Team:Harvard/allergy/allergens

From 2010.igem.org

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<h1>meet the allergens</h1>
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<h1>allergen targets</h1>
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<h2>GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)</h2>
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<h2>LTP (lipid transfer protein) </h2>
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<p>GFP (green fluorescent protein) is a fluorescent protein that shows green florescence when exposed to blue light.  Because of its fluorescent property, it is commonly used as a reporter.  As a proof of principle we are knocking down GFP in a strain of Arabadopsis that is modified to express GFP.</p>
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<p>The Lipid Transfer Protein helps to transport lipids across cell membranes.  Plant lipid transfer proteins are pan allergens responsible for  allergies to a wide range of foods such as broccoli, carrots, celery, tomatoes, melons and kiwis. The extent of this protein's cross-reactivity is comparable to that of profilins. LTP is a particularly severe allergen because it is resistant to degradation by pepsin (enzyme used by the stomach to break down proteins).</p><br>
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<h2>Bet v1 (birch pollen analog) </h2>
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<h2>LTP (Lipid Transfer Protein) </h2>
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<p> Bet v1 is an analog of a birch pollen protein that is, along with other plant pollen proteins, responsible for allergies in 100 million individuals worldwide. Bet v1 is a previously identified allergen whose homologues have been found in hazel, hornbeam, and adder trees, as well as fruits such as apples, cherries, kiwis, and celery.  We found a homologue of Bet v1 in <em>Arabadopsis thaliana</em> as a proof of principle specifically for the purpose of this summer's project. Deletion of allergen genes in model systems can potentially allow for characterization of allergen function for a deeper understanding of how and why these proteins cause allergic reactions and better ways to prevent allergy and create hypoallergenic foods.</p><br>  
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<p>The Lipid transfer protein helps to transport lipids across cell membranes.  Plant lipid transfer proteins are pan allergens responsible for  allergies to a wide range of foods such as broccoli, carrots, celery, tomatoes, melons and kiwis. The extent of this protein's cross-reactivity is comparable to that of profilins. LTP is a particularly severe allergen because it is resistant to degradation by pepsin (enzyme used by the stomach to break down proteins).</p>
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<h2>Ger3 </h2>
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<p>Ger3 is a germin like plant protein that causes allergy in many people and is also found in <i>Arabidopsis</i>. Like LTP, Germin like proteins do not get broken down by pepsin (the primary enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins). Though the function of Ger3 is not completely known in <i>Arabidopsis</i>, it is hypothesized that this protein acts as a receptor in the extracellular matrix to aid plant development, and is released in response to stress.  </p><br>
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<h2>Bet versions 1.1 and 1.2 (birch pollen analog) </h2>
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<h1> proof of concept </h1>
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<p> Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 are analogs of a birch pollen protein that is, along with other plant pollen proteins, responsible for allergies in 100 million individuals worldwide. Bet v 1 is a previously identified allergen whose homologues have been found in hazel, hornbeam, and adder trees, as well as fruits such as apples, cherries, kiwis, and celery. Bet v 2 is a homologue of Bet v 1 found in Arabadopsis thaliana that we found specifically for the purpose of this summer's project. </p>
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<h2>GFP (green fluorescent protein)</h2>  
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<p>GFP is a fluorescent protein that shows green florescence when exposed to blue light. Because of its fluorescent property, it is commonly used as a reporter. As a control to show that our BioBrick RNAi constructs are functional, we are knocking down GFP in a strain of <i>Arabadopsis</i> that is modified to express GFP.</p>
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<p>At the molecular level, homologues of Bet v 1 share 65% to 56% homology. The structure of Bet v 1 and its homologues have an alpha helix that is surrounded by seven beta sheets that terminate in a large fork formed by two more consecutive alpha helixes. This forms a forked solvent-accessible cavity that transverses the entire molecule. See image here: http://btcpxx.che.uni-bayreuth.de/Fachgruppe_Chemie/grafik/Roesch_betv1_h.jpg </p>
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<p>While the biological function of Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 are not entirely clear, the protein is expressed in plants during periods of stress</p>
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<h2>Ger version 3 </h2>
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<p>Insert text here</p>
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Latest revision as of 00:07, 27 October 2010

allergen targets

LTP (lipid transfer protein)

The Lipid Transfer Protein helps to transport lipids across cell membranes. Plant lipid transfer proteins are pan allergens responsible for allergies to a wide range of foods such as broccoli, carrots, celery, tomatoes, melons and kiwis. The extent of this protein's cross-reactivity is comparable to that of profilins. LTP is a particularly severe allergen because it is resistant to degradation by pepsin (enzyme used by the stomach to break down proteins).


Bet v1 (birch pollen analog)

Bet v1 is an analog of a birch pollen protein that is, along with other plant pollen proteins, responsible for allergies in 100 million individuals worldwide. Bet v1 is a previously identified allergen whose homologues have been found in hazel, hornbeam, and adder trees, as well as fruits such as apples, cherries, kiwis, and celery. We found a homologue of Bet v1 in Arabadopsis thaliana as a proof of principle specifically for the purpose of this summer's project. Deletion of allergen genes in model systems can potentially allow for characterization of allergen function for a deeper understanding of how and why these proteins cause allergic reactions and better ways to prevent allergy and create hypoallergenic foods.


Ger3

Ger3 is a germin like plant protein that causes allergy in many people and is also found in Arabidopsis. Like LTP, Germin like proteins do not get broken down by pepsin (the primary enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins). Though the function of Ger3 is not completely known in Arabidopsis, it is hypothesized that this protein acts as a receptor in the extracellular matrix to aid plant development, and is released in response to stress.


proof of concept

GFP (green fluorescent protein)

GFP is a fluorescent protein that shows green florescence when exposed to blue light. Because of its fluorescent property, it is commonly used as a reporter. As a control to show that our BioBrick RNAi constructs are functional, we are knocking down GFP in a strain of Arabadopsis that is modified to express GFP.