Past Semester Reports
Class of Fall 2021 Report.
Class of Spring 2022 Report.
Class of Fall 2022 Report.
Class of Spring 2023 Report.
August
Week 1:
- Introduce project to new semester of students
Week 2:
- Introduce iGEM to new semester of students
September
Week 3:
Vector Design Team
- Investigate genetic inverter gates
Week 4:
Vector Design Team
- Develop goals for the Fall 2023 semester
Wet Lab Team
- Develop goals for the Fall 2023 semester
- Start lab training
Regulatory Response Team
- Develop goals for the Fall 2023 semester
- Start lab training
Week 5:
Vector Design Team
- Investigate techracyline’s role in gene expression
- Identify molecules unique to the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway
- Study genetic switches in the liver
Wet Lab Team
- Finish lab training
- Isolate GFP DNA from E.coli
Regulatory Response Team
- Continue lab training
- Inventory lab supplies
Week 6:
Vector Design Team
- Research the tet-on and tet-off system
- Investigate genetic inverter gates in mammalian cells
Wet Lab Team
- Transfection optimization of GFP DNA in HepG2 cells
Regulatory Response Team
- Continue lab training
- Determine if the siRNA sequences with the highest knockdown scores on the VectorBuilder website for HMGCR, DHCR24, and MVD can be validated with data provided on ThermoFisher Scientific’s website
October
Week 7:
Vector Design Team
- Investigate peptides that could replace tetracycline in gene expression
- Develop a SRE promoter using the tet-off system
Wet Lab Team
- Transfect HepG2 cells acclimated at standard acclimated at conditions with V2 DNA
Regulatory Response Team
- Continue lab training
Week 8:
Vector Design Team
- Continue develop a SRE promoter using the tet-off system
- Investigate repressor degradation
Wet Lab Team
- Continue selection for cells containing V2 in antibiotic G418
Regulatory Response Team
- Finish lab training
- Extract RNA from wildtype HepG2 cells
Daily Maintenance
In order to ensure the vitality of a cell line, it is advisable to perform daily upkeep on HepG2 cells. This routine care comprises:
- Checking for any signs of contamination
- Capturing daily images of the cells
- Monitoring the cell confluency
In addition to these daily tasks, it is essential to provide the cells with periodic attention, which includes:
- Changing the cell culture media
- Performing cell splitting
By consistently attending to both daily and routine maintenance procedures, one can uphold the health of the cell line and accurately monitor cell growth. This diligence is crucial for experiments such as transfection, which is indispensable for the project.
HepG2 Cells in Low Cholesterol Condition
HepG2 Cells in Standard Cholesterol Condition
HepG2 Cells in High Cholesterol Condition