Project Origin
During the period of forming the iGEM team, the initial idea of a lung cancer treatment based on lung microbial selection was formed when early members of our team were communicating and exchanging information about the then popular microbes for bowel cancer, associating the correlation between bowel cancer microbes and lung cancer microbes. After browsing through the relevant literature, machine learning was added and used as our team's primary screening method because of the astronomical level of arithmetic requirements needed for microbial selection.
Expert Consultation
Model Refinement
After forming the initial idea, we learnt and adopted the gate circuit model proposed by researcher Zhou Nan during our communication with him. In addition, a refined gate model was presented to Prof Wang Baojun: a triplet gate model based on three promoters, low oxygen concentration, high lactate concentration and low pH, was used as a measurement index.
In order to identify more suitable promoters, the iGEM team measured the approximate ranges of oxygen concentration, lactate concentration and pH as a pre-experiment, which was carried out under the guidance of Prof Wang Baojun's lab.
At the same time, after initial communication with experts in the field of Biological and Molecular Intelligence, including Prof Jin Mengdi and Prof Chen Di, we refined the regulation system with the gate circuit to improve the targeting and efficiency of the screening.
Experiment Development
In the process of selecting chassis organisms, after communication with Professor Qiu Weiwei and other experts in the field, Professor Qiu suggested that the lung protozoa have serious immune reactions in the clinic, so after further research, combining the results of E. coli DH5-alpha was selected as the best chassis organism.
In the process of validating the protein expression, after communication with Prof Wang Gao'ang, or three Western Blot of the portal model, the first Engineering Circle was constructed, you can click this link for details.
In the subsequent cell experiments, based on the database provided by Prof Liu Jian, a batch of validated and viable cells were screened and classified into normal, squamous lung carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma groups based on their origin for the subsequent cell culture process.
In the process of cell culture, during the communication with Prof. Chen Di and Prof. Liu Jian, the original plate cloning method using bacteria and cells co-cultured was updated to directly culture 3D culture bacteria and cells co-cultured tumour spheres, and cell populations more in line with the original tumour micro-environment were obtained through the sectioning observation.
Clinical Feedback
After obtaining the initial results, the iGEM team exchanged ideas with Dr Wang Xinhua and Dr Han Shuguang on the improvement of the efficiency and specificity of the engineered bacteria. Against the competition of targeted drugs, the engineered bacteria are more universal for the treatment of first and middle stages of cancer; and the targeted drugs can only be applied to specific mutations; however, our engineered bacteria are more broadly applicable.
In addition, during the idea exchange with Dr Wang Pingli, Dr Wang gave important constructive advice and suggestions on how to improve the precise selectivity of drugs and smooth out the clinical individual variability, which provided valuable experience and guidance on how to improve the efficacy of the team's experimental results and move them to the clinic.
Knowledge Outreach
Beyond the confines of academic discourse, our iGEM team recognized the value of community engagement and outreach. Taking this to heart, we embarked on philanthropic teaching missions, targeting under-resourced primary schools in the more remote western regions of China, specifically in Jingdong District, Yunnan Province. The aim was not merely to provide education but to raise awareness about a pressing global health concern: lung cancer. Using tailored teaching materials, interactive activities, and hands-on sessions, we imparted crucial knowledge about the causes, prevention, and treatments of lung cancer. Our hope was to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and empower these young minds with the information they need to lead healthier lives and make informed decisions in the future. This endeavor, although unpaid, was rich in rewards, witnessing the spark of understanding and curiosity in the students' eyes.