Difference between revisions of "Part:BBa K1701001"

 
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<partinfo>BBa_K1701001 short</partinfo>
 
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===Usage and Biology===
 
  
 
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<partinfo>BBa_K1701001 SequenceAndFeatures</partinfo>
 
<partinfo>BBa_K1701001 SequenceAndFeatures</partinfo>
  
 +
== Background ==
 +
 +
Certain living organisms usually have mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis and resistance to heavy metal ions including lead. This offered an opportunity for genetically engineered microorganisms applied to lead detection and absorption. Taking advantage of a Pb2+ regulatory metalloprotein from Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, He et al. developed a fluorescent biosensor with high selectivity and sensitivity to Pb2+ ions. Recently, Jouanneau et al. reported the identification of four heavy metals, including lead in environmental samples using bioluminescent bacteria.
 +
 +
== Biology ==
 +
 +
A lead-specific binding protein, PbrR, and promoter pbr from the lead resistance operon, pbr, of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 have shown highly sensitive and selective whole-cell detection of lead ions. The display of PbrR on the E. coli cell surface permitted selective adsorption of lead ions from solution containing various heavy metal ions. The following figure shows the genetic organization of the pbr operon locus in the C. metallidurans CH34 genome.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr1a.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 1(a).Genetic organization of the pbr operon locus in the C. metallidurans CH34 genome.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr1b.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 1(b).Genetic organization of the lead inductive RFP expression plasmid in E. coli.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr1c.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 1(c). Fluorescence measurement of E. coli cells containing the lead induced RFP expression plasmid after gradient concentrations of Pb2+ induction and resuspended in PBS buffer (pH 7.4). All of the cell numbers were normalized to 3 × 107 before the tests.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr1d.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 1(d). Fluorescence measurement of E. coli cells containing the lead induced RFP expression plasmid with concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 5 μM each metal ions. All of the cell numbers were normalized to 3 × 107 before the tests.
 +
 +
 +
== Protein sturcture ==
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr2.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 2. The 3D structure of protein of PbrR.
 +
From http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/mmdb/mmdbsrv.cgi?uid=128173
 +
 +
== Part uses ==
 +
 +
we heterologously expressed the lead-binding chaperon PbrR gene from C. metallidurans into Bacillus subtilis so as to present a selective lead-sensing system and a remediation system respectively using the gene elements of the lead-specific operon pbr, including the lead binding protein PbrR from C. metallidurans CH34. In the subsequent engineering, we displayed PbrR on Bacillus subtilis biofilm or its spore surface to construct a whole-cell absorption specific for lead, which is able to be easily recovered and therefore is good for application outside of laboratory settings. What’s more, it can adsorb lead under both benign conditions and adverse circumstances.
 +
 +
We used TasA, the major protein of the biofilm matrix component in B. subtilis, and CotC, the B.subtilis spore component, as fusion partner to display PbrR.
 +
 +
When nutrition is sufficient, we can use plant polysaccharides to induce the formation of biofilm, on which protein TasA can be simultaneously expressed with PbrR. Besides, when conditions get adverse for the growth of cells, B. subtilis produce spores to survive. If we express the PbrR along with the coat protein CotC, spores will be capable of lead adsorption. Therefore, B. subtilis can adsorb lead under both benign conditions and adverse circumstances, which tremendously improve the efficiency of lead adsorption.
 +
 +
To realize this goal, we have designed four pathways shown in Figure 3, which are used in our project. In order to improve the efficiency of the expression of the two former pathways, we utilized a constitutive promoter Pveg, a biobrick part in the biological parts of iGEM used by us to replace the promoter Ptas and Pcot, which is involved in the two latter payways. 
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr3.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 3. Four pathways designed by our group involving PbrR part.
 +
 +
We will construct our plasmid in E.coli first and affirm the feasibility of the pathways, after which we will transform the plasmid into B.subtilis. After linearization of the plasmid, we can integrate the target genes into the chromosomes of B.subtilis utilizing homologous recombination. The process and the shuttle plasmid of our project can be shown as follows.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr4.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 4. The process to integrate the target genes into the chromosomes of B.subtilis utilizing homologous recombination.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr5.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 5. The shuttle plasmid designed by our project including the preceding pathways.
 +
 +
To improve the selectivity of lead adsorption, we had a plan to design a pathway as follows. With the specific promoter pbr promoter, the heavy metal-binding biofilm protein/coat protein can be expressed only when there is specific lead in the solution. In addition, we could do a pre-test to demonstrate the feasibility of the pathway by replacing PbrR with the reporter protein GFP.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr6.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 6. The designed pathway to improve the selectivity of lead adsorption.
 +
 +
 +
== Results ==
 +
 +
'''Homologous recombination'''
 +
 +
After we constructed the 16 kits in E.coli, we inserted them into the shuttle plasmid pDG1730 which can transfer from E.coli to B. subtilis. We insert our fusion genes between two sequences of the amylase genes on the plasmid. By homologous recombination, our fusion genes will replace the amylase gene on the genome of B. subtilis. In order to test and verify whether homologous recombination is successful, we built the following three steps. Antibiotic selection, bacterial PCR analysis and amylase activity analysis. After a series of test and verification experiments, we have successfully inserted the 16 kits into the genome of B. subtilis. The following figure shows the result of the amylase activity analysis. The picture on the right is the control group while the pictures on the left are the experiment groups. When we applied iodine on the plate with starch, there would be hydrolysis cycles on the plate because the α-amylase gene wasn’t replaced. However, there wouldn’t be hydrolysis cycles on the plate if homologous recombination was successful.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr7.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 7. Result of homologous recombination.
 +
 +
'''Bio-adsorption'''
 +
 +
As shown in Fig. 8, B. subtilis bacteria with the TasA-dependent surface displayed PbrR with promoter Pveg were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 81.2 μmol g-1cells, which is 3-fold higher than un-displayed samples. While Bacteria with promoter Ptas were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 69.5 μmol g-1cells, which is 2-fold higher than un-displayed samples.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr9.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 8. Adsorption of lead ions by B. subtilis TasA-dependent surface-displayed PbrR protein.
 +
 +
As shown in Fig. 9, B. subtilis endospores with the CotC-dependent surface displayed PbrR with promoter Pveg were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 227.6 μmol g-1cells, which is 2-fold higher than un-displayed samples. While bacteria with promoter Pcot were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 225.1 μmol g-1cells, which is 2-fold higher than un-displayed samples.
 +
 +
[[File:pbrr10.png]]
 +
 +
Figure 9. Adsorption of lead ions by B. subtilis endospore CotC dependent surface-displayed PbrR protein.
 +
 +
In conclusion, the engineered B. subtilis as well as the endospores worked well in heavy metal adsorption. Besides, it is proved by us that Pveg is a more efficient promoter than Ptas and Pcot, so maybe we can utilize promoter Pveg when engineering B. sublitis.
 +
 +
== References ==
 +
 +
[1].Wei, W., et al., Simple whole-cell biodetection and bioremediation of heavy metals based on an engineered lead-specific operon. Environ Sci Technol, 2014. 48(6): p. 3363-71.
  
 
<!-- Uncomment this to enable Functional Parameter display  
 
<!-- Uncomment this to enable Functional Parameter display  

Revision as of 05:16, 18 September 2015

PbrR

A lead-specific binding protein, PbrR, and promoter pbr from the lead resistance operon, pbr, of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 have shown highly sensitive and selective whole-cell detection of lead ions.

Sequence and Features


Assembly Compatibility:
  • 10
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]
    Illegal PstI site found at 376
  • 12
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]
    Illegal PstI site found at 376
  • 21
    COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]
  • 23
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]
    Illegal PstI site found at 376
  • 25
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]
    Illegal PstI site found at 376
  • 1000
    INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]
    Illegal BsaI site found at 167

Background

Certain living organisms usually have mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis and resistance to heavy metal ions including lead. This offered an opportunity for genetically engineered microorganisms applied to lead detection and absorption. Taking advantage of a Pb2+ regulatory metalloprotein from Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, He et al. developed a fluorescent biosensor with high selectivity and sensitivity to Pb2+ ions. Recently, Jouanneau et al. reported the identification of four heavy metals, including lead in environmental samples using bioluminescent bacteria.

Biology

A lead-specific binding protein, PbrR, and promoter pbr from the lead resistance operon, pbr, of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 have shown highly sensitive and selective whole-cell detection of lead ions. The display of PbrR on the E. coli cell surface permitted selective adsorption of lead ions from solution containing various heavy metal ions. The following figure shows the genetic organization of the pbr operon locus in the C. metallidurans CH34 genome.

File:Pbrr1a.png

Figure 1(a).Genetic organization of the pbr operon locus in the C. metallidurans CH34 genome.

Pbrr1b.png

Figure 1(b).Genetic organization of the lead inductive RFP expression plasmid in E. coli.

File:Pbrr1c.png

Figure 1(c). Fluorescence measurement of E. coli cells containing the lead induced RFP expression plasmid after gradient concentrations of Pb2+ induction and resuspended in PBS buffer (pH 7.4). All of the cell numbers were normalized to 3 × 107 before the tests.

Pbrr1d.png

Figure 1(d). Fluorescence measurement of E. coli cells containing the lead induced RFP expression plasmid with concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 5 μM each metal ions. All of the cell numbers were normalized to 3 × 107 before the tests.


Protein sturcture

Pbrr2.png

Figure 2. The 3D structure of protein of PbrR. From http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/mmdb/mmdbsrv.cgi?uid=128173

Part uses

we heterologously expressed the lead-binding chaperon PbrR gene from C. metallidurans into Bacillus subtilis so as to present a selective lead-sensing system and a remediation system respectively using the gene elements of the lead-specific operon pbr, including the lead binding protein PbrR from C. metallidurans CH34. In the subsequent engineering, we displayed PbrR on Bacillus subtilis biofilm or its spore surface to construct a whole-cell absorption specific for lead, which is able to be easily recovered and therefore is good for application outside of laboratory settings. What’s more, it can adsorb lead under both benign conditions and adverse circumstances.

We used TasA, the major protein of the biofilm matrix component in B. subtilis, and CotC, the B.subtilis spore component, as fusion partner to display PbrR.

When nutrition is sufficient, we can use plant polysaccharides to induce the formation of biofilm, on which protein TasA can be simultaneously expressed with PbrR. Besides, when conditions get adverse for the growth of cells, B. subtilis produce spores to survive. If we express the PbrR along with the coat protein CotC, spores will be capable of lead adsorption. Therefore, B. subtilis can adsorb lead under both benign conditions and adverse circumstances, which tremendously improve the efficiency of lead adsorption.

To realize this goal, we have designed four pathways shown in Figure 3, which are used in our project. In order to improve the efficiency of the expression of the two former pathways, we utilized a constitutive promoter Pveg, a biobrick part in the biological parts of iGEM used by us to replace the promoter Ptas and Pcot, which is involved in the two latter payways.

Pbrr3.png

Figure 3. Four pathways designed by our group involving PbrR part.

We will construct our plasmid in E.coli first and affirm the feasibility of the pathways, after which we will transform the plasmid into B.subtilis. After linearization of the plasmid, we can integrate the target genes into the chromosomes of B.subtilis utilizing homologous recombination. The process and the shuttle plasmid of our project can be shown as follows.

Pbrr4.png

Figure 4. The process to integrate the target genes into the chromosomes of B.subtilis utilizing homologous recombination.

Pbrr5.png

Figure 5. The shuttle plasmid designed by our project including the preceding pathways.

To improve the selectivity of lead adsorption, we had a plan to design a pathway as follows. With the specific promoter pbr promoter, the heavy metal-binding biofilm protein/coat protein can be expressed only when there is specific lead in the solution. In addition, we could do a pre-test to demonstrate the feasibility of the pathway by replacing PbrR with the reporter protein GFP.

Pbrr6.png

Figure 6. The designed pathway to improve the selectivity of lead adsorption.


Results

Homologous recombination

After we constructed the 16 kits in E.coli, we inserted them into the shuttle plasmid pDG1730 which can transfer from E.coli to B. subtilis. We insert our fusion genes between two sequences of the amylase genes on the plasmid. By homologous recombination, our fusion genes will replace the amylase gene on the genome of B. subtilis. In order to test and verify whether homologous recombination is successful, we built the following three steps. Antibiotic selection, bacterial PCR analysis and amylase activity analysis. After a series of test and verification experiments, we have successfully inserted the 16 kits into the genome of B. subtilis. The following figure shows the result of the amylase activity analysis. The picture on the right is the control group while the pictures on the left are the experiment groups. When we applied iodine on the plate with starch, there would be hydrolysis cycles on the plate because the α-amylase gene wasn’t replaced. However, there wouldn’t be hydrolysis cycles on the plate if homologous recombination was successful.

Pbrr7.png

Figure 7. Result of homologous recombination.

Bio-adsorption

As shown in Fig. 8, B. subtilis bacteria with the TasA-dependent surface displayed PbrR with promoter Pveg were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 81.2 μmol g-1cells, which is 3-fold higher than un-displayed samples. While Bacteria with promoter Ptas were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 69.5 μmol g-1cells, which is 2-fold higher than un-displayed samples.

Pbrr9.png

Figure 8. Adsorption of lead ions by B. subtilis TasA-dependent surface-displayed PbrR protein.

As shown in Fig. 9, B. subtilis endospores with the CotC-dependent surface displayed PbrR with promoter Pveg were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 227.6 μmol g-1cells, which is 2-fold higher than un-displayed samples. While bacteria with promoter Pcot were able to adsorb lead ions with a capacity of about 225.1 μmol g-1cells, which is 2-fold higher than un-displayed samples.

Pbrr10.png

Figure 9. Adsorption of lead ions by B. subtilis endospore CotC dependent surface-displayed PbrR protein.

In conclusion, the engineered B. subtilis as well as the endospores worked well in heavy metal adsorption. Besides, it is proved by us that Pveg is a more efficient promoter than Ptas and Pcot, so maybe we can utilize promoter Pveg when engineering B. sublitis.

References

[1].Wei, W., et al., Simple whole-cell biodetection and bioremediation of heavy metals based on an engineered lead-specific operon. Environ Sci Technol, 2014. 48(6): p. 3363-71.