diff --git a/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx b/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx
index 4b0c8e29e7e776c66bcb627deff1cf553cba243b..9d69f5ad505ed33d3a169edfe602324a0f842ba9 100644
--- a/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx
+++ b/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx
@@ -84,6 +84,8 @@ const pics: { [key: string]: string } = {
linköping:"https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/liu2024-rund.webp",
biobank:"https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/biobank.webp",
bethel: "https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/logo-evangelisches-klinikum-bethel.webp",
+ saito:"https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/hp-makoto-saito.jpg",
+ physik:" https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/delivery/hp-uni-logo.webp",
};
/* {
@@ -155,25 +157,6 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
summary: "",
months: ""
},
- {
- title: "Prof. Dr.",
- vorname: "Kristian",
- nachnname: "Müller",
- job: "Research Group Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology",
- affiliation: "Technical Faculty of Bielefeld University",
- pictureurl: pics['kristian'],
- tag: "Academia",
- heading: "Discussion about the delivery method- AVV vs. LNPs",
- interviewtabid: "kristian",
- cardtext: "",
- language: "de",
- quote: "X",
- aimofcontact: "X",
- insights: "X",
- implementation: "X",
- summary: "",
- months: ""
- },
{
vorname: "Max",
nachnname: "Beckmann",
@@ -261,6 +244,41 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
summary: "We reached out to Max, a friend of a teammate, to gain insights into the needs and experiences of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Our discussions revealed the challenges faced by CF patients, even those in relatively good health, and emphasized the ongoing need for new treatment options. Max's candid sharing of his experiences highlighted the limitations of current modulators, the importance of lung function, and the impact of treatments on quality of life. This meeting transformed our project perspective, urging us to prioritize safety and real-world benefits in our design. Ultimately, Max's influence led us to focus on lung-targeted gene therapy instead of a diagnostic approach, reinforcing our commitment to Integrated Human Practices.",
months: "April"
},
+ {
+ title: "Prof. Dr.",
+ vorname: "Kristian",
+ nachnname: "Müller",
+ job: "Research Group Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology",
+ affiliation: "Technical Faculty of Bielefeld University",
+ pictureurl: pics['kristian'],
+ tag: "Academia",
+ heading: "Discussion about the delivery method- AVV vs. LNPs",
+ interviewtabid: "kristian",
+ cardtext: "",
+ language: "de",
+ quote: "X",
+ aimofcontact: "X",
+ insights: "X",
+ implementation: "X",
+ summary: "",
+ months: "April"
+ },
+ {
+ vorname: "Visiting fairs",
+ nachnname: "",
+ pictureurl: pics['placeholder'],
+ tag: "Other",
+ heading: "Development of a multidisciplinary team structure",
+ interviewtabid: "hannovermesse",
+ cardtext: "",
+ quote: "",
+ aimofcontact: "",
+ insights: "",
+ implementation: "",
+ type: "meta",
+ summary: "",
+ months: "April"
+ },
{
title: "Prof. Dr.",
vorname: "Wolf-Michael Weber",
@@ -304,7 +322,6 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
cardtext: "",
quote: "",
aimofcontact: "",
-
insights: "",
implementation: "",
type: "meta",
@@ -340,7 +357,6 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
cardtext: "",
quote: "",
aimofcontact: "",
-
insights: "",
implementation: "",
type: "meta",
@@ -357,7 +373,6 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
cardtext: "",
quote: "",
aimofcontact: "",
-
insights: "",
implementation: "",
type: "meta",
@@ -626,6 +641,22 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
summary: "Our discussion addressed the complexities of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatments, focusing on gene therapy and health insurance processes. We learned about the regulatory challenges gene therapies face, particularly regarding the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the AMNOG process for reimbursement assessments. Public insurers impose stricter guidelines than private insurers, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in CF and the need for adaptable policies for atypical cases. We recognized the high costs associated with gene therapies and incorporated cost-benefit analysis into our project planning. Following the interview, we refined our approach to include straightforward delivery methods and attended a GxP course for regulatory compliance. Engaging with start-ups further informed our practical implementation strategies, ensuring our project aligns with both scientific and regulatory needs.",
months: "june"
},
+ {
+ vorname: "Visiting fairs",
+ nachnname: "",
+ pictureurl: pics['placeholder'],
+ tag: "Other",
+ heading: "Development of a multidisciplinary team structure",
+ interviewtabid: "frankfurtmesse",
+ cardtext: "",
+ quote: "",
+ aimofcontact: "",
+ insights: "",
+ implementation: "",
+ type: "meta",
+ summary: "",
+ months: "june"
+ },
{
vorname: "Katrin",
nachnname: "Westhoff",
@@ -946,7 +977,8 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
insights: "The discussion was very informative in terms of how we should approach this topic and focused primarily on the important factors that need to be considered when planning the handling of patient cells. These include which legal principles need to be observed, data protection, ethical considerations and, above all, detailed and specific information for the donor. It also made us look at the situation from many different angles and consider the risks of worst-case scenarios. Overall, this interview was very useful to us, and we were able to use the information we gained to develop a kind of guideline that allowed us to approach this sensitive topic, which was new to us, with a certain degree of confidence. ",
implementation: "Based on the knowledge we have gained, we have drawn up guidelines for our handling of the cells. We used this guide when handling the patient cells, to ensure they were handled in an ethically correct manner.",
summary: "This interview focused on the ethical and legal considerations of handling patient cells, we sought to determine whether our project required an ethics vote and to gather guidelines on data protection and patient consent. The expert emphasized the importance of providing patients with a detailed consent letter and privacy policy, clearly explaining how their cells and data will be used, who will have access, and the time span involved. This conversation helped us understand key legal and ethical principles, especially regarding transparency with donors. We used these insights to develop guidelines for handling patient cells, ensuring we approached this sensitive process with confidence and ethical care.",
- months: "July"
+ months: "July",
+ pictureurl_interview:"https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/integrated-human-practices/interview-berens.webp",
},
{
vorname: "Benjamin",
@@ -1248,7 +1280,8 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
insights: [<p>Pichia pastoris (SMD1163) is a promising option for expressing SpuFz1 nickase variants. Refining expression strategies based on expert insights is crucil for success. Nils provided practical tips on yeast expression, including optimizing growth conditions and fine-tuning induction protocols.</p>],
implementation: [<p>We adapted our expression strategy for Fanzor nickases in yeast by incorporating the Pichia pastoris strain (SMD1163) and the provided expression vector into our experiments. Following Nils' detailed protocols and plasmid map, we optimized key steps, enhancing expression efficiency and protein yield.</p>],
summary: "The team sought expert advice from Nils to optimize yeast expression for Fanzor nickases. Nils provided invaluable guidance on addressing potential challenges and troubleshooting the process. He supplied the Pichia pastoris (SMD1163) strain along with a suitable expression vector, crucial for expressing SpuFz1 nickase variants. Additionally, he shared detailed protocols for yeast transformation and growth optimization, enabling the team to replicate his methods effectively for their experiments.",
- months: "July"
+ months: "July",
+
},
{
title: "M.Sc.",
@@ -1391,7 +1424,7 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
quoteVorname: "Elena",
quoteNachname: "Wiesler",
aimofcontact: [<p>In previous interviews, Max[link] and Thomas[link] shared how the psychological burden of living with cystic fibrosis weighs heavily on patients. Parents Joshua[link] and Julia[link] also emphasized that mental health challenges are a major issue for both patients and their families. This prompted us to delve deeper into the psychological, social, and medical difficulties faced by cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and their support systems. A key goal was to understand how gene therapies are perceived and how they may affect the quality of life for CF patients. We aimed to gather insights from various perspectives—patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—to ensure our project aligns with their needs and addresses the most pressing challenges.
- Given the complexity of these psychological aspects, it was crucial for us to engage with psychologists to gain a professional, expert opinion. Their input helped us better understand the mental health impacts of CF and the potential emotional adjustments required when integrating gene therapies into treatment plans. This guidance was invaluable in shaping our approach to developing a holistic solution that addresses not only the medical needs but also the emotional well-being of patients and their families. It informed our Integrated Health Program (IHP) strategy, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and community engagement, extending beyond purely scientific considerations. </p>],
+ Given the complexity of these psychological aspects, it was crucial for us to engage with psychologists to gain a professional, expert opinion. We visited the medical professionals at the klinikum bethel. Their input helped us better understand the mental health impacts of CF and the potential emotional adjustments required when integrating gene therapies into treatment plans. This guidance was invaluable in shaping our approach to developing a holistic solution that addresses not only the medical needs but also the emotional well-being of patients and their families. It informed our Integrated Health Program (IHP) strategy, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and community engagement, extending beyond purely scientific considerations. </p>],
insights: [<p>Through our discussions, several valuable insights emerged that have significantly deepened our understanding of the challenges faced by CF patients and their families:
CF patients and their families often endure immense psychological strain. Anxiety, depression, and frustration are common, exacerbated by the constant uncertainty about the disease’s progression and the effectiveness of new treatments. The emotional toll is profound—not just due to the physical burden of the illness, but also because of the hope and fear that come with emerging therapies. While new treatments bring promise, they also raise concerns about their potential success and the unknowns that accompany them.
There’s a strong sense of optimism regarding gene therapies, as they hold the potential to significantly improve both life expectancy and quality of life for CF patients. Many are eager to embrace these innovations, seeing them as a long-awaited breakthrough. However, this excitement is often mixed with concerns about side effects, the accessibility of these therapies, and their long-term effectiveness. The prospect of such treatments brings hope, but also a degree of scepticism, particularly around whether they will be accessible to all who need them.
@@ -1401,7 +1434,32 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
implementation: [<p>These findings directly influenced several key areas of the project. We adapted the project to emphasise ease of use and minimal disruption to patients' daily lives. For example, we focused on developing a therapy delivery system that was as non-invasive as possible. Recognising the mental health challenges, we integrated our project with a simple therapeutic method to reduce the mental burden on patients. We have emphasised transparency in communicating the benefits, risks and expectations of gene therapy to ensure that patients have a realistic understanding of the potential outcomes. This includes working closely with patient organisations to disseminate clear and accurate information. We are actively engaging with CF patient communities and healthcare professionals to gather ongoing feedback and ensure that the project evolves based on real patient experiences and challenges. Therefore we used our survey to gather feedback from patients and their families.
By integrating these insights, we aim to create a gene therapy project that addresses not only the medical needs, but also the emotional and practical concerns of CF patients and their families. </p>],
summary: "Our project aims to address the psychological and medical challenges faced by cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and their families, particularly regarding gene therapies. We engaged with psychologists and gathered insights from patients and caregivers, revealing significant emotional strain and a mix of optimism and concern about new treatments. Key findings highlighted the importance of psychological support and the practicality of therapies in ensuring patient engagement. In response, we are developing a user-friendly therapy delivery system that minimizes disruption to daily life while emphasizing transparent communication about treatment risks and benefits. Our goal is to create a comprehensive gene therapy solution that meets the medical and emotional needs of CF patients.",
- months: "September"
+ months: "September",
+ interview:<>
+ <QaBox q="Which psychological challenges are particularly relevant for cystic fibrosis patients?" a="Psychological problems are often a major issue for cystic fibrosis patients. Many patients experience anxiety and depression, and their parents are also often affected. This is exacerbated by the constant strain and stress associated with the disease. Special attention is therefore paid to psychological support during diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Regular screenings for anxiety and depression as well as the early involvement of parents in the treatment process are central components of care."/>
+ <QaBox q="What significance do the new therapies have for cystic fibrosis patients?" a="New therapies are ‘game changers’ for cystic fibrosis patients, as they significantly improve life expectancy and quality of life. In the past, cystic fibrosis was mainly a paediatric disease with a short life expectancy. Today, new therapies make it possible to significantly extend life expectancy and improve quality of life. Nevertheless, the disease persists, and patients still require comprehensive treatment. Improving quality of life through early and continuous therapy therefore remains of great importance."/>
+ <QaBox q="How is psychological support integrated into regular treatment?" a="Psychological support is an integral part of the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Care is taken to ensure that both patients and their families are supported at an early stage. This includes regular screenings for anxiety and depression, psycho-educational measures and, if necessary, further psychotherapeutic support. The team works on an interdisciplinary basis to ensure that all aspects of patient care are taken into account. If necessary, external help is also arranged."/>
+ <QaBox q="How is co-operation between medical specialists and psychologists improved?" a="The collaboration between medical specialists and psychologists is characterised by short communication channels and close cooperation. Specialists can exchange information quickly and make decisions together. This enables comprehensive and coordinated care for patients. Effective communication channels are already in place and this close co-operation is seen as very positive. Improvements could be achieved through additional time slots for dialogue or expanded resources."/>
+ <QaBox q="How do families react to the news of a serious diagnosis and how important is it that they receive support at an early stage?" a="Families are often shocked at first when they receive the diagnosis. They first have to come to terms with it and process it. Initially, many don't ask for psychological support straight away, although that would be helpful. It would be good if they were informed about all available resources at an early stage, even if they don't want to make use of them straight away."/>
+ <QaBox q="How does access to gene therapy affect the psychological distress of patients and families?" a="Access to gene therapy can have a significant impact on psychological distress. When therapy is effective, families often see great progress and feel relieved. But if there is no suitable therapy, many are stuck with older, less effective treatments, which can lead to frustration and a sense of disadvantage. The difference in quality of life and outlook is huge."/>
+ <QaBox q="How do patients and families feel about gene therapy compared to traditional therapies?" a="The willingness to participate in gene therapies is often high, especially if the existing therapies are not sufficient. There is a great openness to new approaches, even if they are new and possibly not yet fully tested. The hope for progress and improvement is strong, but there are also concerns and uncertainties about new therapies."/>
+ <QaBox q="What psychological challenges can arise following the introduction of new therapies?" a="New therapies not only bring relief, but also challenges. Patients and families have to adapt to a changed reality. Identity crises can occur, especially if the illness has been a big part of life for a long time. The process of adjustment and the possible feelings of alienation from the previous community can cause additional psychological stress."/>
+ <QaBox q="How important is comprehensive information and psychological support in connection with gene therapies?" a="It is extremely important that patients receive comprehensive information and psychological support. People should know what they can expect from the therapy and what adjustments might be necessary. Talking openly about possible disappointments and challenges can help them to cope better with the changes."/>
+ <QaBox q="How does the role of support groups and patient organisations influence confidence in new therapies?" a="Support groups and patient organisations are crucial for confidence in new therapies. If they are actively involved in research and provide transparent information, this strengthens patient confidence. The use of donations and the establishment of registries by such organisations creates trust and shows that there are serious efforts to improve the situation."/>
+ <QaBox q="What are the challenges in adapting therapies to different genetic mutations?" a="Adapting therapies to different genetic mutations is a major challenge. While there has been progress in the treatment of certain mutations such as Delta-F508, we are still at the beginning with others. In the long term, a modular gene therapy that is customised to the specific mutations would be ideal. It will take a lot of work to develop these therapies for all relevant mutations."/>
+ <QaBox q="How do families and patients deal with the rapid feedback on experimental therapies?" a="If you realise that a therapy is not working as expected, this is communicated very quickly. The feedback system is quite effective: either there is cause for euphoria because everything is going well, or there is bad news. This quick feedback is also reassuring because it means you don't have to be in the dark for long. You are simply grateful when you know how the therapy is going, even if it is not having the desired effect."/>
+ <QaBox q="How important is the community for cystic fibrosis sufferers?" a="The cystic fibrosis community is incredibly strong and well connected. That's really impressive. Those affected often have no other point of contact than this community to exchange information. It's a reliable source of valid information, and that's worth its weight in gold. The community is honest and realistic - there is no sugarcoating, the information is direct and well documented."/>
+ <QaBox q="What is the relationship between different specialist disciplines in the treatment of cystic fibrosis?" a="In cystic fibrosis treatment, the specialist disciplines work together as equals. At congresses, all disciplines such as physios, doctors, psychologists and nutritionists are equally represented. Everyone takes each other seriously and there is a strong interest in developing each other further. This is really exciting because it shows that everyone is working together to provide the best care."/>
+ <QaBox q="How do families deal with the challenges of therapy and the financial aspects?" a="Many families are confronted with extremely high therapy and treatment costs. There has been progress and many treatment options in Germany, but these are often expensive and not available everywhere. As a result, some families are forced to leave their home country in order to receive better medical care. This is an enormous burden and shows how unfair the distribution of resources is worldwide."/>
+ <QaBox q="How is medical care for refugees organised?" a="For refugees from countries such as Ukraine or other crisis areas, care is often a challenge. During emergency care, the children are treated as if they were German patients. But when the refugees have to return to their home countries, the therapy often ends, which is an enormous burden for the families. It is difficult for them to prepare for the future when their status is unclear, and they constantly live with the fear of being deported."/>
+ <QaBox q="How much psychological stress is caused by therapies and their implementation?" a="Therapies can be a major psychological burden, even if they have fundamentally positive effects. Regular inhalations, tablets and other treatments are often tedious and require a lot of discipline. Some patients find it extremely challenging to stick to a regular therapy schedule, especially if the therapy does not bring any immediately visible progress in the long term. It is important to be realistic about the burden of therapy, as it can have a major impact on daily life and well-being."/>
+ <QaBox q="How do patients react to new therapies and the associated challenges?" a="Many patients are open to new therapies but implementing them can be a major challenge. If a new therapy doesn't work immediately at first or even has side effects, this can be demotivating. This is particularly difficult if you have been undergoing treatment for a long time and are hoping to make great progress. The path to a better condition is often arduous and not every therapy brings the desired improvement. Nevertheless, it is important to keep going and persevere with the therapy, even if there are hard times."/>
+ <QaBox q="How much of the overall illness is psychological distress, in addition to the physical symptoms and distress from therapies?" a="The psychological part of the burden is difficult to quantify, as it varies greatly from individual to individual and is influenced by many factors. The interaction between psychological stability and physical health is considerable, as psychological stress can impair self-care and thus physical health. At different stages of life, the psychological component can vary. For example, it can increase during puberty and young adulthood. The psychological component is therefore not small and varies depending on the individual situation and phase of life."/>
+ <QaBox q="How is the visibility of the disease assessed through projects such as MukoMove or projects for children?" a="The visibility of the disease through such projects can be helpful in raising awareness. With rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis, the disease often remains abstract if there are no people directly affected nearby. Educational projects such as MukoMove can help children develop a better understanding of the disease, even if the impact is limited if there are no direct points of reference. However, it can be helpful if patients themselves explain their disease in schools or classes, as this provides direct and personal insights."/>
+ <QaBox q="What are important aspects of designing a gene therapy project so that it is viewed positively by cystic fibrosis patients?" a="When designing a gene therapy project, care should be taken to minimise the practical hurdles. The therapy"/>
+ <QaBox q="What tips can be given to improve the accessibility and acceptance of projects or therapies in cystic fibrosis patients? " a="It is important to ensure the accessibility of projects and that they are practical to implement. The burden on patients should be minimised. This includes ensuring that the therapy is not only effective but also as pleasant as possible. In addition, communication about the progress of the therapy should be transparent and understandable to build trust and make it clear to patients how they can benefit from the new developments. "/>
+ </>,
+ pictureurl_aim:"https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/integrated-human-practices/on-our-way-to-interview-psychologists.webp",
},
{
title: "Dr.",
@@ -1409,7 +1467,7 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
nachnname: "Saito",
job: "Postdoc",
affiliation: "Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard",
- pictureurl: pics['placeholder'],
+ pictureurl: pics['saito'],
tag: "Academia",
heading: "",
interviewtabid: "saito",
@@ -1418,8 +1476,35 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
aimofcontact: "The aim of the interview was to gain deeper insights into the topic of protein engineering, especially with regard to Fanzor (SpuFz) and to get feedback on our existing approaches for possible nickases, as well as for the planned nickase assay. ",
insights: "The interview provided the iGEM team with valuable advice regarding their Prime Editing project and especially on their planned nickase assay. Dr Saito gave detailed feedback on technical challenges, especially with protein expression in E. coli, and suggested switching to yeast for better results. He also encouraged the team to plan carefully, given the project's complexity, and offered guidance on future experiments.  ",
implementation: "We have adapted our planned nickase assay according to Dr Saito's advice and changed it accordingly to expression of the RNP complex using yeast.",
- summary: "",
- months: ""
+ summary: "The interview aimed to gain insights into protein engineering, particularly regarding Fanzor (SpuFz), and to get feedback on potential nickases and a planned nickase assay. Dr. Saito provided valuable advice, suggesting the use of yeast for protein expression over E. coli due to technical challenges and encouraged careful planning. Based on his feedback, the iGEM team has adapted their nickase assay to express the RNP complex in yeast, aligning with Dr. Saito's recommendations.",
+ months: "august",
+ interview:<>
+ <QaBox q="Are you familiar with iGEM, by the way?" a="Of course, I know it."/>
+ <QaBox q="Did you participate yourself at some point?" a="Unfortunately, I didn't. I belong to an earlier generation. iGEM actually started relatively recently."/>
+ <QaBox q="We thought for the structure of the interview, we would start by giving you a brief overview of our project so far to familiarize you with it. Then, we’ll move on to the questions. Is that okay?" a="Yes, of course, please go ahead."/>
+ <QaBox q="We've been working on this project for more than half a year now. It began because one of our team members has a friend with cystic fibrosis. That got us interested in the topic. We started by investigating how gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 could be applied to cystic fibrosis. Then, we explored prime editing and considered if it could be used for this disease or adapted for other applications. Initially, we wondered if we could make prime editing more compact, especially since delivery is challenging due to its large complex size. We looked into various delivery methods, including AAVs (Adeno-Associated Viruses). Our first approach was to explore alternative nickases and possibly engineer new ones. That's how we came across your research – Fanzor. We also considered other candidates like CasX. Are you familiar with CasX?" a="Yes, I am."/>
+ <QaBox q="We're also experimenting with changes to the editing complex itself. In addition, we aim to deliver the editing complex using nanoparticles. We chose to focus on the lungs, hoping that targeting this area would reduce the need for AAV viruses, making the delivery less immunogenic and not as limited by size." a="So, in this iGEM project, you're working on both reducing the size of the prime editor and developing nanoparticles for delivery?"/>
+ <QaBox q="Yes, that’s the plan. Before we start with the main questions, how much time do you have? Is half an hour okay?" a="No problem, half an hour is fine."/>
+ <QaBox q="Great! Then, let’s start with the first question. Our approach to modifying the endonuclease FANZOR started with understanding its mechanism. Could we go over this mechanism with you to ensure we understood it correctly?" a="Of course, please go ahead."/>
+ <QaBox q="As we understand it, the FANZOR protein has different domains, including the RuvC and the NUC domain. The RuvC domain cuts the DNA after binding. Is that correct?" a="Actually, we don't call this domain the NUC domain anymore. In the past, about eight years ago, researchers thought it was a nuclease domain, called the 'NUC' domain. However, now we know that this domain itself does not have catalytic activity. We call it the TNB domain, derived from the protein's ancestor, TNPB."/>
+ <QaBox q="I see. Thank you for clarifying. We also noticed that Cas9 has two catalytic domains, which allow for mutation of one or two of them to create a nickase, making single-strand cuts. Is this similar with Cas12 elements?" a="It's a bit more complicated with Cas12. This project, in particular, is very advanced and involves understanding the nuances of these domains. The paper on Cas12 prime editing discusses how mutations can affect functionality. In FANZOR, you might be able to attempt similar mutations, though I haven't personally tried them."/>
+ <QaBox q="That aligns with our thinking. We recently looked at a paper describing the engineering of Cas12a into a nickase. Our approach involves investigating similar patterns in FANZOR. For example, we identified two key amino acids — glutamine and arginine — that appear to interact with the DNA." a="I agree that targeting specific domains is a potential approach. However, altering an enzyme to gain a new function is challenging. The Cas12a paper provides a path forward by showing how certain domains can be mutated to create nickases. Actually, this project is really important and at the forefront of science. Researchers worldwide are working on developing smaller CRISPR-Cas-like prime editors."/>
+ <QaBox q="That’s awesome to hear, thank you for this feedback. We plan to test this concept. One of our ideas is to mutate specific amino acids in the TNB domain of FANZOR to see if it changes its functionality. We have ordered these different versions of FANZOR." a="That’s a reasonable approach. However, be cautious. If the mutation destabilizes the protein, it might not be expressed correctly. But it's worth trying, as the outcome can vary depending on the mutation and the protein."/>
+ <QaBox q="Yes, we are aware of that risk. We’re also planning to use in vitro assays to test our candidates. We designed guide RNAs and will use gel electrophoresis to analyze the results, looking for nicking or double-strand cuts." a="Interesting. Are you planning to purify each candidate protein?"/>
+ <QaBox q="Yes, but we cannot use yeast, so we will try producing the proteins in E. coli and then purify them. We’ll combine them with in vitro-transcribed omega RNA. Do you think that would work?" a="It might not work with E. coli for FANZOR. In our experience, E. coli cannot produce the holoenzyme of FANZOR without its associated RNA. We initially tried E. coli but then switched to yeast, which allowed us to obtain functional protein-RNA complexes."/>
+ <QaBox q="That’s valuable insight. Is the reason E. coli fails because it cannot properly form the protein-RNA complex?" a="Possibly. The exact reason isn’t clear, but we found that only in yeast, where the protein and RNA are co-expressed from their native loci, could we obtain a functional complex. We also tried replicating this setup in E. coli, but it didn't work."/>
+ <QaBox q="This is really helpful information. We will consider switching to yeast. Do you have any advice on how to quickly transition our approach from E. coli to yeast?" a="You can certainly use yeast. It’s not too difficult. You could order the plasmids from Addgene and start culturing yeast. Does your iGEM team have the ability to work with yeast?"/>
+ <QaBox q="Yes, we can. We've just never worked with yeast before because it seemed easier to use E. coli. But it’s good to know that it’s manageable." a="Yes, it is. We used a yeast strain called BCY123, which contains the galactose induction system. For protein induction in yeast, this system is necessary. If you use another yeast strain, make sure it has the capability for galactose induction."/>
+ <QaBox q="Got it, we will consider using Gibson assembly. Once we clone our mutation candidates into your plasmid, we’ll express the RNA-protein complex in yeast and purify it from there. Is that correct?"
+ a="Yes, that's the right approach. The plasmid we used has an MBP-tag for purification, which works better than a His-tag. It avoids the high background that His-tags often introduce." />
+ <QaBox q="Thank you for this advice. We also have a question about the yeast strain you used, BCY123. Is it crucial to use this specific strain, or could we use an alternative as long as it supports galactose induction?"
+ a="In theory, you can use any yeast strain that allows galactose induction. However, I recommend following the working protocol with BCY123 since it has already been proven to work. It’s the safest way to ensure consistency in your experiments." />
+ <QaBox q="Perfect, thank you very much for all your detailed answers! That would be it for the interview, it was a pleasure getting to know you!"
+ a="Thank you! I’ll be in Tokyo at RIKEN, one of the top science institutes in Japan. If you know any German students interested in coming to Japan, please let them know. We have various opportunities for internships or short stays." />
+ <QaBox q="That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you so much for your time and valuable insights."
+ a="My pleasure. I wish you the best of luck with your project. Feel free to reach out anytime. Goodbye!" />
+ </>,
+ pictureurl_interview:"https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/integrated-human-practices/saito.webp",
},
{
title: "M.Sc.",
@@ -1445,12 +1530,11 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
months: "september"
},
{
- title: "",
vorname: "",
nachnname: "",
- job: "",
- affiliation: "",
- pictureurl: pics['placeholder'],
+ job: "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry working group of ",
+ affiliation: "Bielefeld University",
+ pictureurl: pics['physik'],
tag: "Academia",
heading: "",
interviewtabid: "biophysik",
@@ -1530,7 +1614,7 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [
job: "GXP ",
affiliation: "Expert",
pictureurl: pics['gxpexpert'],
- tag: "Academia",
+ tag: "Industry",
heading: "Deep Dive into Good Practise, GxP ",
interviewtabid: "gxpexpert",
cardtext: "",