Difference between revisions of "Team:UCL/James/Description"

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<h2> BioSynthAge: Do not go gentle into that good night </h2>
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<p> We envision a time in which the human population lives a healthier life, for longer. We will use
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synthetic biology to ensure the ageing world population can both maintain their quality of life and
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extend their lifespan - increasing their ‘healthspan’. The health challenges currently posed by
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ageing are many and complex so we propose a suite of synthetic biology solutions to tackle
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these challenges. Our synthetic biology solutions will include, but not be limited to, the following: <p>
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<p> <b> Oxidative stress – the root of the problem </b> </p>
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<p> Oxidative stress underlies many of the health problems of ageing so we will develop a number
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of free radical mopping devices. These devices will include therapeutic bacterial chassis
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triggered by oxidative-stress to deliver free-radical mopping compounds. To lay a
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conceptual foundation for genetic tools that address ageing within human cells, we will also
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use gene-editing tools to map the relationship between telomerase expression and cellular
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robustness to oxidative stress.</p>
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<p> <b> False teeth – a thing of the past </b> </p>
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<p> Increasing tooth loss remains a feature of old age in humans throughout the world. We will
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harness synthetic biology to improve the dental health of the ageing population by designing
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bacteria that do not cause decay but actually prevent it. These biofilm-fillings will provide a
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regenerative internal environment for the tooth whilst fighting off the surface bacteria that cause
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dental plaques. </p>
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<p> <b> Grey love – it does not have to be dangerous </b> </p>
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<p> You may be surprised to know that sexually transmitted diseases are particularly prevalent in
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elderly populations. By embedding living biosensors into lubricant gels we will simplify the
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process of screening potential partners for sexually transmitted infections – as the gel will glow
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in the night on contact with organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. </p>
  
 
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Revision as of 13:15, 5 August 2016

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Project description