Part:BBa_K5477044

Biosensor device II for detection of BPA

Summary

In this biosensor system, the pPOP6-LexA-ERα(LBD) receptor module responds to estrogenic compounds, such as estrogen or BPA. When these ligands bind to the ERα LBD, it activates the LexA DBD, allowing the fusion protein to bind to the Lex6Op operator sequences in the reporter module. This interaction activates the pLEU2 promoter, leading to the expression of NanoLuc. The resulting bioluminescent signal provides a quantitative measure of ligand binding to the receptor.

Why do we want to detect BPA in breast milk?

Detecting BPA (bisphenol A) in breast milk is important due to the potential health risks it poses to infants. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical commonly found in plastics and can leach into food and liquids, including breast milk. Even at low levels, BPA can interfere with the hormonal systems of infants, potentially affecting their development, reproductive health, and neurological function. Infants are particularly vulnerable to BPA exposure because their bodies are still developing and they may not be able to effectively metabolize and eliminate the chemical. Monitoring BPA levels in breast milk helps ensure the safety and well-being of infants during this critical developmental period.

Usage and Biology

In this biosensor system, a combination of receptor and reporter modules is used to detect the presence of estrogenic compounds like estrogen or bisphenol A (BPA) and provide a luminescent output using the NanoLuc luciferase reporter.

This figure illustrates the LexA-ERα (LBD) biosensor's behavior in the absence of BPA. 1) The LexA-ERα (LBD) complex is expressed, but without BPA present, it remains bound to HSP90 in the cytoplasm. 2) As a result, the LexA-ERα (LBD) complex is not translocated into the nucleus and stays inactive in the cytoplasm. 3) Because the complex does not enter the nucleus, it cannot bind to the Lex60p operator sequence, and thus no signal output is generated.

This figure shows the LexA-ERα (LBD) biosensor's response when Bisphenol A (BPA) is present. 1) The LexA-ERα (LBD) complex is expressed in the cytoplasm. 2) Upon binding to BPA, the LexA-ERα (LBD) complex undergoes a conformational change and is translocated into the nucleus. 3) Inside the nucleus, the complex binds to the Lex6Op operator sequence, triggering transcription and resulting in a signal output of NanoLuc, indicating the detection of BPA. Below is a figure of the whole device consisting of our composites.

Receptor Module

1.pPOP6-LexA-ERα(LBD)| BBa_K5477028: The pPOP6 promoter drives the expression of a LexA-ERα(LBD) fusion protein, where the LexA DNA-binding domain (DBD) is fused to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα). The LexA-ERα(LBD) protein allows for the detection of estrogen-like ligands such as BPA. Upon binding to estrogen or BPA, the ERα LBD undergoes a conformational change that activates the LexA DBD. This enables the fusion protein to bind to the Lex6Op operator sequences present in the reporter module, thereby regulating gene expression downstream of these operators.

Reporter Module

1. pLex6Op-pLEU2-NanoLuc| BBa_K5477031: The reporter module contains Lex6Op (six LexA operator sequences) that function as the binding sites for the LexA DBD in the receptor module. When the LexA-ERα(LBD) fusion protein is activated by ligand binding, it binds to these operator sequences, triggering the activity of the pLEU2 promoter. The pLEU2 promoter then drives the expression of the NanoLuc reporter gene.

Results

Sequence and Features

Assembly Compatibility: