Difference between revisions of "Team:IISER-Tirupati India/Human Practices"
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<p><strong>Dr Gupta </strong> is an Emeritus Scientist at the National Institute of Immunology in India who conducts research in reproductive biology and particularly studies the function of Zona pellucida. His work has been so influential that it has even assisted in developing immunocontraception protocols. We met with him to grasp the feasibility of our idea.</p> | <p><strong>Dr Gupta </strong> is an Emeritus Scientist at the National Institute of Immunology in India who conducts research in reproductive biology and particularly studies the function of Zona pellucida. His work has been so influential that it has even assisted in developing immunocontraception protocols. We met with him to grasp the feasibility of our idea.</p> | ||
<p>Dr Gupta appreciated the idea of using a synthetic biology approach to the contraceptive method. He gave us crucial feedback on the design of our project and the proposed proof of concept. </p> | <p>Dr Gupta appreciated the idea of using a synthetic biology approach to the contraceptive method. He gave us crucial feedback on the design of our project and the proposed proof of concept. </p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Design of the project</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback: </strong>Initially, the regulation of Ovastacin production by the genetically engineered bacteria was based on a progesterone inducible system using the SRTF1 transcription factor. In the virtual meeting, Dr Gupta pointed out that the concentration of progesterone onset of ovulation is minimal. Hence, he asked us to make sure <strong>the sensitivity of SRTF1 </strong>is enough to induce ovastacin production. </p> | <p><strong>Feedback: </strong>Initially, the regulation of Ovastacin production by the genetically engineered bacteria was based on a progesterone inducible system using the SRTF1 transcription factor. In the virtual meeting, Dr Gupta pointed out that the concentration of progesterone onset of ovulation is minimal. Hence, he asked us to make sure <strong>the sensitivity of SRTF1 </strong>is enough to induce ovastacin production. </p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration:</strong> Accordingly, we did a literature survey to find out the sensitivity of SRTF1 and the progesterone concentration on the onset of ovulation [1]. We understood its sensitivity is not enough for induction. Hence we set out to look for alternative sensing molecules.</p> | <p><strong>Integration:</strong> Accordingly, we did a literature survey to find out the sensitivity of SRTF1 and the progesterone concentration on the onset of ovulation [1]. We understood its sensitivity is not enough for induction. Hence we set out to look for alternative sensing molecules.</p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Proof of concept</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback : </strong>The plan for proof of concept was to show the interaction between Zona Pellucida and Ovastacin by expressing in <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> and<em> Bacillus subtilis</em>.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback : </strong>The plan for proof of concept was to show the interaction between Zona Pellucida and Ovastacin by expressing in <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> and<em> Bacillus subtilis</em>.</p> | ||
<p>Dr Gupta suggested we show <strong>the interaction between ZP2 and ovastacin</strong>, specifically, as it has been demonstrated that ovastacin cleaves ZP2 in the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy [2]. He encouraged us to commence with the essential protein domain devoid of a signal peptide, C-terminal, and PTMs. Also, he asked us to focus on the proof of concept of ovastacin expression and regulation.</p> | <p>Dr Gupta suggested we show <strong>the interaction between ZP2 and ovastacin</strong>, specifically, as it has been demonstrated that ovastacin cleaves ZP2 in the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy [2]. He encouraged us to commence with the essential protein domain devoid of a signal peptide, C-terminal, and PTMs. Also, he asked us to focus on the proof of concept of ovastacin expression and regulation.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>we decided to check the interaction between ZP2 expressed in <em>Escherichia coli </em>and ovastacin expressed in our chassis <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> for proof of concept. </p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>we decided to check the interaction between ZP2 expressed in <em>Escherichia coli </em>and ovastacin expressed in our chassis <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> for proof of concept. </p> | ||
<p>Generously, he offered us the ZP2 <em>Escherichia coli</em> clones for our experiments and gave us the contact of Dr Gagandeep Gahlay, who has also been working on ZP2 protein.</p> | <p>Generously, he offered us the ZP2 <em>Escherichia coli</em> clones for our experiments and gave us the contact of Dr Gagandeep Gahlay, who has also been working on ZP2 protein.</p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Safety and Reversibility</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback: </strong>Our project was designed to have a kill switch for reversibility, which was initially thought to prevent the unintentional release of genetically modified commensal. But, Dr Gupta raised the concern of dissemination of Genetically Modified commensal into other parts of our body and the environment.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback: </strong>Our project was designed to have a kill switch for reversibility, which was initially thought to prevent the unintentional release of genetically modified commensal. But, Dr Gupta raised the concern of dissemination of Genetically Modified commensal into other parts of our body and the environment.</p> | ||
<p>Integration: So, we went through some literature [3][4]. To avoid the accidental release of GMOs, we planned to design <strong>a kill switch for biosafety</strong>.</p> | <p>Integration: So, we went through some literature [3][4]. To avoid the accidental release of GMOs, we planned to design <strong>a kill switch for biosafety</strong>.</p> | ||
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<p>She appreciated the novelty of our idea and gave us important pieces of advice on several aspects of our project. We were delighted to listen to her elaborate on the hardening of zona pellucida and the working of secretions of several cortical granules, including ovastacin.</p> | <p>She appreciated the novelty of our idea and gave us important pieces of advice on several aspects of our project. We were delighted to listen to her elaborate on the hardening of zona pellucida and the working of secretions of several cortical granules, including ovastacin.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Protein Modelling</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Since we had no lab access in the initial months of the project, we planned to show the in-silico interaction of ZP2 and Ovastacin through <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Model">protein modelling</a>. Dr Madhulika appreciated how we utilised the technique of protein modelling to actualise our idea. She also encouraged us to use docking techniques to compare the interaction results between ZP2 - Ovastacin and other ZP Proteins - Ovastacin.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Since we had no lab access in the initial months of the project, we planned to show the in-silico interaction of ZP2 and Ovastacin through <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Model">protein modelling</a>. Dr Madhulika appreciated how we utilised the technique of protein modelling to actualise our idea. She also encouraged us to use docking techniques to compare the interaction results between ZP2 - Ovastacin and other ZP Proteins - Ovastacin.</p> | ||
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<p><strong>Integration: </strong>Due to limited time and limited access to a High-Performance Computer, we decided to concentrate on our initial plan of modelling the ZP2-Ovastacin protein interaction.</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>Due to limited time and limited access to a High-Performance Computer, we decided to concentrate on our initial plan of modelling the ZP2-Ovastacin protein interaction.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Inclusivity</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback:</strong> She raised the concern whether OviCloak will cater to Uterus owners' contraceptive needs with conditions like <strong>PCOS</strong>.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback:</strong> She raised the concern whether OviCloak will cater to Uterus owners' contraceptive needs with conditions like <strong>PCOS</strong>.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration:</strong> We looked into literature and decided to meet a gynaecologist to know more about the hormonal levels in conditions like PCOS.</p> | <p><strong>Integration:</strong> We looked into literature and decided to meet a gynaecologist to know more about the hormonal levels in conditions like PCOS.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Kill switch</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She raised <strong>the concern of leaky expression</strong> in the proposed model of the kill switch. Also, she asked us to check whether the introduction of Xylose could cause any adverse effects in the fallopian tube.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She raised <strong>the concern of leaky expression</strong> in the proposed model of the kill switch. Also, she asked us to check whether the introduction of Xylose could cause any adverse effects in the fallopian tube.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration:</strong> We decided to use the toxin-antitoxin system for the kill switch as it seems to control leaky expression[3]. No literature showed the presence of Xylose in the Human fallopian Tube.</p></div> | <p><strong>Integration:</strong> We decided to use the toxin-antitoxin system for the kill switch as it seems to control leaky expression[3]. No literature showed the presence of Xylose in the Human fallopian Tube.</p></div> | ||
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<p>Dr Prameela Menon, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Amala Institute of Medical Sciences. She has experience of 9 years in this field; we visited her to understand the significance of our project in a real-world set-up and to know more about women with PCOS.</p> | <p>Dr Prameela Menon, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Amala Institute of Medical Sciences. She has experience of 9 years in this field; we visited her to understand the significance of our project in a real-world set-up and to know more about women with PCOS.</p> | ||
<p>She appreciated the novelty of our project and enlightened us by introducing Hysterosalpingogram(HSG), a method that we plan to implement in our project for delivery.</p> | <p>She appreciated the novelty of our project and enlightened us by introducing Hysterosalpingogram(HSG), a method that we plan to implement in our project for delivery.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Project Design</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She raised <strong>the concern regarding the progesterone-induced ovastacin production</strong>, as the fertilisation window of the ovum is short. Even if the progesterone sensing molecule is sensitive to a low concentration of progesterone, under any circumstances, if there’s a late expression of the hormone, it may lead to the fertilisation of the ovum. </p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She raised <strong>the concern regarding the progesterone-induced ovastacin production</strong>, as the fertilisation window of the ovum is short. Even if the progesterone sensing molecule is sensitive to a low concentration of progesterone, under any circumstances, if there’s a late expression of the hormone, it may lead to the fertilisation of the ovum. </p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>This gave us a reason to look into an alternative for a progesterone regulated system.</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>This gave us a reason to look into an alternative for a progesterone regulated system.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Implementation </strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback:</strong> She pointed out that many techniques are used to diagnose diseases in the fallopian tube and suggested that modifying those techniques may be easier than modifying an IUD and coming up with an entirely new design. </p> | <p><strong>Feedback:</strong> She pointed out that many techniques are used to diagnose diseases in the fallopian tube and suggested that modifying those techniques may be easier than modifying an IUD and coming up with an entirely new design. </p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>This led us to meet a fertility expert and know more about it, as Hysterosalpingogram is widely used in fertility clinics. Eventually, we met with Dr Sidra Khot, an IVF Expert. </p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>This led us to meet a fertility expert and know more about it, as Hysterosalpingogram is widely used in fertility clinics. Eventually, we met with Dr Sidra Khot, an IVF Expert. </p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Inclusivity</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback:</strong> We asked whether OviCloak can cater to the contraceptive needs of uterus owners with conditions like <strong>PCOS</strong> etc. She said even though they have irregular ovulation, the progesterone raises more than normal during ovulation. Thus eventually, OviCloak should work.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback:</strong> We asked whether OviCloak can cater to the contraceptive needs of uterus owners with conditions like <strong>PCOS</strong> etc. She said even though they have irregular ovulation, the progesterone raises more than normal during ovulation. Thus eventually, OviCloak should work.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration </strong>But, the literature studies showed the rise in ovastacin, is lower in PCOS conditions,for this progesterone needs to be sensitive. We set out looking for alternatives ( See<a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Inclusivity"> Inclusivity</a>)</p> </div> | <p><strong>Integration </strong>But, the literature studies showed the rise in ovastacin, is lower in PCOS conditions,for this progesterone needs to be sensitive. We set out looking for alternatives ( See<a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Inclusivity"> Inclusivity</a>)</p> </div> | ||
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<p>Ms Kathy Walkling, the co-founder of Ecofemme, A women-led social enterprise that aims to bring environmental and social change in menstrual practices through the usage of cloth pads. We could resonate with Ecofemme on several levels, as OviCloak also aims to change and promote the use of green contraceptives in everyday contraceptive practices. We were inspired by their outreach and public engagement methodologies in which they educated and talked freely about menstrual health, which is a stigmatized topic like contraception.</p> | <p>Ms Kathy Walkling, the co-founder of Ecofemme, A women-led social enterprise that aims to bring environmental and social change in menstrual practices through the usage of cloth pads. We could resonate with Ecofemme on several levels, as OviCloak also aims to change and promote the use of green contraceptives in everyday contraceptive practices. We were inspired by their outreach and public engagement methodologies in which they educated and talked freely about menstrual health, which is a stigmatized topic like contraception.</p> | ||
<p>She gave us valuable insights and showed us the path to communicate our project to the larger community in the right way.</p> | <p>She gave us valuable insights and showed us the path to communicate our project to the larger community in the right way.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Communication</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Initially, we used content focused more on the scientific details for communicating our project. Ms Kathy suggested using simple but impactful communication methods for our project. She pointed at the significance of bringing awareness of reproductive health along through the communication of our project.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Initially, we used content focused more on the scientific details for communicating our project. Ms Kathy suggested using simple but impactful communication methods for our project. She pointed at the significance of bringing awareness of reproductive health along through the communication of our project.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>According to her suggestions, we thought of<strong> simple strategies for communicating our project to the public</strong>. Besides our goal of educating people about synthetic biology, we decided to disseminate knowledge about sexual and reproductive health through webinars, Instagram lives sessions and many more creative methods (See <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Education">Education and Engagement</a>)</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>According to her suggestions, we thought of<strong> simple strategies for communicating our project to the public</strong>. Besides our goal of educating people about synthetic biology, we decided to disseminate knowledge about sexual and reproductive health through webinars, Instagram lives sessions and many more creative methods (See <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Education">Education and Engagement</a>)</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Human Practices</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Since we are working around a disparaging topic and people are not aware of the importance of eco-friendly contraceptives, she urged us to go thorough social science research to come up with impactful data that would help us make the change. She encouraged us to conduct 'In-Depth Interviews' (IDI) with sexually active women to find out how to bridge the gap between the consumer and a novel green product. She suggested <strong>including more men in the awareness programs</strong>, as they play a crucial role in the choice of women's contraception. </p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Since we are working around a disparaging topic and people are not aware of the importance of eco-friendly contraceptives, she urged us to go thorough social science research to come up with impactful data that would help us make the change. She encouraged us to conduct 'In-Depth Interviews' (IDI) with sexually active women to find out how to bridge the gap between the consumer and a novel green product. She suggested <strong>including more men in the awareness programs</strong>, as they play a crucial role in the choice of women's contraception. </p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>We decided to conduct IDIs with people to get to know the real stories around contraceptives. But due to the covid restrictions and the thought that the real talks around sexual and reproductive health should start from our homes, we started the conversation with our friends and family members.</p> </div> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>We decided to conduct IDIs with people to get to know the real stories around contraceptives. But due to the covid restrictions and the thought that the real talks around sexual and reproductive health should start from our homes, we started the conversation with our friends and family members.</p> </div> | ||
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<p>Ms Nalini is a former sex worker and a sex worker activist. We identified sex workers as one of our major stakeholders. The meeting with Ms Nalini helped us understand the values we should uphold to meet the contraceptive needs of sex workers. She was genuinely impressed with our idea and said it was unique. She also said the product is empowering.</p> | <p>Ms Nalini is a former sex worker and a sex worker activist. We identified sex workers as one of our major stakeholders. The meeting with Ms Nalini helped us understand the values we should uphold to meet the contraceptive needs of sex workers. She was genuinely impressed with our idea and said it was unique. She also said the product is empowering.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Implementation</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She suggested that our product could be <strong>more user friendly and readily available to people</strong>. She also asked to give an instruction manual on how to use OviCloak.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She suggested that our product could be <strong>more user friendly and readily available to people</strong>. She also asked to give an instruction manual on how to use OviCloak.</p> | ||
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<p><strong>Integration: </strong>We searched for alternative delivery mechanisms and sought to understand how local governments can subsidise the product so that it can be made cheap and accessible.</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>We searched for alternative delivery mechanisms and sought to understand how local governments can subsidise the product so that it can be made cheap and accessible.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Communication</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She also emphasised the importance of sex education from a young age to build more sexually empowered and responsible adults. Hence, we thought of making a<strong> curriculum for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in colleges. </strong></p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She also emphasised the importance of sex education from a young age to build more sexually empowered and responsible adults. Hence, we thought of making a<strong> curriculum for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in colleges. </strong></p> | ||
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<p>She appreciated our idea and congratulated us on coming this far with our idea, despite all the barriers of the pandemic. We came to understand that preparing a curriculum and implementing it would be a long journey. </p> | <p>She appreciated our idea and congratulated us on coming this far with our idea, despite all the barriers of the pandemic. We came to understand that preparing a curriculum and implementing it would be a long journey. </p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Communication </strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She said that CSE can be brought into our curricula, but we need to tread carefully on those areas and interact with many academicians and a panel of experts on the topic. She appreciated our social outreach lineup of sex educators and addressed how it will help build a rich network contributing to our proposed curricula.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She said that CSE can be brought into our curricula, but we need to tread carefully on those areas and interact with many academicians and a panel of experts on the topic. She appreciated our social outreach lineup of sex educators and addressed how it will help build a rich network contributing to our proposed curricula.</p> | ||
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<p>Dr Paul is an Associate professor in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay. We met with her to discuss the mode of delivery of OviCloak. She appreciated how we had so many alternatives in consideration for our delivery mechanism.</p> | <p>Dr Paul is an Associate professor in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay. We met with her to discuss the mode of delivery of OviCloak. She appreciated how we had so many alternatives in consideration for our delivery mechanism.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Implementation</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: We discussed with her the fluid behavior under the influence of ciliary-peristalsis and furthermore various ways we consider injecting genetically modified bacteria, including direct delivery, two fluid delivery and injecting in the Ostia. Dr Paul helped us realise the challenges of each and suggested that <strong>using an existing method with minimum changes </strong>is the best solution. </p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: We discussed with her the fluid behavior under the influence of ciliary-peristalsis and furthermore various ways we consider injecting genetically modified bacteria, including direct delivery, two fluid delivery and injecting in the Ostia. Dr Paul helped us realise the challenges of each and suggested that <strong>using an existing method with minimum changes </strong>is the best solution. </p> | ||
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<p>Mr Joglekar is the senior counsellor at Pankh, an NGO based in Maharashtra, India, where their goal is awareness on multi-facets of Sexuality Education. He shed light on the status of sexuality education in India and how crucial it is. He gave us directions on how to communicate our project to the common masses of India.</p> | <p>Mr Joglekar is the senior counsellor at Pankh, an NGO based in Maharashtra, India, where their goal is awareness on multi-facets of Sexuality Education. He shed light on the status of sexuality education in India and how crucial it is. He gave us directions on how to communicate our project to the common masses of India.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Communication</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: He encouraged us to <strong>make handouts of our project in regional languages</strong> for efficient communication with the rural masses of India. He also shared his experience of holding sexuality education webinars during pandemics and how he witnessed a gradual decrease in people's attention span due course. </p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: He encouraged us to <strong>make handouts of our project in regional languages</strong> for efficient communication with the rural masses of India. He also shared his experience of holding sexuality education webinars during pandemics and how he witnessed a gradual decrease in people's attention span due course. </p> | ||
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<p>She appreciated how innovative our idea is and admired our initiative of including an environmental outlook on contraceptive development. She gave valuable insights into the implementation and communication of our Project and the general perspective of contraceptive development researchers on green contraceptives.</p> | <p>She appreciated how innovative our idea is and admired our initiative of including an environmental outlook on contraceptive development. She gave valuable insights into the implementation and communication of our Project and the general perspective of contraceptive development researchers on green contraceptives.</p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Communication</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: We thought it’s crucial to communicate the side effects of hormonal contraceptives as it brings about the attention of sponsors to fund the contraceptive research field for less harmful alternatives. She also encouraged us <strong>to spread awareness of the significance of green contraceptives.</strong></p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: We thought it’s crucial to communicate the side effects of hormonal contraceptives as it brings about the attention of sponsors to fund the contraceptive research field for less harmful alternatives. She also encouraged us <strong>to spread awareness of the significance of green contraceptives.</strong></p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>Dr Blithe made us understand how important it is to showcase the benefits of hormonal contraceptives, as otherwise, it may negatively impact the current users of hormonal contraceptives. </p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>Dr Blithe made us understand how important it is to showcase the benefits of hormonal contraceptives, as otherwise, it may negatively impact the current users of hormonal contraceptives. </p> | ||
<p>We made a pamphlet on green contraceptives upon her suggestion. We also addressed the positive effects of hormonal contraceptives along with their side effects.</p> | <p>We made a pamphlet on green contraceptives upon her suggestion. We also addressed the positive effects of hormonal contraceptives along with their side effects.</p> | ||
| − | <p><strong | + | <p><strong>Implementation</strong></p> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She also encouraged us to emancipate the awareness of the significance of green contraceptives. We had less to no idea of the procedures of bringing a contraceptive “<strong>from bench to bedside.</strong>”</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She also encouraged us to emancipate the awareness of the significance of green contraceptives. We had less to no idea of the procedures of bringing a contraceptive “<strong>from bench to bedside.</strong>”</p> | ||
<p>Dr Blithe helped us understand them and also the pipelines currently existing in contraceptive development. She gave us a broader picture of the availability of funding in this field. She was kind enough to provide us with contacts of potential stakeholders who would like to fund our Project. She also put forth the potential of using spermicidal bacteria along with our genetically modified bacteria to increase the efficacy of contraception.</p> | <p>Dr Blithe helped us understand them and also the pipelines currently existing in contraceptive development. She gave us a broader picture of the availability of funding in this field. She was kind enough to provide us with contacts of potential stakeholders who would like to fund our Project. She also put forth the potential of using spermicidal bacteria along with our genetically modified bacteria to increase the efficacy of contraception.</p> | ||
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<p>She helped us understand more about reproductive tract microbiota and suggested experiments to supplement our mathematical modelling of module one. She also gave us a fresh outlook on the potential delivery mechanism for OviCloak.</p> | <p>She helped us understand more about reproductive tract microbiota and suggested experiments to supplement our mathematical modelling of module one. She also gave us a fresh outlook on the potential delivery mechanism for OviCloak.</p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Dry lab</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Dr Blithe suggested experiments that can provide data to model the delivery and colonisation of our genetically engineered bacteria.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Dr Blithe suggested experiments that can provide data to model the delivery and colonisation of our genetically engineered bacteria.</p> | ||
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<p><strong>Integration: </strong>We find it useful and thought to consider in our future aspects of experiments.</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>We find it useful and thought to consider in our future aspects of experiments.</p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Implementation</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Keeping in view the usual trend of failure in revisiting doctors for contraceptive needs, Dr Brenda suggested thinking of other techniques.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Keeping in view the usual trend of failure in revisiting doctors for contraceptive needs, Dr Brenda suggested thinking of other techniques.</p> | ||
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<p><strong>Integration: </strong>We understood the importance and <strong>sought techniques that can fulfil our users' user-friendly value.</strong></p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>We understood the importance and <strong>sought techniques that can fulfil our users' user-friendly value.</strong></p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Safety and Reversibility</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Dr Wilson pointed out the possibility of a toxic shock from the endotoxins after activating the kill switch. She suggested alternatives to the kill switch, such as using antibiotics and replication inhibitors called Psoralen. She pointed out how crucial it is to have the delivery equipment sterilised, as otherwise, it can cause dysbiosis in the Fallopian tube.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Dr Wilson pointed out the possibility of a toxic shock from the endotoxins after activating the kill switch. She suggested alternatives to the kill switch, such as using antibiotics and replication inhibitors called Psoralen. She pointed out how crucial it is to have the delivery equipment sterilised, as otherwise, it can cause dysbiosis in the Fallopian tube.</p> | ||
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<div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | <div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | ||
<p>Sex Education India is a Youth-led movement motivated to give sex education to the Indian community. We integrated their insights about making the curricula for CSE in Indian Education System. Especially, they played a vital role in our journey of understanding the potential of the project being called a contraceptive for uterus owners. </p> | <p>Sex Education India is a Youth-led movement motivated to give sex education to the Indian community. We integrated their insights about making the curricula for CSE in Indian Education System. Especially, they played a vital role in our journey of understanding the potential of the project being called a contraceptive for uterus owners. </p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Inclusivity</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: We discussed the various challenges associated with making CSE a reality in the Indian Collegiate system. We also discussed some crucial pointers for what a CSE committee on the college level should look like. This helped us gain insights on how to promote CSE in our colleges and our future outreach activities. They also helped us understand <strong>the significance of the usage of Inclusive languages and Gender Pronouns.</strong></p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: We discussed the various challenges associated with making CSE a reality in the Indian Collegiate system. We also discussed some crucial pointers for what a CSE committee on the college level should look like. This helped us gain insights on how to promote CSE in our colleges and our future outreach activities. They also helped us understand <strong>the significance of the usage of Inclusive languages and Gender Pronouns.</strong></p> | ||
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<div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | <div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | ||
<p>Dr Sabari is an Assistant Professor at IISER Thiruvananthapuram who is into extensive research in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics. His lab work mostly with strains of Bacillus subtilis, which is our Model Organism. Hence, we met with him and gain insights into the genetics of Bacillus subtilis. He gave us indispensable suggestions on our experiments with Model Organism </p> | <p>Dr Sabari is an Assistant Professor at IISER Thiruvananthapuram who is into extensive research in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics. His lab work mostly with strains of Bacillus subtilis, which is our Model Organism. Hence, we met with him and gain insights into the genetics of Bacillus subtilis. He gave us indispensable suggestions on our experiments with Model Organism </p> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Wetlab</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Initially, we had thought of inserting our gene of interest into Bacillus subtilis using Replicative Plasmid for the expression of heterologous proteins. But, he made us understand how <strong>genome integration</strong> is more efficient as replicative plasmids are unstable within <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>. He helped us set our protocols for experiments with <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>. He was kind enough to provide the strain used in his lab, Bacillus subtilis 168 and Escherichia coli clones for Bacillus subtilis vector backbone.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Initially, we had thought of inserting our gene of interest into Bacillus subtilis using Replicative Plasmid for the expression of heterologous proteins. But, he made us understand how <strong>genome integration</strong> is more efficient as replicative plasmids are unstable within <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>. He helped us set our protocols for experiments with <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>. He was kind enough to provide the strain used in his lab, Bacillus subtilis 168 and Escherichia coli clones for Bacillus subtilis vector backbone.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>As per his suggestion, we decided to do genome integration and used the strain and plasmids he provided us.</p> </div> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>As per his suggestion, we decided to do genome integration and used the strain and plasmids he provided us.</p> </div> | ||
| Line 457: | Line 457: | ||
<p>Dr Grimstad is a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist at Boston Children’s Hospital where she is the founder of the Transgender Reproductive Health Service and also a gynaecologist in the Center for Gender Surgery and the Be-U clinic, a program for patients with intersex traits, or differences in sexual development. </p> | <p>Dr Grimstad is a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist at Boston Children’s Hospital where she is the founder of the Transgender Reproductive Health Service and also a gynaecologist in the Center for Gender Surgery and the Be-U clinic, a program for patients with intersex traits, or differences in sexual development. </p> | ||
<p>We met with her to know how OviCloak can fit the contraception needs of intersex, transgender, and gender-diverse communities. She appreciated the creativity and the practicality of our idea. She highlighted how inclusive OviCloak is as it is a <strong>non-hormonal contraceptive</strong>. </p> | <p>We met with her to know how OviCloak can fit the contraception needs of intersex, transgender, and gender-diverse communities. She appreciated the creativity and the practicality of our idea. She highlighted how inclusive OviCloak is as it is a <strong>non-hormonal contraceptive</strong>. </p> | ||
| − | <h3><strong | + | <h3><strong>Inclusivity</strong></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Our initial quest to find our potential stakeholders led us to realise that people with conditions like <strong>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (</strong><strong>CAH)</strong><strong>,</strong><strong> Turner Syndrome, and people from a transmasculine spectrum</strong> could be our potential stakeholders.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Our initial quest to find our potential stakeholders led us to realise that people with conditions like <strong>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (</strong><strong>CAH)</strong><strong>,</strong><strong> Turner Syndrome, and people from a transmasculine spectrum</strong> could be our potential stakeholders.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>This inspired us to think about <strong>improved and inclusive designs of OviCloak</strong>. Thus dedicating our contraceptive to a broader spectrum of uterus owners.</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>This inspired us to think about <strong>improved and inclusive designs of OviCloak</strong>. Thus dedicating our contraceptive to a broader spectrum of uterus owners.</p> | ||
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<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She explained how being a <strong>non-hormonal contraceptive</strong> helps people undergoing hormone replacement therapy and people with conditions like CAH and Turner syndrome. She also pointed out a condition called <strong>Cloacal Exstrophy</strong>, which can be considered.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She explained how being a <strong>non-hormonal contraceptive</strong> helps people undergoing hormone replacement therapy and people with conditions like CAH and Turner syndrome. She also pointed out a condition called <strong>Cloacal Exstrophy</strong>, which can be considered.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>Hence, we read more about the condition and included them among our users. (See <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Inclusivity">inclusivity</a>)</p> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>Hence, we read more about the condition and included them among our users. (See <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Inclusivity">inclusivity</a>)</p> | ||
| − | <p><strong>Implementation </strong></p> | + | <h3><p><strong>Implementation </strong></p></h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She asked us to ponder some other delivery mechanisms as the proposed delivery mechanism may instil gender dysphoria in some patients and also for some it might not suit their anatomy.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: She asked us to ponder some other delivery mechanisms as the proposed delivery mechanism may instil gender dysphoria in some patients and also for some it might not suit their anatomy.</p> | ||
<p><strong>Integration: </strong>We learned the anatomical differences in them and set on to finding an inclusive alternative. </p> </div> | <p><strong>Integration: </strong>We learned the anatomical differences in them and set on to finding an inclusive alternative. </p> </div> | ||
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<div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | <div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | ||
<h2>Dr K B Harikumar is Scientist E-I at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology and Member Secretary of Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC). We approached him to get genuine feedback on the biosafety of our project.</h2> | <h2>Dr K B Harikumar is Scientist E-I at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology and Member Secretary of Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC). We approached him to get genuine feedback on the biosafety of our project.</h2> | ||
| − | <h3 | + | <h3>Biosafety</h3> |
<p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Dr Harikumar appreciated the novelty of the project. He asked us to make sure that the genetically engineered bacteria will be present in the fallopian tube throughout the menstrual cycle irrespective of hormonal changes.</p> | <p><strong>Feedback</strong>: Dr Harikumar appreciated the novelty of the project. He asked us to make sure that the genetically engineered bacteria will be present in the fallopian tube throughout the menstrual cycle irrespective of hormonal changes.</p> | ||
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<div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | <div class="col-12 pt-5" style="text-align: justify;"> | ||
<p>CTI Exchange is a global platform for sharing resources on contraceptive developments, registration, and developments powered by FHI360. This meeting involved a panel of six experts:</p> | <p>CTI Exchange is a global platform for sharing resources on contraceptive developments, registration, and developments powered by FHI360. This meeting involved a panel of six experts:</p> | ||
| − | + | <ul> | |
| − | + | <li> Emily Hoppes, <em>MA, MPH, FHI 360</em></li> | |
| − | + | <li>Gregory Kopf, Director, Research and Development, Contraceptive Technology Innovation, <em>FHI 360</em></li> | |
| − | + | <li>Jennifer Ayres, Scientist, FHI 360</li> | |
| − | + | <li> Ashini Fernando, Scientist, FHI 360</li> | |
| − | + | <li>Amelia Mackenzie, ScM, PhD, Scientist, FHI 360</li> | |
| − | + | </ul> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | <p>The panel shed light on an integral part of project implementation in real-world scenarios. </p> | |
| − | + | <h3><strong>Implementation</strong></h3> | |
| − | + | <p><strong>Feedback</strong> : </p> | |
| − | + | <p>The panel gave a holistic view into contraceptive product development including production, packaging, and distribution. </p> | |
| − | + | <ul> | |
| − | + | <li>Pre-clinical trials: The panel raised a query regarding the efficacy of using animal models in pre-clinical as Ovastacin-ZP2 interaction species-specific.</li> | |
| − | + | <li>Delivery System: They raised concerns regarding the requirement of doctoral visits for introducing genetically engineered bacteria and invasiveness.</li> | |
| − | + | <li>Safety and Regulation: They appreciated our kill switch and asked us to determine the regulations on implementing OviClaok in the clinical setup. They asked us to consider the interaction between commensal and genetically modified bacteria.</li> | |
| − | + | <li>Production: They encouraged us to figure out the infrastructure and conditions for setting up a manufacturing unit.</li> | |
| − | + | <li>Packing and Distribution: They made us understand the importance of strategies for maintaining cold-chain during procurement of our product by Large scale Procurement agencies.</li> | |
| − | + | <li>Cost of Production: We learned that NGOs and Government agencies buy products from these Procurement Agencies through third parties. Hence a cheap product cost is necessary if we are proposing government subsidies.</li> | |
| − | + | </ul> | |
| − | + | <p><br /><strong>Integration: </strong>These insights helped us make our plans for the implementation of OviCloak and understand the challenges of implementing our project in Real-world. Read more in <a href="https://2021.igem.org/Team:IISER-Tirupati_India/Implementation">Implementation</a></p> </div> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| Line 1,051: | Line 1,044: | ||
<div class="info"> | <div class="info"> | ||
<h5>Contraceptive Technology Innovation Exchange</h5> | <h5>Contraceptive Technology Innovation Exchange</h5> | ||
| − | <p> | + | <p>A global contraceptive research platform. |
</p> | </p> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
Revision as of 12:20, 18 October 2021
SCROLL
OviCloak, a proposed synthetic biology alternative to existing contraceptives, demands thoughtfulness about whether it is responsible and good for the world. Through our human practices, we tried to achieve this through :
- Reflection
- Responsibility
- Responsiveness
Solving real-world problems not only involves creating solutions but creating effective solutions? .Assessment of goodness begins from the creator’s mind, i.e. reflecting upon our own project throughout.
Our team initiated thoughtfulness from the brainstorming sessions in which the problems we wished to address spanned from poverty to plastic pollution. We came up with solutions using synthetic biology to tackle these problems. However, we also verified if our proposed synthetic biology methods are better than the existing solutions/proposed solutions to these problems.
We understood the potential and need of OviCloak from our reflection and background research. (See Description ).
The analysis section of The iGEMers Guide to the Future helped us contemplate the values that we want to embed for the potential users of OviCloak through the stakeholder/value matrix. Health (Safety), Environmental Safety, Autonomy/individual choice are values we wish to embed and as well as fulfilled by OviCloak.
OviCloak being a non-hormonal contraceptive has least to no side effects to the users, thus ensures (Health) Safety.This also ensures no effects like sex reveral caused by hormonal contraceptives are brought in by OviCloak and also,since it fits into the Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) spectrum it minimizing carbonprints.Thus,as a green contraceptive is , ensures Environmental Safety. By mitigating chances of Genetically Engineered release by Kill switch, ensures Biosafety. In short, Ovicloak fulfills the value, Safety.
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Integrated Human Practices
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References
- Grazon, C., Baer, R. C., Kuzmanović, U., Nguyen, T., Chen, M., Zamani, M., ... & Galagan, J. E. (2020). A progesterone biosensor derived from microbial screening. Nature communications, 11(1), 1-10
- Burkart, A. D., Xiong, B., Baibakov, B., Jiménez-Movilla, M., & Dean, J. (2012). Ovastacin, a cortical granule protease, cleaves ZP2 in the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy. The Journal of cell biology, 197(1), 37-44.
- Brantl, S., & Müller, P. (2019). Toxin⁻Antitoxin Systems in Bacillus subtilis. Toxins, 11(5), 262. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11050262
- Patiño, R., Bolamba, D., Thomas, P., & Kumakura, N. (2005). Effects of external pH on hormonally regulated ovarian follicle maturation and ovulation in Atlantic croaker.General and comparative endocrinology, 141(2), 126–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.12.006
- Shi, D., Komatsu, K., Hirao, M., Toyooka, Y., Koyama, H., Tissir, F., ... & Fujimori, T. (2014). Celsr1 is required for the generation of polarity at multiple levels of the mouse oviduct. Development, 141(23), 4558-4568.
- https://live.flatland.agency/12290417/rathenau-igem/
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