivery system can be used for tracking bacteria in bacterial infection studies.
This main obstacle can only be surpassed by providing people with the proper unbiased knowledge sources related to synthetic biology and the use of bacteria for clinical and research applications. Therefore, as our human practice project, we have developed an online source of knowledge with links to a variety of papers and other sources related to a specific topic or area of synthetic biology. In this webpage anybody can read about a variety of myths and facts that have been revised by different experts, and are now available as a trustful unbiased source. To know more about it please visit our human practice section in the Wiki.
![TU-Eindhoven Images bacteriaMiner.png](/wiki/images/8/80/TU-Eindhoven_Images_bacteriaMiner.png)
Further steps include the modifications to the chasis of our device in order to avoid an immune system response, moreover it is necessary to include the kill switch in our device as safety lock.