Team:NTU-Singapore/Project
From 2009.igem.org
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Here's an informative video describing the nature of atherosclerotic buildup, and deadly consequences. | Here's an informative video describing the nature of atherosclerotic buildup, and deadly consequences. | ||
- | <div class="grid_6 alpha"><html><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fLonh7ZesKs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fLonh7ZesKs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object></html></div> | + | <div class="grid_6 alpha"><html><center><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fLonh7ZesKs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fLonh7ZesKs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object></center></html></div> |
As you can see, LDL-cholesterol buildup, and subsequent foam cell formation is the root cause of plaque buildup. | As you can see, LDL-cholesterol buildup, and subsequent foam cell formation is the root cause of plaque buildup. | ||
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The condition becomes increasingly irreversible as calcification sets in. The problem then is that plaque buildup is not identified early enough for medication to actually reverse the condition, rather than alleviating the symptoms.<br class="clear" /> | The condition becomes increasingly irreversible as calcification sets in. The problem then is that plaque buildup is not identified early enough for medication to actually reverse the condition, rather than alleviating the symptoms.<br class="clear" /> | ||
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- | == | + | == Symptoms & Bodily Reactions to Atherosclerosis == |
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+ | In our research and literature review, we identified the following characteristics of plaque buildup. We can hope to specifically identify plaque sites with these symptoms, and exploit some of these mechanisms. | ||
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+ | # Hi. | ||
Revision as of 01:35, 18 October 2009
The Problem
The NTU iGEM '09 Team has identified atherosclerosis as the problem we would like to tackle.
Atherosclerosis is one of the major diseases affecting the world. In our research, we found the numbers were staggering, and growing. We also found that early diagnosis was rare, medications were not ideal and surgeries were a commonly used last resort.
We asked ourselves what if we could design a biological system to identify plaque sites and reduce the plaque volume in vivo?
Atherosclerosis in physiology
Here's an informative video describing the nature of atherosclerotic buildup, and deadly consequences.
As you can see, LDL-cholesterol buildup, and subsequent foam cell formation is the root cause of plaque buildup.
The condition becomes increasingly irreversible as calcification sets in. The problem then is that plaque buildup is not identified early enough for medication to actually reverse the condition, rather than alleviating the symptoms.
Our solution is to target the early stages of plaque build-up. Our system needs to sense potential atherosclerotic sites, and immediately breakdown components of buildup, as well as help in the early diagnosis.
Symptoms & Bodily Reactions to Atherosclerosis
In our research and literature review, we identified the following characteristics of plaque buildup. We can hope to specifically identify plaque sites with these symptoms, and exploit some of these mechanisms.
- Hi.
References/Literature