IGEM:NYMU/2010

Why do we want to do that?

There are already many genetic parts in the Biobrick Parts Registry and the numbers are growing fast. Every year every igem teams will build genetic circuits based on the parts at partsregistry. But where are the design rules to put these parts into circuits of devices and systems? Apparently, the "Assembly Standards" listed at the partsregistry are only used to connect compatible restriction enzyme cutting sites. They are NOT designing principles. Our iGEM team is very interested in the detailed design rules played in the central dogma; especially those principles for connecting mRNA translation to protein folding. Traditionally, we know about the circuits we made are working or not mostly through the expression of reporter genes. However, it would be much helpful if we could have information of quantitative description of gene expression in both space and time. For these reasons and for the future development of synthetic biology, we just have to speed up the experimental explorations of design rules.

Specific aims

• detect gene expression quantitatively in both space and time.
• specific insight into the flow of genetic information.
• provide speedy ways to report and stop gene expression.