Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t

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Bacteria have evolved many modes of propulsion for the microscale environments they inhabit. At these scales materials behave very different than at macroscale, and of particular interest to us is the way liquids seem more viscous [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 1]]. One of the many ways bacteria move around in liquids, is by means of flagella. A single flagellum is a thin filament around 100-150 Å thick, that extends many cell lengths out from the cell [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 2]]. It consists mainly of flagellin subunits that assemble into a helical structure forming a long hollow cylindrical filament [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 3]]. In ''E. coli'' the mean number of flagella per cell is 4 [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], but there is a wide variance between strains, and even between individual cells of each strain. The environment around the cell also has a large influence on how many flagellae are present, or if they are present at all [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. Flagella rotate to generate force that allows bacterial cells to swim through fluids in characteristic patterns, more on which later, in search of better conditions for proliferation or survival [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. Normally flagellated strains of ''E. coli'' can achieve speeds up to 20µm/sec [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], and considering a cell length of only 1-2µm, this is an impressive feat indeed.<br><br>
Bacteria have evolved many modes of propulsion for the microscale environments they inhabit. At these scales materials behave very different than at macroscale, and of particular interest to us is the way liquids seem more viscous [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 1]]. One of the many ways bacteria move around in liquids, is by means of flagella. A single flagellum is a thin filament around 100-150 Å thick, that extends many cell lengths out from the cell [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 2]]. It consists mainly of flagellin subunits that assemble into a helical structure forming a long hollow cylindrical filament [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 3]]. In ''E. coli'' the mean number of flagella per cell is 4 [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], but there is a wide variance between strains, and even between individual cells of each strain. The environment around the cell also has a large influence on how many flagellae are present, or if they are present at all [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. Flagella rotate to generate force that allows bacterial cells to swim through fluids in characteristic patterns, more on which later, in search of better conditions for proliferation or survival [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. Normally flagellated strains of ''E. coli'' can achieve speeds up to 20µm/sec [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], and considering a cell length of only 1-2µm, this is an impressive feat indeed.<br><br>
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A flagellum  is anchored to the cell body by a large, wheel-like protein complex spanning both inner and outer membranes [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. Through this complex subunits are secreted to the tip of the flagellar tube[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 3]], thus elongating the filament (This mechanism is slightly different in archaea, where the filament is assembled from the base of the flagellum). The membrane anchor also functions as a rotary engine, driven by the proton motive force [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. In ''E. coli'' the flagellar motor rotates at up to 300hz and can turn either clockwise or counter-clockwise [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], both resulting in a distinct movement pattern for the cell.<br><br>
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A flagellum  is anchored to the cell body by a large, wheel-like protein complex spanning both inner and outer membranes [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. Through this complex subunits are secreted to the tip of the flagellar tube [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 3]], thus elongating the filament (This mechanism is slightly different in archaea, where the filament is assembled from the base of the flagellum). The membrane anchor also functions as a rotary engine, driven by the proton motive force [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. In ''E. coli'' the flagellar motor rotates at up to 300hz and can turn either clockwise or counter-clockwise [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], both resulting in a distinct movement pattern for the cell.<br><br>
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Spinning in the counter-clockwise direction, the flagella will twist into a bundle in the shape of a corkscrew, and create a linear driving force [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], propelling the cell in a straight line through the liquid. This form of movement is termed run. Spun in the clockwise direction one might then expect the cell to reverse, but this is not the case. Instead the flagellar bundle will unwind, thereby creating chaotic movement [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]] . This movement reorients the cell randomly and is termed tumbling. A cell will typically run for some time, then change it’s orientation by tumbling, and then run again [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. The direction of flagella rotation is controlled by the binding of a cytosolic protein CheY, more on which later [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]].<br><br>
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Spinning in the counter-clockwise direction, the flagella will twist into a bundle in the shape of a corkscrew, and create a linear driving force [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]], propelling the cell in a straight line through the liquid. This form of movement is termed run. Spun in the clockwise direction one might then expect the cell to reverse, but this is not the case. Instead the flagellar bundle will unwind, thereby creating chaotic movement [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. This movement reorients the cell randomly and is termed tumbling. A cell will typically run for some time, then change it’s orientation by tumbling, and then run again [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. The direction of flagella rotation is controlled by the binding of a cytosolic protein CheY, more on which later [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]].<br><br>
Different taxis pathways that steer cells towards favorable conditions and away from danger work by regulating the frequency of tumbling events [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. An example is when a bacterium gets close to the source of a lethal toxin, then intracellular pathways will increase the frequency of tumbling events, in effect preventing the cell from dying. Since the frequency of tumbling events will decrease if the cell is going in a direction away from the toxin, it will “encourage” the cell to continue in that direction. In the case of an attractant such as an increase in nutrient concentration, the pattern will be opposite, so that the cell is encouraged to continue towards the source of the attractant. This form of movement, combining tumbling and running, with regulation of the tumbling frequency is termed a biased random walk [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. <br><br>
Different taxis pathways that steer cells towards favorable conditions and away from danger work by regulating the frequency of tumbling events [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. An example is when a bacterium gets close to the source of a lethal toxin, then intracellular pathways will increase the frequency of tumbling events, in effect preventing the cell from dying. Since the frequency of tumbling events will decrease if the cell is going in a direction away from the toxin, it will “encourage” the cell to continue in that direction. In the case of an attractant such as an increase in nutrient concentration, the pattern will be opposite, so that the cell is encouraged to continue towards the source of the attractant. This form of movement, combining tumbling and running, with regulation of the tumbling frequency is termed a biased random walk [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 5]]. <br><br>
[[Image:Team-SDU-Denmark-Biased_random_walk.png | 300px | thumb |right | '''Figure 1:''' A biased random walk motion pattern.]] <br>
[[Image:Team-SDU-Denmark-Biased_random_walk.png | 300px | thumb |right | '''Figure 1:''' A biased random walk motion pattern.]] <br>
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To understand how this can work we need a simplified understanding of the chemotaxis pathway at a molecular level. Chemotactic receptors can both increase and decrease tumbling frequencies to generate a biased random walk behavior[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 6]]. Increased tumbling is achieved through a phosphorylation cascade beginning with the binding of a repellant to a transmembrane receptor[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. The receptor is linked to two proteins CheW and CheA[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. CheA is a histidine-kinase that will autophosphorylate when the repellant binds[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. The phosphoryl group is then transferred to CheY[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. The flagellar motor complex has high affinity for phosphorylated CheY (CheY-p), and binding reverses the mode of movement from run to tumble[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 7]]. CheY-p is continuously dephosphorylated back to CheY by CheZ[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 8]]. A receptor sensing an attractant might instead switch from the default active CheA state to an inactive state when it’s ligand is bound, thus decreasing CheY phosphorylation [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 6]].<br><br>
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To understand how this can work we need a simplified understanding of the chemotaxis pathway at a molecular level. Chemotactic receptors can both increase and decrease tumbling frequencies to generate a biased random walk behavior [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 6]]. Increased tumbling is achieved through a phosphorylation cascade beginning with the binding of a repellant to a transmembrane receptor [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. The receptor is linked to two proteins, CheW and CheA [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. CheA is a histidine-kinase that will autophosphorylate when the repellant binds [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. The phosphoryl group is then transferred to CheY [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 4]]. The flagellar motor complex has high affinity for phosphorylated CheY (CheY-p), and binding reverses the mode of movement from run to tumble [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 7]]. CheY-p is continuously dephosphorylated back to CheY by CheZ [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 8]]. A receptor sensing an attractant might instead switch from the default active CheA state to an inactive state when it’s ligand is bound, thus decreasing CheY phosphorylation [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 6]].<br><br>
====Photosensor====
====Photosensor====
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In our system we want to be able to control the amount of flow in the channel, through a remote signal. The signal we have chosen is light since we want to avoid altering the chemical composition of the fluid running through the channel. Having looked at previous iGEM work on light sensitive systems which have all been focused on transcriptional regulation, we realized that we would need a different approach for the fast response times our system requires. We have therefore focused our work on proteorhodopsins that integrate into the chemotaxis pathway, giving us very fast responses to light stimulation. <br><br>
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In our system we want to be able to control the amount of flow in the channel, through a remote signal. The signal we have chosen is light since we want to avoid altering the chemical composition of the fluid running through the channel. Having looked at previous iGEM work on light sensitive systems which have all been focused on transcriptional regulation ([http://partsregistry.org/wiki/index.php/Part:BBa_I15010 e.g. I15010]), we realized that we would need a different approach for the fast response times our system requires. We have therefore focused our work on proteorhodopsins that integrate into the chemotaxis pathway, giving us very fast responses to light stimulation. <br><br>
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Our construct centers around a synthetic protein created by Spudich ''et al.''[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 9]]. It is a fusion chimeric protein that consists of an archaeal proteorhodopsin SopII (Sensory Rhodopsin II) and its transducer protein HtrII, both from ''Natronomonas pharaonis''. These are coupled to a Tar domain from a transmembrane receptor from ''Salmonella enterica''. The Tar domain is the part of the receptor that couples with CheA and CheW, and although it is taken from a different species, it has been shown to work in ''E. coli'' as well [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 10]]. In the construct we are working with light should act as an attractant, reducing the tumbling rate upon illumination (see picture). This might help us to control our pumping power, by decreasing the fraction of bacteria tumbling in the channel by increasing light stimulus, thus promoting linear drive. The photosensor should be most active in light with a wavelength of about 500nm, according to the original article. We have used DNA sent to us from the original authors to isolate the coding sequence for the protein generator.<br><br>
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Our construct centers around a synthetic protein created by Spudich ''et al.'' [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 9]]. It is a fusion chimeric protein that consists of an archaeal proteorhodopsin SopII (Sensory Rhodopsin II) and its transducer protein HtrII, both from ''Natronomonas pharaonis''. These are coupled to a Tar domain from a transmembrane receptor from ''Salmonella enterica''. The Tar domain is the part of the receptor that couples with CheA and CheW, and although it is taken from a different species, it has been shown to work in ''E. coli'' as well [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 10]]. In the construct we are working with light acting as an attractant, reducing the tumbling rate upon illumination (see picture). This might help us to control our pumping power, by decreasing the fraction of bacteria tumbling in the channel by increasing light stimulus, thus promoting linear drive. The photosensor should be most active in light with a wavelength of about 500nm, according to the original article. We have used DNA sent to us from the original authors to isolate the coding sequence for the protein generator.<br><br>
Note that although the bacteria will be stationary in our system, since they are glued to the inner surface of the flowchannel, our construct in reality confers a phototactic ability to ''E. coli''.
Note that although the bacteria will be stationary in our system, since they are glued to the inner surface of the flowchannel, our construct in reality confers a phototactic ability to ''E. coli''.
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== Retinal Generator ==
== Retinal Generator ==
====Retinal requirements of light-sensing proteins====
====Retinal requirements of light-sensing proteins====
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Proteorhodopsins belong to a group of molecules consisting of a protein called an opsin with a cromophore(usually a retinal enantiomer) attached as a prosthetic group. The retinal chromophore is the molecule responsible for the initial light-activation, as it undergoes photoizomerization after being struck by a photon. It is this change in conformation of the retinal molecule that is relayed through the entire rhodopsin-transducer complex to activate/deactivate the CheW/A complex in the cytosol. Thus either an external supply of retinal or an internal supply, generated by means of genes coding for enzymes in the retinal biosynthesis pathway are required, if we wish to see phototactic behaviour in our cells.<br><br>
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Proteorhodopsins belong to a larger group of proteins called retinylidene proteins consisting of proteins called an opsins with a retinoid cromophore such as retinal attached as a prosthetic group[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 11]]. In our system retinal is responsible for the initial light-activation, as it undergoes photoizomerization when it is struck by a photon[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 12]]. It is this change in conformation of the retinal molecule that is relayed through the entire protein complex to regulate chemotaxis [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 12]]. Thus either an external supply of retinal or an internal supply, generated by means of genes coding for enzymes in the retinal biosynthesis pathway are required, if we wish to see phototactic behaviour in our cells [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 10]].<br><br>
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These light-sensitive pigments can be found in a large variety of organisms from archaea and bacteria to both uni- and multicellular eukaryotes. Many plants and microbes have complete retinal biosynthesis pathways in their genomes, to help drive their rhodopsins. In these organisms rhodopsins play an essential role, not only for photosensing but also directly in energy production. In fact in some organisms rhodopsins are used to create proton motive force directly by pumping protons out into the extracellular space using light energy to drive the process. Humans and other animals on the other hand often only have enzymes coding for the final steps of the pathway, more on which later. They rely on a supply of retinal precursors or vitamin A (a group of molecules consisting of retinal and it's metabolites) in their diet. This is why vitamin A deficiency causes night-blindness as an early symptom in humans.<br><br>
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Light-sensitive pigments can be found in a large variety of organisms from archaea and bacteria to both uni- and multicellular eukaryotes [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 11]], [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 13]], [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 14]]. Many plants and microbes have complete retinal biosynthesis pathways in their genomes [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 15]]. In these organisms rhodopsins play an essential role, not only for photosensing but also directly in energy production [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 11]],[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 13]],[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 14]]. In fact in some organisms rhodopsins are used to create proton motive force directly by pumping protons out into the extracellular space using light energy to drive the process [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 14]]. Humans and other animals on the other hand often only have enzymes coding for the final steps of the pathway, more on which later. They rely on a supply of retinal precursors or vitamin A (a group of molecules consisting of retinal and it's metabolites) in their diet [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 16]]. This is why vitamin A deficiency causes night-blindness as an early symptom in humans [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 17]].
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<br><br>
==== Retinal biosynthesis ====
==== Retinal biosynthesis ====
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Retinal is also synthesized from the enzymatic cleavage of some carotenes. In our system we focus on cleavage of beta-carotene, partly because it yields 2 all-trans retinal molecules which are the molecules we desire, and partly because the beta-carotene biosynthesis pathway has already been introduced to ''E. coli'' by the [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_K274210 Cambridge 2009 ] iGEM team.
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Retinal can be synthesized from the enzymatic cleavage of some carotenes. In our system we focus on cleavage of beta-carotene, partly because it yields 2 ''all-trans'' retinal molecules which are the molecules we desire, and partly because the beta-carotene biosynthesis pathway has already been introduced to ''E. coli'' by the [http://partsregistry.org/Part:BBa_K274210 Cambridge 2009 ] iGEM team.
The Cambridge construct uses genes from the plant pathogen ''Pantoea ananatis'' and our construct completes the pathway to retinal with a gene from the common fruit fly, ''Drosophila melanogaster''.  <br>
The Cambridge construct uses genes from the plant pathogen ''Pantoea ananatis'' and our construct completes the pathway to retinal with a gene from the common fruit fly, ''Drosophila melanogaster''.  <br>
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The Cambridge 2009 construct consists of four genes ''crtE'', ''crtB'', ''crtI'' and ''crtY'' from ''P. ananatis'' that together make up the pathway that converts farnesyl pyrophosphate to beta-carotene, which is a precursor for retinal. farnesyl pyrophosphate is naturally pressent in ''E. coli''. <br>
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The Cambridge 2009 construct consists of four genes ''crtE'', ''crtB'', ''crtI'' and ''crtY'' from ''P. ananatis'' that together make up the pathway that converts farnesyl pyrophosphate to beta-carotene, which is a precursor for retinal. Farnesyl pyrophosphate is naturally present in ''E. coli''. <br>
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• ''crtE'' encodes the protein geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate synthase that converts farnesyl pyrophosphate to geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate by elongating it by one unit of isopentenyl. <br>
• ''crtE'' encodes the protein geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate synthase that converts farnesyl pyrophosphate to geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate by elongating it by one unit of isopentenyl. <br>
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The pathway (including the step that generates retinal) is summed up below: <br><br>
The pathway (including the step that generates retinal) is summed up below: <br><br>
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[[image:https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2010/c/cb/Team-SDU-Denmark-Retinal_generator.png |500px|thumb|Figure 3: The retinal Biosynthesis pathway.]]
 
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To introduce the final step from beta-carotene to retinal, we use the gene ''ninaB'' from ''D. melanogaster''. This gene encodes the protein beta-carotene 15,15’-monooxygenase, which cleaves beta-carotene to produce two molecules of trans-retinal under the consumption of oxygen. <br>
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[[Image:Team-SDU-Denmark-Retinal_generator.png |400px|thumb|Figure 3: The retinal Biosynthesis pathway.]]
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We have inserted the part K343006 into a different plasmid from the K274210 part since both parts are very long, so a plasmid containing both wouldn't have been viable.
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To introduce the final step from beta-carotene to retinal, we use the gene ninaB from D. melanogaster. This gene encodes the protein beta-carotene 15,15’-monooxygenase, which cleaves beta-carotene to produce two molecules of trans-retinal under the consumption of oxygen [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 18]]. We have inserted the part K343006 into a different plasmid from the K274210 part since both parts are very long, so a plasmid containing both wouldn't have been viable for transformations.
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=== Further use of the retinal BioBrick ===
=== Further use of the retinal BioBrick ===
==== Role in light-based signal transduction ====
==== Role in light-based signal transduction ====
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Since retinal plays such an essential role in photosensing in both eukaryotes as well as bacteria and archaea, all work with rhodopsins and proteorhodopsins will need a retinal supply to function. This supply might come from the external environment, but it is an appealing thought that we might be able to supply the retinal from an internal source. Our project centers around phototaxis, but other constructs combining photorhodopsins with other membrane associated tyrosine kinases may also be imagined, opening vast posibilities for regulation of phopsphorylation cascades using light as input. In such systems, retinal biosynthesis could play a very valuable role.<br>
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Since retinal plays such an essential role in photosensing in both eukaryotes as well as bacteria and archaea, all work with rhodopsins and proteorhodopsins will need a retinal supply to function. This supply might come from the external environment, but it is an appealing thought that we might be able to supply the retinal internally. Our project centers around phototaxis, but constructs combining photorhodopsins with other membrane associated tyrosine kinases may also be imagined, opening vast posibilities for regulation of phopsphorylation cascades using light as input. In such systems, retinal biosynthesis could play a very valuable role.<br>
== Hyperflagellation ==
== Hyperflagellation ==
=== Background ===  
=== Background ===  
<br>
<br>
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Motility can be a very beneficial quality for a microorganism. Evolution has therefore provided bacteria with two general means of transportation; the flagella and the pili. These qualities allow the bacteria to move away from a hostile environment and towards more favorable conditions. Flagella and pili are however viewed as a virulence factor as they also serve as an advantage in colonizing a host organism and yet they can cause a strong immune response [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 11]]. <br><br>
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Motility can be a very beneficial quality for a microorganism. Evolution has therefore provided bacteria with two general means of transportation; the flagella and the pili. These qualities allow the bacteria to move away from a hostile environment and towards more favorable conditions. Flagella and pili are however viewed as a virulence factor as they also serve as an advantage in colonizing a host organism and yet they can cause a strong immune response [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 19]]. <br><br>
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Many organisms are able to synthesize a flagellum, if the external environment calls for it. The synthesis of a flagellum is a huge and energy consuming process and is therefore tightly regulated by the bacteria’s external environment. One of the most well characterized flagellation systems is the one found in ''E. coli''. Here at least 50 genes are involved in the hierarchical synthesis and operation of the flagella. These genes are sorted into 15 operons which are expressed in a transcriptional cascade separated into three classes. Class I consists of the master operon ''flhDC''. The active FlhDC protein is a hexamer organized into an FlhD<sub>4</sub>C<sub>2</sub> complex with a computed value of 96,4kDa [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 12]]. The homodimeric FlhC protein is able to bind DNA, while the FlhD homodimers are not. The formation of the FlhDC complex however, stabilizes and increases the DNA binding ability [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 13]]. The transcription of ''flhDC'' is heavily regulated by nutritional and environmental conditions. Flagellum synthesis is inhibited at high temperatures, at high salt concentrations, at extreme pH or in the presence of carbohydrates, low molecular alcohols or DNA gyrase inhibitors, as these conditions stimulate growth as opposed to motility [https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 14]. Because the flagellum synthesis is so energy consuming, the process is not started unless the environment calls for motility rather than growth. In fact, in situations where nutrition is plenty over a long period, the bacteria will focus on growth and over time lose the ability to synthesize the flagellum, as seen with the ''E. coli'' strain MG1655 localized in mouse intestines [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 15]].
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Many organisms are able to synthesize a flagellum, if the external environment calls for it. The synthesis of a flagellum is a huge and energy consuming process and is therefore tightly regulated by the bacteria’s external environment. One of the most well characterized flagellation systems is the one found in ''E. coli''. Here at least 50 genes are involved in the hierarchical synthesis and operation of the flagella. These genes are sorted into 15 operons which are expressed in a transcriptional cascade separated into three classes. Class I consists of the master operon ''flhDC''. The active FlhDC protein is a hexamer organized into an FlhD<sub>4</sub>C<sub>2</sub> complex with a computed value of 96,4kDa [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 20]]. The homodimeric FlhC protein is able to bind DNA, while the FlhD homodimers are not. The formation of the FlhDC complex however, stabilizes and increases the DNA binding ability [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 21]]. The transcription of ''flhDC'' is heavily regulated by nutritional and environmental conditions. Flagellum synthesis is inhibited at high temperatures, at high salt concentrations, at extreme pH or in the presence of carbohydrates, low molecular alcohols or DNA gyrase inhibitors, as these conditions stimulate growth as opposed to motility [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 22]]. Because the flagellum synthesis is so energy consuming, the process is not started unless the environment calls for motility rather than growth. In fact, in situations where nutrition is plenty over a long period, the bacteria will focus on growth and over time lose the ability to synthesize the flagellum, as seen with the ''E. coli'' strain MG1655 localized in mouse intestines [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 23]].
<br><br>
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[[Image:Team-SDU-Denmark-flagella-overview-1.png|600px|'''Figure 4: Overview of the flagellum synthesis cascade.''']]
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[[Image:Team-SDU-Denmark-flagella-overview-1.png|600px|thumb|center|Figure 4: Overviews cascade of the flagellum synthesis.]]
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<br><br>
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[[Image:Team SDU-Denmark FlhD4C2 structure.JPG|thumb|right|210px|'''Figure 5:'''3D structure of the FlhD<sub>4</sub>C<sub>2</sub> hexamer.[[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 23]][[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 24]]]] <br>
The FlhD<sub>4</sub>C<sub>2</sub> hexamer acts as a transcription factor for the Class II genes, which encodes the basal body, that is embedded in the cell membrane as well as hook proteins, which are transported to the cell exterior through the basal body. Another Class II gene is the σ<sup>28</sup> transcription factor, which is responsible for the transcription of the Class III genes. This includes ''fliC'', which encodes the flagellin subunit that composes the flagella “tail”. To ensure that the Class III genes are not transcribed before the assembly of the basal body and the hook is complete another Class II protein FliM acts as an anti-sigma factor and bind σ<sup>28</sup>, thereby preventing the transcription of ''fliC''.<br><br>
The FlhD<sub>4</sub>C<sub>2</sub> hexamer acts as a transcription factor for the Class II genes, which encodes the basal body, that is embedded in the cell membrane as well as hook proteins, which are transported to the cell exterior through the basal body. Another Class II gene is the σ<sup>28</sup> transcription factor, which is responsible for the transcription of the Class III genes. This includes ''fliC'', which encodes the flagellin subunit that composes the flagella “tail”. To ensure that the Class III genes are not transcribed before the assembly of the basal body and the hook is complete another Class II protein FliM acts as an anti-sigma factor and bind σ<sup>28</sup>, thereby preventing the transcription of ''fliC''.<br><br>
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Several studies regarding the motility of ''E. coli'' has shown the expression of the ''flhDC'' operon to be crucial [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 15]][[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 16]]. These focused on insertion sequence (IS) elements upstream of the ''flhDC'' regulon. IS are sequences that can be inserted randomly within the DNA and therefore serve as an important factor in the plasticity of the ''E. coli'' genome as well as in many other organisms. Generally the do not encode any genes apart from those responsible for their movement within the genome, however, they can also serve as activators of neighboring genes, by disrupting repression or by the formation of hybrid promoters (Baker). In the beforementioned studies, bacteria containing an activating IS upstrem of the ''flhDC'' operon showed an increased motility compared to bacteria without this IS. It is therefore resonable to asume that by placing a constitutive active promoter in front of the ''flhDC'' operon, hyperflagellation will be induced.
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Several studies regarding the motility of ''E. coli'' has shown the expression of the ''flhDC'' operon to be crucial [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 23]][[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 25]]. These focused on insertion sequence (IS) elements upstream of the ''flhDC'' regulon. IS are sequences that can be inserted randomly within the DNA and therefore serve as an important factor in the plasticity of the ''E. coli'' genome as well as in many other organisms. Generally they do not encode any genes apart from those responsible for their movement within the genome, however, they can also serve as activators of neighboring genes, by disrupting repression or by the formation of hybrid promoters [[https://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/project-t#References 25]]. In the beforementioned studies, bacteria containing an activating IS upstrem of the ''flhDC'' operon showed an increased motility compared to bacteria without this IS. It is therefore resonable to asume that by placing a constitutive active promoter in front of the ''flhDC'' operon, hyperflagellation will be induced.
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==References==
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 +
# Wang, S. ''et al.'' (2006) [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6WK7-4HMGKJ0-D-H&_cdi=6899&_user=644074&_pii=S0022283605014063&_origin=search&_coverDate=01%2F27%2F2006&_sk=996449995&view=c&wchp=dGLzVzz-zSkzS&md5=6454221c64ea21917221df6a2bcfaaaa&ie=/sdarticle.pdf Structure of the Escherichia coli FlhDC Complex, a Prokaryotic Heteromeric Regulator of Transcription.] Journ. of mol. Biol. 355, 4, 798-808 <br>
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# Claret, L. and Hughes, C. (2000) [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6WK7-45M7T8W-51-1&_cdi=6899&_user=644074&_pii=S0022283600941494&_origin=search&_coverDate=11%2F03%2F2000&_sk=996969995&view=c&wchp=dGLbVzW-zSkzV&md5=25cecb82828b382819b79c207eaaf63b&ie=/sdarticle.pdf Functions of the Subunits in the FlhD<sub>2</sub>C<sub>2</sub> Transcriptional Master Regulator of Bacterial Flagellum Biogenesis and Swarming.] J. Mol. Biol. 303, 467-478. <br>
 +
# Li, C., Louise, C.J., Shi, W. and Adler, J. (1993) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC204508/pdf/jbacter00050-0069.pdf Adverse Conditions Which Cause Lack of Flagella in ''Escherichia coli''.] J. Bacteriol. 175,2229-2235. <br>
 +
# Gauger, E.J. ''et al'' (2007) [http://iai.asm.org/cgi/reprint/75/7/3315 Role of Motility and the ''flhDC Operon'' in ''Escherichia coli'' MG1655 Colonization of the Mouse Intestine.] Infection and Immunity. vol. 75, No. 7. p3315–3324<br>
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# Wang S, Fleming RT, Westbrook EM, Matsumura P, McKay DB [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16337229 Structure of the Escherichia coli FlhDC complex, a prokaryotic heteromeric regulator of transcription.] J Mol Biol. 2006 Jan 27;355(4):798-808. Epub 2005 Nov 22.
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# Baker, C. S. ''et al'' (2004) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC524886/pdf/0575-04.pdf Increased Motility of Escherichia coli by Insertion Sequence Element Integration into the Regulatory Region of the flhD Operon] Journal of Bacteriology, Vol 186. No22. p7529–7537<br>
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Latest revision as of 00:00, 28 October 2010