Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA Kit

From 2010.igem.org

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==Results==
==Results==
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After creating a binding site library and testing the miRNA-binding site interaction <i>in vitro</i>, we were able to compute an [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Modeling/miGUI <i>in silico</i> model] based on a machine learning approach to predict knockdown efficiencies. A more detailed description of the different binding sites, we characterized can be found in our [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miMeasure measurements] page.
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Here, we clearly show, that we are able to subsequently tune gene expression over a wide linear range from almost 0% to 100% as compared to perfect and no binding sites. For detailed measurement procedure descriptions, see [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Notebook/Methods#Dual_Luciferase_Assay methods]
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[[Image:Tuning H1 1.png|thumb|center|600px|'''Figure 1: Tuning of gene expression through different imperfect shRNA miR binding sites in pBS_H1''' ...]]
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even better:
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[[Image:Tuning U6 1.png|thumb|center|600px|'''Figure 1: Tuning of gene expression through different imperfect shRNA miR binding sites in pBS_U6''' ...]]
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Another application of our synthetic miRNA Kit profits of tissue specific endogenous miRNAs expression. These can be exploited for On and Off-Targeting. On targeting in this case would mean that the presence of a certain miRNA in a cell switches on expression of the GOI. This can be accomplished by using a repressor that is targeted by an endogenously expressed miRNA. We exemplified this scenario by using a Tet Repressor fused with a perfect binding site for miRNA 122, a liver-specific miRNA (REF!). At the same time, the promoter expressing the GOI would be under control of a Tet Operator. Upon presence of the miRNA 122, the Tet Repressor would be knocked down, release the promoter and expression of the GOI could be established.
 
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(YOUC AN CHANGE THIS INTO PAST TENSE IF IT WORKED. AND ADD THE OFF SWITCHE; I AM NOT CERTAIN OF WHAT WE DID THERE, AND FIGURES!)
 
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<!--After creating a binding site library and testing the miRNA-binding site interaction <i>in vitro</i>, we were able to compute an [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Modeling/miGUI <i>in silico</i> model] based on a machine learning approach to predict knockdown efficiencies. A more detailed description of the different binding sites, we characterized can be found in our [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miMeasure measurements] page.
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We further tested our kit using a gene that is an interesting candidate for gene therapy, human alpha-1-antitrypsin (haat) (ref, description). In this approach, we tagged haat, that we used as our GOI, with binding sites that we measured and characterized with our [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miMeasure miMeasure] construct beforehand. This was a first potential therapeutic approach applying [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Notebook/Methods#ELISA ELISA] for measurements.
+
Another application of our synthetic miRNA Kit profits of tissue specific endogenous miRNAs expression. These can be exploited for On and Off-Targeting. On targeting in this case would mean that the presence of a certain miRNA in a cell switches on expression of the GOI. This can be accomplished by using a repressor that is targeted by an endogenously expressed miRNA. We exemplified this scenario by using a Tet Repressor fused with a perfect binding site for miRNA 122, a liver-specific miRNA (REF!). At the same time, the promoter expressing the GOI would be under control of a Tet Operator. Upon presence of the miRNA 122, the Tet Repressor would be knocked down, release the promoter and expression of the GOI could be established.
 +
(YOUC AN CHANGE THIS INTO PAST TENSE IF IT WORKED. AND ADD THE OFF SWITCHE; I AM NOT CERTAIN OF WHAT WE DID THERE, AND FIGURES!)
 +
 
 +
We further tested our kit using a gene that is an interesting candidate for gene therapy, human alpha-1-antitrypsin (haat) (ref, description). In this approach, we tagged haat, that we used as our GOI, with binding sites that we measured and characterized with our [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miMeasure miMeasure] construct beforehand. This was a first potential therapeutic approach applying [https://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Notebook/Methods#ELISA ELISA] for measurements.-->
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==Discussion==
==Discussion==

Revision as of 03:17, 27 October 2010

Synthetic miRNA Kit

miTuner - a kit for microRNA based gene expression tuning in mammalian cells


With the synthetic miRNA kit, we provide a comprehensive mean

to plan, conduct and evaluate experiments dealing with miBricks

(i. e. microRNA related Biobricks) as key regulators in mammalian cells.

Abstract

… key regulators, one way, how specificity of gene therapy can be approached (beside target cell tropism of aavs)

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous, non-coding RNAs that mediate gene expression in a diversity of organisms [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA_Kit#References (Bartel, 2004)]. Although the understanding of their biological functions is progressing remarkably, the exact mechanisms of regulation are still not unambiguously defined. However, it is commonly believed that miRNAs trigger target mRNA regulation by binding to 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of its target [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA_Kit#References (Chekulaeva and Filipowicz, 2009)]. Exact principles of expression knockdown mediated by miRNA are still in debate [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA_Kit#References (Eulalio et al., 2008)].
However, sequence depending binding site properties have an essential impact on miRNA-mRNA interaction. Depending on pairing specificity translational repression is mediated through the imperfect miRNA-mRNA hybrids. The potential for stringent regulation of transgene expression makes the miRNA world a promising area of gene therapy [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA_Kit#References (Brown et al.,2009)]. There is a need for tight control of gene expression, since cellular processes are sensitive to expression profiles. Non-mediated gene expression can lead to fatal dysfunction of molecular networks. It is widely known, that miRNAs can adjust such fluctuations [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA_Kit#References (Brenecke et al., 2005)]. A combination of random and rational design of binding sites could become a powerful tool to achieve a narrow range of resulting gene expression knockdown. To ease in silico construction of miRNA binding sites with appropriate characteristics for its target, we wrote a program - the miBS designer. Using all of our theoretical models gives the user the opportunity to calculate knockdown percentages caused by the designed miRNA in the target cell. Our synthetic miRNA Kit guarantees at least for individually modifiable but still ready-to-use constructs to interfere genetic circuits with synthetic or endogenous miRNAs. We preciously show, that gene expression can thereby by adjusted - tuned - to an arbitrary level. The miTuner (see sidebar) allows on the simultaneous expression of a synthetic miRNA and a gene of interest that is fused with a designed binding site for this specific miRNA. Our modular kit comes with different parts that can be combined by choice, e. g. different mammalian promoters and characterized binding sites of specific properties. By choosing a certain binding site to tag the GOI, one can tune the expression of this gene. Depending on the GOI, different means for read out of gene expression come into play. At first, we applied dual-luciferase assay, since we used Luciferase as a reporter for a proof-of-principle approach. Later on, semi-quantitative immunoblots were prepared for testing of therapeutic genes. However, all the received information fed our models, thereby creating an integrative feedback loop between experiments and simulation.

↑

Results

Here, we clearly show, that we are able to subsequently tune gene expression over a wide linear range from almost 0% to 100% as compared to perfect and no binding sites. For detailed measurement procedure descriptions, see methods

Figure 1: Tuning of gene expression through different imperfect shRNA miR binding sites in pBS_H1 ...

even better:

Figure 1: Tuning of gene expression through different imperfect shRNA miR binding sites in pBS_U6 ...



↑

Discussion

↑

Methods

The miTuner was assembled out of different parts. Cloning was done following standard protocols.

Since the miTuner was constructed initially for Dual Luciferase Assay assay, this was the method of choice for tuning quantification.

↑

References

Eulalio, A., Huntzinger, E., and Izaurralde, E. (2008). Getting to the root of miRNA-mediated gene silencing. Cell 132, 9-14. Bartel, D.P. (2004). MicroRNAs: genomics, biogenesis, mechanism, and function. Cell 116, 281-297.

↑

working modes

The synthetic miR Kit can be applied in three different ways:

I) Tuning: adjusting the expression
of the GOI by expressing a synthetic microRNA in the target cell/tissue


II) Off-Targeting: switching OFF the expression
of the GOI in case a certain endogenous microRNA is present in the target cell/tissue


III) On-Targeting: switching ON the expression
of the GOI in case a certain endogenous microRNA is present in the target cell/tissue




miTuner plasmid



simple tuning procedure


advancement

  • digestion of miR Kit construct with BamHI
  • cloning into viral backbone (e. g. pBS_U6)
  • virus production
  • infection of cells
  • achievement of specific target cell tropism

→ further improvement of gene expression tuning

Retrieved from "http://2010.igem.org/Team:Heidelberg/Project/miRNA_Kit"