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Team:Montgomery Cougars NJUSA
From 2014hs.igem.org
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===Project=== | ===Project=== | ||
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| + | == The Role of P. acnes in Acen Vulgaris == | ||
| + | People with acne tend to have more bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes in their follicles, which attract white blood cells to the follicle and cause contents of the follicle to enter the dermis. The bacteria use sebum as a source of nutrient growth. By creating an enzyme that breaks down lipids, specifically sebum, we will be able to limit the bacteria’s food supply, preventing the bacteria from attracting white blood cells and causing an inflammatory response that results in cysts and pustules, which can lead to scars. | ||
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| + | == Project Description == | ||
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For the 2014 Competition season, Montgomery_Cougars_NJUSA aims to create a better solution for acne reduction. Acne is a problem that affects nearly 80% of American adolescents. Unfortunately, this widespread problem does not have a concrete solution. Proactiv, a leading acne medication company, uses salicylic acid to burn off skin and bacteria alike from the patient’s face. This method is moderately painful and is not always 100% effective. So, to combat this widespread ailment, Montgomery iGEM has decided to take a different approach. | For the 2014 Competition season, Montgomery_Cougars_NJUSA aims to create a better solution for acne reduction. Acne is a problem that affects nearly 80% of American adolescents. Unfortunately, this widespread problem does not have a concrete solution. Proactiv, a leading acne medication company, uses salicylic acid to burn off skin and bacteria alike from the patient’s face. This method is moderately painful and is not always 100% effective. So, to combat this widespread ailment, Montgomery iGEM has decided to take a different approach. | ||
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Because sebum is made of of triglyceride oils, wax, squalene, and metabolites of fat-producing cells, we sought a group of enzymes that would break down these components. To counter each of these components, we have tracked down enzymes such as wax-ester hydrolase, triglyceride lipase, squalene monooxygenase, HMG CoA Reductase and Lipoprotein Lipase. Throughout the next few weeks, we plan to find genes that we can transform bacteria with to include these enzymes. Our final product will include genes that code for many of these enzymes, increasing our chance of reducing nutrients for acne-inducing bacteria. | Because sebum is made of of triglyceride oils, wax, squalene, and metabolites of fat-producing cells, we sought a group of enzymes that would break down these components. To counter each of these components, we have tracked down enzymes such as wax-ester hydrolase, triglyceride lipase, squalene monooxygenase, HMG CoA Reductase and Lipoprotein Lipase. Throughout the next few weeks, we plan to find genes that we can transform bacteria with to include these enzymes. Our final product will include genes that code for many of these enzymes, increasing our chance of reducing nutrients for acne-inducing bacteria. | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
===Notebook=== | ===Notebook=== | ||
Revision as of 19:00, 21 March 2014
| You can write a background of your team here. Give us a background of your team, the members, etc. Or tell us more about something of your choosing. | |
|
Tell us more about your project. Give us background. Use this as the abstract of your project. Be descriptive but concise (1-2 paragraphs) |  Your team picture |
| Team Montgomery_Cougars_NJUSA |
| Official Team Profile |
|---|
Contents |
Team
Montgomery iGEM was created because our school does not currently offer many outlets for students to explore their passions in biological research, including pre-medicinal studies. Many students are under the impression that science is limited to the engineering aspects such as electrical and mechanical building; the goal of our team is to allow students to explore their passion for researching various scientific topics. This program aims to create the next generation of doctors, biomedical engineers and innovators in science. With the introduction of iGEM into the extracurricular community of Montgomery High School, the possibility of achieving these goals is greatly increased.
Project
The Role of P. acnes in Acen Vulgaris
People with acne tend to have more bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes in their follicles, which attract white blood cells to the follicle and cause contents of the follicle to enter the dermis. The bacteria use sebum as a source of nutrient growth. By creating an enzyme that breaks down lipids, specifically sebum, we will be able to limit the bacteria’s food supply, preventing the bacteria from attracting white blood cells and causing an inflammatory response that results in cysts and pustules, which can lead to scars.
Project Description
For the 2014 Competition season, Montgomery_Cougars_NJUSA aims to create a better solution for acne reduction. Acne is a problem that affects nearly 80% of American adolescents. Unfortunately, this widespread problem does not have a concrete solution. Proactiv, a leading acne medication company, uses salicylic acid to burn off skin and bacteria alike from the patient’s face. This method is moderately painful and is not always 100% effective. So, to combat this widespread ailment, Montgomery iGEM has decided to take a different approach.
In an effort to create a better product, we decided to produce an enzyme to break down the lipids on human skin. People with acne tend to have more bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes in their follicles, which attract white blood cells to the follicle and cause contents of the follicle to enter the dermis. The bacteria use sebum as a source of nutrient growth. By creating an enzyme that breaks down lipids, specifically sebum, we will be able to limit the bacteria’s food supply, preventing the bacteria from attracting white blood cells and causing an inflammatory response that leads to acne.
Because sebum is made of of triglyceride oils, wax, squalene, and metabolites of fat-producing cells, we sought a group of enzymes that would break down these components. To counter each of these components, we have tracked down enzymes such as wax-ester hydrolase, triglyceride lipase, squalene monooxygenase, HMG CoA Reductase and Lipoprotein Lipase. Throughout the next few weeks, we plan to find genes that we can transform bacteria with to include these enzymes. Our final product will include genes that code for many of these enzymes, increasing our chance of reducing nutrients for acne-inducing bacteria.
References
Notebook
Results/Conclusions
What did you achieve over the course of your semester?
Safety
Safety is a primary goal for our iGEM team. To ensure that everyone working on experiments follow all safety precautions, we developed a number of safety presentations about a number of topics such as personal protective equipment, aseptic technique, and laboratory practice. Finally, we ensured comprehension by administering a safety exam for all R&D members.
Attributions
Who worked on what?
Human Practices
What impact does/will your project have on the public?
Fun!
What was your favorite team snack?? Have a picture of your team mascot?
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