Virginia/Projects/2
From 2007.igem.org
Bacterial Melanogenesis
We have designed a light-inducible system in E. coli capable of manufacturing and secreting melanin. This biological machine is built from two standard biological parts, a melanin generator and a red light-inducible plasmid.
Motivation and References
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. Due to its natural defense mechanism, skin must first be exposed to UV radiation before melanogenesis begins. Thus, we thought it would be convienient to be able to produce melanin in response to another harmless wavelength. This technology may, in the future, lead to treatments for albinism and a safe alternative for cosmetic tanning. Additionally, melanin may be used as a natural indicator in the laboratory as well as an acoustic material. According to a study by Kono, et. al., melanin is capable of absorbing ultrasound.
Background
The process of tanning originates in specialized cells called melanocytes. When stimulated by ultraviolet radiation, these cells produce melanin, which then migrates to the neighboring keratinocytes, producing a tan color. Though there are many types of melanin, they all contain derivatives of the amino acid tyrosine.
Wu, Corrina. Unraveling the Mystery of Melanin. Sept 18, 1999. Vol 156 No 12 Pg 190.
Biobrick design
Include plasmid diagrams.
Methods and Materials
methods of measurement
Results and Conclusions
TBD
