Abstract
Infections due to parasitic nematodes result in nearly 125000 deaths annually. Strikingly, this rate remains nearly unchanged in the past 50 years likely owing to the fact that treatment options are either inefficient or inaccessible. Prior to infecting humans, most parasitic nematodes begin as larvae where they feed nearly exclusively on bacteria. This unique property may offer an opportunity to develop new biological control agents with the use of synthetic biology. In this study, we aim to develop gene circuit components that may be used to engineer Escherichia coli to act as a biological control agent of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We independently characterize two genetic modules: an attraction module and a killing module. The attraction module consists of genes that produce acylhomoserine lactones, which serve as natural attractants of C. elegans. The killing module consists of an inducible promoter that drives the expression of a toxin gene, cry5B. We independently characterize the response of C. elegans to each of these modules towards the ultimate goal of implementing and optimizing the function of both modules together in a single strain of E. coli. As such, our study establishes a quantitative framework for using these modules, and ultimately engineered bacteria, as a robust biocontrol agent for nematodes.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Robert P. Smith, Dr. Christopher Blanar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-4-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 5:30 PM
Using an Engineered Trojan Horse to Kill Nematodes
Alvin Sherman Library
Infections due to parasitic nematodes result in nearly 125000 deaths annually. Strikingly, this rate remains nearly unchanged in the past 50 years likely owing to the fact that treatment options are either inefficient or inaccessible. Prior to infecting humans, most parasitic nematodes begin as larvae where they feed nearly exclusively on bacteria. This unique property may offer an opportunity to develop new biological control agents with the use of synthetic biology. In this study, we aim to develop gene circuit components that may be used to engineer Escherichia coli to act as a biological control agent of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We independently characterize two genetic modules: an attraction module and a killing module. The attraction module consists of genes that produce acylhomoserine lactones, which serve as natural attractants of C. elegans. The killing module consists of an inducible promoter that drives the expression of a toxin gene, cry5B. We independently characterize the response of C. elegans to each of these modules towards the ultimate goal of implementing and optimizing the function of both modules together in a single strain of E. coli. As such, our study establishes a quantitative framework for using these modules, and ultimately engineered bacteria, as a robust biocontrol agent for nematodes.
