20.109:Module 1: Difference between revisions

From OpenWetWare
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary
 
(3 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
'''TA:''' [[Sean Clarke]]
'''TA:''' [[Sean Clarke]]


In this experimental module you will...
In this experiment, we will consider the genome of a virus, namely the bacteriophage M13. M13 is a self-assembling nano-machine with a compact genome that has been optimized by evolution to commandeer its bacterial host. Approximately 1000 new viruses are generated from a single infection event. Imagine harnessing this production. What could we build and what  natural processes could we better understand? One approach we’ll take is to modify the existing genome in a subtle but useful way, namely by adding a peptide-tag that can be presented on the bacteriophage coat. We’ll examine how this modification affects the coat protein’s expression and overall phage production. Another approach we’ll take is to start from scratch, undertaking a full throttle redesign of the bacteriophage genome. We’ll employ a commercial DNA synthesis company to compile the redesigned genomic program and then we’ll see if it encoded infective M13 and if the genome of the bacterial host affects bacteriophage production. Through these investigations we’ll ask: is nature’s M13 genome “perfect” or can we do better? 


[[Image:Macintosh HD-Users-nkuldell-Desktop-GnmEng coverart S07.jpg|thumb|500px|center|M13-coated coli from M. Russel<br> Map of M13 genome from M. Blaber]]
[[Image:Macintosh HD-Users-nkuldell-Desktop-GnmEng coverart S07.jpg|thumb|500px|center|M13-coated coli from M. Russel<br> Map of M13 genome from M. Blaber]]
Line 19: Line 19:
[[20.109(S07): Western analysis| Module 1 Day 5: Western analysis]]<br>
[[20.109(S07): Western analysis| Module 1 Day 5: Western analysis]]<br>
[[20.109(S07): Probe western| Module 1 Day 6: Probe western]]<br>
[[20.109(S07): Probe western| Module 1 Day 6: Probe western]]<br>
direct link to [[20.109%28S07%29:_Genome_engineering_essay]]<br>
direct link to [[20.109:Module 1:RefactorM13| M13 refactoring workpage]]<br>
direct link to [http://parts.mit.edu/r/parts/partsdb/part_info.cgi?part_name=BBa_M1307| hard info for BBa_M1307]


[[20.109(S07): TA's notes for module 1| TA notes, mod 1]]
[[20.109(S07): TA's notes for module 1| TA notes, mod 1]]

Latest revision as of 13:38, 2 March 2007


20.109: Laboratory Fundamentals of Biological Engineering

Home        People        Schedule Spring 2007        Lab Basics        OWW Basics       
Genome Engineering        Biophysical Signal Measurement        Expression Engineering        Biomaterial Engineering       

Module 1

Instructors: Drew Endy and Natalie Kuldell

TA: Sean Clarke

In this experiment, we will consider the genome of a virus, namely the bacteriophage M13. M13 is a self-assembling nano-machine with a compact genome that has been optimized by evolution to commandeer its bacterial host. Approximately 1000 new viruses are generated from a single infection event. Imagine harnessing this production. What could we build and what natural processes could we better understand? One approach we’ll take is to modify the existing genome in a subtle but useful way, namely by adding a peptide-tag that can be presented on the bacteriophage coat. We’ll examine how this modification affects the coat protein’s expression and overall phage production. Another approach we’ll take is to start from scratch, undertaking a full throttle redesign of the bacteriophage genome. We’ll employ a commercial DNA synthesis company to compile the redesigned genomic program and then we’ll see if it encoded infective M13 and if the genome of the bacterial host affects bacteriophage production. Through these investigations we’ll ask: is nature’s M13 genome “perfect” or can we do better?

M13-coated coli from M. Russel
Map of M13 genome from M. Blaber

Module 1 Day 1: Start-up genome engineering
Module 1 Day 2: Agarose gel electrophoresis
Module 1 Day 3: DNA ligation and bacterial transformation
Module 1 Day 4: Examine candidate clones
Module 1 Day 5: Western analysis
Module 1 Day 6: Probe western
direct link to 20.109(S07):_Genome_engineering_essay
direct link to M13 refactoring workpage
direct link to hard info for BBa_M1307

TA notes, mod 1