IGEM:IMPERIAL/2007/Projects/Biofilm Detector/Modelling

Infector Detector: Modelling

• Introduction
• Specifications
• Design
• Modelling
• Fabrication
• Testing
• Data Analysis
• Validation
• Notes
• References

Overview of Modelling

Welcome to our Portal Page for the modelling of Infector Detector.

Infector Dectector (ID) is based on the Quorum Sensing Pathway and our aim in modelling of ID is to determine the concentration of AHL in biofilm we can detect such that we report a visible signal .We are looking at two constructs to emulate the quorum sensing pathway:

Construct 1 The main feature of this construct is that it constitutively expresses LuxR Here is what our construct looks like composed of biobricks Ptet promoting LuxR, Plux promoting GFP	Construct 2 The main feature of this construct is that it does not constitutively expresses LuxR and therefore enables us to determine the initial concentration of LuxR Plux promoting GFP
Here is a Block Diagram Picture of how construct 1 will work Construct 1 - LuxR expressed constitutively	Here is a Block Diagram Picture of how construct 2 will work Construct 2 - LuxR not expressed
Transient response of construct 1 Construct 1 - transient response [LuxR]o=0 ; [AHL]o=variable ; [A]o=0 ; [P]o=1 ; [AP]o=0 ; [FP]o=0	Transient response of construct 2 Construct 2 - transient response [LuxR]o=10 ; [AHL]o=variable ; [A]o=0 ; [P]o=1 ; [AP]o=0 ; [FP]o=0

• As can be seen from the above plots, construct 1 takes longer to reach steady state [FP], meaning that over the same time period it reaches a lower maximum value

Transfer function of system: We have taken the inputs of our transfer function to be the AHL concentrationto be detected We have taken the ouputs of our transfer function to be the [FP] at time , s= 1 Construct 1 - transfer function max output at s=1 is [FP]=0.2351 threshold (50% of max output) occours between : [AHL] = 0.5012 to 0.631	Transfer function of system: We have taken the inputs of our transfer function to be the AHL concentrationto be detected We have taken the ouputs of our transfer function to be the [FP] at time , s =1 Construct 2 - transfer function max output at s=1 is [FP]=0.2812 threshold (50% of max output) occours between : [AHL] = 0.631 to 0.7943
Transfer function of system: We have taken the inputs of our transfer function to be the AHL concentrationto be detected We have taken the ouputs of our transfer function to be the [FP] at time , s= 0.5 Construct 1 - transfer function	Transfer function of system: We have taken the inputs of our transfer function to be the AHL concentrationto be detected We have taken the ouputs of our transfer function to be the [FP] at time , s =0.5 Construct 2 - transfer function
Advanced plot of transfer function: Construct 1 - transfer function Transfer function at low [AHL] is the similar regardless of s	Advanced plot of transfer function: Construct 2 - transfer function Transfer function at low [AHL] is the similar regardless of [LuxR] Increase in [LuxR] allows increased in [AHL] sensitivity
Construct 1 - transfer function Interesting point: at low [AHL], only little s is required to give maximum GFP output	Construct 2 - transfer function Interesting point: at low [AHL], only low [LuxR] is required to give maximum GFP output

As can be seen from the plots above the the threshold moves according to the level of LuxR. Looking at our plots we can see that at time, s=0.5 the threshold is different for construct 1 to construct 2

17.08.07 Modelling General Concerns

For protocols to figure out :

1. Degradation terms:GFP,LuxR,AHL - want expt to find delta as a function of chassis
   • If we put protease inhibitors in the mixture and can we assume negligible degradation for GFP and luxR, not sure about AHL have to look in literature for that.
2. What is the visual threshold of [GFP] - want expt to find this
   • Do you need to do it for GFP or just for the final reporter used, which is dsRED
3. What is the concentration of promoters - is this chassis dependant ?
   • You know - the weight of DNA added, and the mass of each plasmid. Knowing that there is only one promoter on each plasmid, you can calculate the concentration of promoters.
4. Activation/Response Time of Plux (F2620)?
   • You might want to check the part F2620, not sure if the information is useful, or valid for in vitro.

(Protocols) Construct 1 specific:

1. What is the lifespan of the whole system?
2. Can we get steady-stateof LuxR? - When will this happen ? - Before cell dies ?
3. Having reached steady state is there enough E left to express [GFP]

(Protocols) Construct 2 specific:

1. Can we obtain purified LuxR to be injected into System - protocol for prep of LuxR
2. Protease inhibitors available?
   • Yes, in homemade extract. For commercial extract, still waiting for reply from promega.
3. How long will it take to get construct 2 ready ?
   • Week 8, earliest (unfortunately)

For modelling to figure out :

1. K-values for rxn pathway
   • k5/k4 = 5*10^-10M [source: pmid=17400743]
2. Response of Biofilm : Is [AHL] constant ?
3. Simulation of [LuxR] vs. Time