| EGFR-binding peptide | BBa_K4774000 |
| Scramble EGFR binding peptide | BBa_K4774001 |
| Ssp DnaB intein | BBa_K4774003 |
| Mxe GyrA intein | BBa_K4774004 |
| Npu intein 2 | BBa_K4774005 |
| SsrA | BBa_K4774006 |
| CBD | BBa_K4774002 |
Go to Parts Page for details
Our innovative parts enable the efficient purification and cyclization of short peptide chains in a single step, filling a gap in the iGEM material package.
Firstly, traditional purification methods struggle to purify lighter proteins, even if they can be produced. We tried existing column purification techniques using 6-His tags but have faced difficulty in that the short peptide is insoluble in extraction buffer during purification. Therefore, we changed the 6-His tag into Chitin Binding Domain (CBD) so that short peptide chains can be effectively purified through the chitin system. By combining the target peptide chain with intein1 and intein 2, the column retains the larger volume form, gradually separates it, and ultimately elutes it as short chains. Our solution makes the application of synthetic biology not only apply to normal-sized proteins, but also allows short-chain peptide chains to be explored as potential topics by iGEM teams in the future.
Additionally, our newly designed part also offers a solution to the cyclization problem of peptide chains. Cyclized peptide chains play a vital role in various biological experiments and applications like drug development, protein engineering, and the development of molecular probes and imaging agents. With our newly registered part, intein, this complex cyclization process is streamlined during the purification phase, eliminating the need for separate and time-consuming steps. Upcoming iGEM teams with ambitions to design cyclized peptide chains will greatly benefit from this convenient and efficient solution.
Our contribution to the iGEM project involves the development and optimization of a protocol for one-step purification and cyclization using an intein system. This protocol is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the intein system in a precise and error-free manner. We've addressed the specific requirements of the buffer used in each step of chitin column purification, highlighting the significance of the correct buffer order and pH levels. When these factors are not optimized, the peptide may fail to cyclize and elute properly from the column.
The detailed protocol for this valuable contribution can be accessed on our Experiments page, making it accessible for other iGEM teams interested in utilizing the intein system for their projects.
Furthermore, we have documented not only the intein system techniques but also the entirety of our wet lab experience, encompassing all the steps and techniques, including those that did not yield the desired results on our notebook page. This comprehensive documentation includes highlighting our troubleshooting efforts, which can be immensely helpful for other researchers encountering similar challenges. Sharing both our successful and unsuccessful outcomes plays a pivotal role in enriching the collective knowledge within the iGEM community, fostering an environment where teams can learn from each other's experiences and potentially discover innovative solutions to common problems.
Raising Awareness
Through public surveys, collaborations with NGOs, and digital outreach on platforms like podcasts and Instagram, the project is actively educating the public about NSCLC. Raising awareness about the disease, its symptoms, treatment options, and prevention measures can lead to early detection and better outcomes. Informed individuals are more likely to seek medical attention, when necessary, potentially saving lives.
iGEM Community Engagement
The project's extensive collaborations with universities such as HKUST and CUHK actively cultivate a culture of knowledge exchange and collaboration within the scientific community. Our project aids upcoming iGEM teams and researchers in more effectively overcoming challenges. This nurtures a collaborative atmosphere that has the potential to accelerate scientific advancement and foster innovation. Engagement in events like the HK-Macau Symposium and interaction within the broader iGEM community not only benefit our project directly but also stimulate community involvement and the sharing of knowledge, leading to the emergence of fresh insights, novel ideas, and opportunities for groundbreaking innovation.
For further information please refer to the Human Practices Page
