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From 2011.igem.org

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Module 3: Gene Guard

Containment is a serious issue concerning the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment. To prevent horizontal gene transfer of the genes we are expressing in our chassis, we have developed a system based on the genes encoding holin, anti-holin and endolysin. We are engineering anti-holin into the genome of our chassis, where it acts as an anti-toxin, and holin and endolysin on plasmid DNA. In the event of horizontal gene transfer with a soil bacterium, holin and endolysin will be transferred without anti-holin, rendering the recipient cell non-viable and effectively containing the Auxin Xpress and Phyto-Route genes in our chassis.

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Overview

With our approach to Human practices we had to come up with novel solutions. Considering that many or perhaps even most synthetic biology products are not of use unless they are released we must stop thinking about containment and kill switches as the only available options. What would be the worst-case scenario if we were to release our GMO into the wild? How can we avoid these issues? These are the sorts of questions we should be asking.

This module attempts to solve one of the prominent issues with releasing GMOs to the wild: the exchange of genetic material through horizontal gene transfer. It will use a toxin/anti-toxin system where anti-holin will be integrated into the Escherichia coli genome and will prevent the holin and endolysin in the plasmids to lyse the cell. Therefore, if the plasmid is ever transferred to any other bacterial species which is not our own strain, it will lyse thereby containing the genetic information within our GMO.

For more information on our Human Practices approach to GM release click here.

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