Module 3: Genome Deletion

Overview

Project overview.

Module 3 is the final module of the system. The E.ncapsulator has successfully completed its job of drug production and packaging in a protective coating. Now, it needs to be prepared to be converted into a safe pill carrying the drug of interest. This is done by inducing bacterial cell death and removing all the potentially harmful genetic material.

Reusable module for removal of genetic material

Removal of genetic material by the use of restriction enzymes is important to prevent DNA transfer to unintended targets, creating bacteria for instance with higher survivability or more toxicity. This module is a highly reusable module for any chassis system where the chassis is no longer required after a certain stage and there is a need to remove genetic material after genes are expressed.

The genetic circuit

Under the control of a thermoinducible promoter (K098995), when the temperature is raised to 42°C, the restriction enzymes DpnII (K200009) and TaqI (K200010) are produced. These restriction enzymes cut frequently in the genome, digesting the entire genetic material and inducing cell death. The Dam methylase (K200001) is used in its native system to prevent leaky levels of restriction enzymes from killing the cell prematurely. Consequently, the restriction enzyme cleavage properties and Dam methylation protection form an interesting balance.

Click here for more information on Restriction Enzymes and Methylation.

Navigation bar: Restriction Enzymes
Navigation bar: Methylation

Project Tour

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Module 3 Contents