Team Competition
iGEM 2022
International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition
Overview
Background
Engineered probiotics are a promising class of next-generation therapeutics. However, their use is limited by poor gut colonization, low population density, and inconsistent gene expression. Erythritol is a widely consumed zero-calorie sweetener in daily life. To take advantage of this, we engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to selectively use erythritol as a carbon source, thereby improving colonization and providing a safe, diet-controllable platform for therapeutic gene expression.
What We Did
- Erythritol Utilization Pathway: Introduced an erythritol metabolic cassette into Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to enable selective erythritol utilization and improve gut colonization.
- Erythritol Induction System: Developed an erythritol-responsive promoter system to enable safe, diet-controlled in vivo gene expression.
- Platform Applications: Demonstrated the platform's feasibility through three therapeutic pipelines: PQQ synthesis, L-erythrose production, and degradation of trimethylamine.
- Computational Modeling: Applied protein structure modeling and GEM-based metabolic simulations to guide experimental design and predict colonization dynamics in the gut.
- Software: Developed Body Planner, a web tool for personalized diet and calorie planning.
