Improvement of Existing Part

On the basis of the previous part BSH(BBa_K3838666) and IsmA( BBa_K4348001) , we introduced a new part coding gene BCoAT(BBa_K4788003), and achieved more complex, rich, and excellent cholesterol regulation effects by connecting these genes to make IsmA-BSH (BBa_K4788005),IsmA-BCoAT (BBa_K4788006) and IsmA-BSH-BCoAT (BBa_K4788007). The triplet genes formed by the combination of these genes exhibit better performance in the characterization of IsmA.

New Part for E. coli

In order to introduce more diverse cholesterol regulation methods, we have introduced a new Part BCoAT(BBa_K4788003), which can promote the production of short chain fatty acids to indirectly regulate cholesterol.

In order to achieve dynamic recognition and response control of oleic acid in the system, we have introduced FadBA (BBa_K4788000), FadO (BBa_K4788004), FadR (BBa_K4788001) as the basic part of the oleic acid inducer.

We will connect the basic parts FadBA (BBa_K4788000), FadO (BBa_K4788004), and FadR (BBa_K4788001) as FadR-FadBA-FadO to create an oleic acid inducer (BBa_K4788002). The FadR gene can express the FadR protein, which can bind to the FadO operator to inhibit the initiation of the FadBA promoter, while the presence of oleoyl CoA metabolized from oleic acid can relieve this inhibition. This system can respond to oleic acid induction and has been proven to have a gradient response to oleic acid, giving it the potential for dynamic detection.

We connected mRFP after the oleic acid inducer and obtained FadR-FadBA-FadO-mRFP(BBa_K4788008) composite components, achieving characterization and detection of the oleic acid inducer.

Introduction of new design ideas for control systems

We have introduced an idea for establishing an intelligent oleic acid induction system. By modifying the FadO operator sequence in the Oleic acid inducer, we can change the threshold of oleic acid concentration that can cause the expression of the promoter. Through the verification of experiments and modeling plates, we can obtain the appropriate induction threshold interval, by matching the content of oleic acid in high fat diet defined according to different human constitution, conforming to the starting element is obtained, which can respond to oleic acid gradient.

The mathematical model we constructed this time thoroughly models the molecular mechanism of the oleic acid inducer and offers various directions for expansion, while demonstrating its theoretical superiority. We first validated the sensitivity of the oleic acid inducer by comparing it with the native circuit. Then, through simulation, we confirmed the expandability of precisely controlling the reaction threshold by adding the FadO operator at the experimental level. Additionally, we combined the model with real wet-lab data for parameter estimation, and the stability and sensitivity analysis of the model also hold referential value.

It's worth noting that the mathematical simulation of adding the FadO operator fully exemplifies the collaboration between the dry and wet lab teams. This expansion operation was initially proposed by the wet-lab team as a quantitative operational plan to adapt to different human environments. Subsequently, the dry-lab team modeled this operation, validating the expected effect of reducing the activation time of the oleic acid inducer by adding the FadO operator and estimating the values of various variables over time. This, in turn, guided the selection of further experimental schemes, which can be described as highly successful.

Include you and include all

Building upon the foundation laid by LZU-CHINA in 2022, we have further expanded the scope of our inclusive work. Our efforts range from investigating public attitudes towards genetically modified organisms to fostering fairness in education for remote areas, minority groups, and women. We persistently strive to eradicate biases. In addition to the aforementioned endeavors, we have extended our focus based on the research conducted on the LGBTQ community last year. We have turned our attention to the heightened incidence of obesity and dietary disorders that sexual minority groups may face concerning food and health issues, conducting research and advocacy in this domain. Our work goes beyond these aspects. We also dedicate our efforts to combat age bias, discrimination against disabilities, and dietary health risks arising from dietary differences among various regions and ethnicities. Want to learn more about our work? Follow our inclusive platform.

Our team has cooperated with 12 volunteer teaching teams in China to carry out our science popularization of synthetic biology and chronic diseases, covering Gansu, Macao, Shaanxi, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Fujian and other provinces (special administrative regions). Most of the volunteer teaching schools are below the county level, which realizes the targeted export of resources to economically underdeveloped areas and helps bridge the gap between urban and rural education. In response to the issue of equality between men and women in education, we have increased science popularization or volunteer education efforts for girls' schools, and donated stationery to girls' schools (such as Zhang Guimei High School and some rural schools), to safeguard girl's right to education and contribute our team to breaking the barriers of gender education gap.

Education package

SynBio Hourstory is a science popularizationof synthetic biology history jointly initiated by eight iGEM teams from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou University, Beijing Normal University, Hainan University, Ocean University of China, Wuhan University, Tianjin University and Guangxi University. The aim is to use the simple and beautiful form of cartoons to educate the public about the development of synthetic biology.

In addition to this, we conducted volunteer teaching nationwide to popularize synthetic biology knowledge. During this process, we engaged deeply with local communities, carried out extensive outreach and research. Not only that, we also collaborated with more than 20 domestic universities to produce joint educational videos on the subject. For more information, you can follow our education platform.