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A very cool E. Coli


Abstract

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We begin by proposing a biosynthetic construction that enables Escherichia coli to produce an antifreeze protein, AFP at less than 15 degrees Celsius. This protein prevents ice crystal formation in the cell, which in turn allows survival at very low temperatures. We develop a switch by adapting the cold-shock E. coli operon with AFP from a fish (Macrozoarces americanus) using a positive feedback circuit. A very important potential application we are interested in is the use of AFP in designing systems helping crops to avoid potential damage from frosts. There are other possible important applications in tissue and organ preservation.

Intro

Taking the idea of Arthur C. Clarke`s Novel 2001, Odyssey of the space, it would be possible to find at least one solution of preserving living tissues from freeze damage. This solution could be taken from nature examples on which many species have envolved to avoid freezing damages,also this could be applied to other known problems in human activities, such like crops, preserving cells, even oven tissues.

We are far from freeze living people but we want to acclimate organisms to cold environments and we propose to follow the next steps:

  • Characterization of living systems at low temperatures.
  • Design a Crio-chassis to keep bacteria at freezing temperatures.
  • Design an Antifreeze protein that we could use on our system.
  • Build a synthetic regulatory network that responses to low temperatures.
  • Create a complete kit of parts for low temperatures and freeze.

Our project is quite versatile, we think we can use it to solve a lot of issues on technological, scientific, medical and agronomy,

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