Team:Gaston Day School/Description

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Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. They are able to transfer the genome DNA from one type of the bacteria to other types of bacteria and exist in both natural and artificial environments. Bacteriophages are highly specific, usually only affecting one species of bacteria, but limited in affecting one bacterial strain. They are reproducible, inexpensive, highly tolerable, safe, easily administered, and are able to be manipulated easily through engineering. Although bacteriophages are a possible solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis and currently help treat bacterial infections, they also pose threats to the environment.

Lateral gene transfer, also known as horizontal gene transfer, is the movement of genetic material from one genome to another (can be unicellular or multicellular) through non-sexual means. Due to bacteriophages' natural properties, they are able to easily transfer genetic material from one bacterium to another. The plasmid has the potential to be transferred to different kinds of bacteria, contributing to lateral gene transfer and other potential biosafety issues. To better understand this problem and find a solution, our project assesses the potential risk of the lateral transfer of E. coli plasmid (through different types of bacteriophages) to leakage under different conditions. We set out to determine the potential risk of bacteriophage involvement in lateral gene transfer in our local environment in two ways. First, we wanted to find out if bacteriophages could package and transfer DNA from plasmids in addition to DNA from the bacterial genome. Second, we wanted to know the prevalence of wild bacteriophages, especially those that can infect E. coli, in the local environment. If phages cannot transfer plasmid DNA, that would significantly reduce the risk of bacteriophage-assisted lateral transfer since most iGEM projects are plasmid based and not in the bacterial genome. On the other hand, the presence of many phages, or phages that can infect many different bacteria, in the environment, would greatly increase the risk of gene transfer. Also, bacteriophages pose a potential threat if they are in the same area when engineered bacteria are released (whether accidentally or on purpose). We also designed T4 early promoters along with additional information to the Biobrick registry.

Another aspect of our project is working with the world around us. For human practices, our team has engineered and 3-D printed lab equipment for students who have visual impairments or disabilities. This includes a “Cuboid,” a new and improved graduated cylinder in the shape of a cube, with braille numbers as well as bigger, and more colorful measurement indicators. For collaboration, our team has communicated with a William & Mary professor regarding their SEA-Phages program as well.

T4 (pictured above) is one of the most commonly used bacteriophages that infect E. coli. The genome of T4 has been completely sequenced and its infection process is quite well understood. The process of phage infection, reproduction and spread is illustrated in the image below.

Sources

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Otaku, W. (n.d.). 130201-0721 Gastonia. CC Search. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/db3b27c8-d584-4ae8-87eb-792aa0ce9b74

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