Written By: Deana Chang
Introduction
Beneath the turquoise waters that beckon us with their beauty lies a devastating reality: coral reefs, once teeming with life and radiant hues, are facing an unprecedented crisis. Climate change, overfishing, coral bleaching are all contributing to the dramatic decline of these intricate ecosystems. These once strikingly beautiful underwater gardens providing food and habitat to 25% of marine life, are now ghostly white skeletons, devoid of life and vitality. The decline of these reefs is unfolding before our eyes, resulting in far-reaching consequences like biodiversity loss, fisheries collapse, reduced coastal protection, tourism decline, and economic losses. Preserving coral reefs through sustainable practices and conservation efforts is essential to prevent these negative impacts on marine ecosystems and human communities.
Motivated by the urgency of the situation, the Cure-All Reefs team has resolved to take proactive measures. Recent scientific research has brought to light the promising benefits of probiotics in rejuvenating coral health. Studies conducted by Rosado et al. (2018) and Arne Olsén et al. (1998) have revealed that probiotics can play a vital role in strengthening corals and combating coral diseases. However, despite their potential, a significant challenge remains: the lack of an efficient and sustainable mechanism for delivering probiotics to coral reefs. Currently, plastic wrappings are being utilized as a means of delivering probiotics, as they help increase the probiotic retention by enclosing them next to the coral. Unfortunately, this approach is neither effective nor environmentally sustainable, as highlighted in the article "For Diseased Corals, New Probiotic Treatments Come in Bags and Pastes" (2018).
In response to this challenge, the Cure-All Reef team is currently developing an innovative and efficient probiotic delivery mechanism by harnessing the adhesive properties of biofilm. By combining the probiotic solution with biofilms, a living cell bioadhesive is created; enabling direct application onto corals. This cutting-edge approach not only provides a scalable and effective solution for probiotic delivery but also significantly reduces its environmental footprint.
What is iGEM?
iGEM offers students a unique platform to explore and apply the principles of synthetic biology. This international competition encourages participants to tackle real-life issues using engineered bacteria. Recognizing the alarming decline in coral reef populations, our team has made a deliberate decision to focus on preserving these invaluable ecosystems.
Our Project Explained
During our project, we encountered several challenges while working with biofilms. One concern we had was whether the corals would be negatively affected by the abundance of biofilm produced. We also questioned the potential harm that could arise if our engineered bacteria drifted away from the corals and entered the ocean. However, the key lies in the design of the bacteria itself.
To enable precise control of their capabilities, we genetically engineered E. coli with biofilm-producing abilities. We also prioritized biosafety by designing the metJ regulatory protein and incorporating quorum sensing mechanisms into our kill switch.
Balancing Biofilm and Biosafety
One of the initial concerns we faced was potentially suffocating corals due to excessive biofilm production. To address this, we incorporated a regulatory protein called metJ into our bacteria. This protein plays a crucial role in controlling the rate of biofilm production. When the biofilm production rate becomes too high, the metJ regulatory protein kicks in and decreases the production rate, ensuring that corals are not overwhelmed by the biofilm.
Ensuring the safety of our bacteria and preventing any additional harm to the ocean was another vital aspect of our project. To achieve this, we implemented a biosafety mechanism utilizing quorum sensing, which is a communication system used by bacteria to coordinate their actions. In simple terms, it acts like a signaling system, allowing bacteria to sense and respond to the presence of others in their environment.
Within our engineered bacteria, we designed a quorum sensing system that activates a "kill switch" in specific conditions. Each bacterium is induced with a toxin, but when the population density of bacteria reaches a high level, they release autoinducers, signaling the presence of other bacteria nearby. This increased autoinducer concentration leads to the production of antitoxins, neutralizing the toxin's effects.
Conversely, when the population density of bacteria is low, no autoinducers are received, triggering the activation of the kill switch. In this scenario, the toxin is produced, effectively eliminating the bacteria. This mechanism ensures that the engineered bacteria remain under control and do not persist in the environment without a sufficient population density, thus minimizing any potential harm to the ocean.
By incorporating the metJ regulatory protein and implementing a biosafety mechanism based on quorum sensing, we have taken significant steps to address the concerns of biofilm suffocation and the potential harm to the ocean. These measures ensure a balanced approach in preserving coral reefs while prioritizing their well-being and the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Conclusion
In the face of the rapid decline of coral reefs, we find ourselves standing at a crossroad of responsibility and opportunity. Now is the time to act, for these fragile ecosystems are not just underwater wonders but essential pillars of our planet's health and balance. We hold the power to protect and restore them, but it starts with spreading awareness. To help us in our mission to spread awareness about coral reef conservation, we kindly request your assistance. If you have any connections or resources that could aid our cause, please consider reaching out to us via email gems.taiwan@gems.com.tw. Your support and collaboration would be greatly appreciated as we work together to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems.
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