diff --git a/wiki/pages/description.html b/wiki/pages/description.html index b2676d77e54c12d72a533404d0b84b2cede05af3..ef661b782a40abb733df6ef0ec2538a5274f4f04 100644 --- a/wiki/pages/description.html +++ b/wiki/pages/description.html @@ -21,37 +21,43 @@ <div class="col-lg-8"> <h2>The Problem of UV Radiation</h2> <hr> - <p> UV radiation poses a threat to many populations, from astronauts to marine organisms, in the form of DNA damage in cells. The primary sources of UV radiation are the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds, mercury-vapor lighting, and certain types of lasers. UV radiation is divided into three types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Among these, UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (290-320 nm) reach the Earth's surface, while UVC (100-290 nm) is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not penetrate the atmosphere. When astronauts are in space, there is no atmosphere to protect them from the UVC, posing an immediate threat to humans for space exploration [1].</p> + <p> UV radiation poses a threat to many populations, from astronauts to marine organisms, in the form of DNA damage in cells. The primary sources of UV radiation are the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds, mercury-vapor lighting, and certain types of lasers. UV radiation is divided into three types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Among these, UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (290-320 nm) reach the Earth's surface, while UVC (100-290 nm) is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not penetrate the atmosphere. When astronauts are in space, there is no atmosphere to protect them from the UVC, posing an immediate threat to humans for space exploration [1]. </p> <p> The UV radiation may then cause DNA damage, which could lead to harmful mutations that interfere with normal cellular processes [5]. The problem of UV radiation is particularly common and severe in regions with high sun exposure, such as equatorial zones and areas with reduced ozone concentration. Ozone depletion has exacerbated the problem, leading to increased UVB levels, which are more biologically harmful than UVA. This increase in UV radiation poses significant health risks, including skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, has seen rising incidence rates globally, correlating with increased UV exposure [2]. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also prevalent and linked to cumulative UV exposure [3]. </p> <p> Apart from human health, UV radiation affects ecosystems, particularly marine life. Phytoplankton, which forms the base of the aquatic food web, are susceptible to UV-induced damage, leading to potential disruptions in marine biodiversity and food resources. Terrestrial ecosystems are not immune, as UV radiation can affect plant growth, development, and photosynthesis, ultimately impacting crop yields and food security [4]. </p> - </div> - <div class="col-lg-4"> - <h2>References</h2> - <hr> - <ul> - <li> 1. Diffey, B. L. (2002). "Sources and measurement of ultraviolet radiation." Methods, 28(1), 4-13. </li> - <li>A detailed explanation of why your team chose to work on this particular project.</li> - <li>References and sources to document your research.</li> - <li>Use illustrations and other visual resources to explain your project.</li> - </ul> - </div> -</div> -<div class="row mt-4"> - <div class="col-lg-8"> + <br> + <h2>Current Solutions</h2> <hr> <p> Preventive measures have primarily focused on minimizing exposure to harmful UV rays. Sunscreen formulations, which contain UV-filtering compounds, represent a widely adopted approach to protect human skin. Advances in sunscreen technology have led to the development of broad-spectrum formulations that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. These formulations typically contain organic compounds like oxybenzone and avobenzone, as well as inorganic filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide [6]. Public health campaigns emphasizing the importance of sunscreen use, protective clothing, and shade have been instrumental in reducing UV-related health risks [7]. </p> <p> In the field of material science, UV-stabilizing additives have been incorporated into polymers and coatings to enhance their resistance to UV-induced degradation. These additives, such as hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) and UV absorbers, work by scavenging free radicals and absorbing UV radiation, respectively [8]. The automotive and construction industries have particularly benefited from these advancements, as UV-stabilized materials demonstrate prolonged durability and aesthetic preservation under outdoor exposure. </p> <p> Biological approaches have also been explored, particularly in the context of DNA repair mechanisms. The discovery of photolyases, enzymes that repair UV-induced DNA damage using light energy, has opened avenues for biotechnological applications. Photolyase-based treatments, although still in experimental stages, hold promise for mitigating UV-induced genetic damage in cells [9]. </p> - </div> + <br> -<div class="row mt-4"> - <div class="col-lg-8"> <h2>Our Approach</h2> <hr> - <p> We plan to determine what genes are most efficient for initiating DNA repair in humans. These would include genes that code proteins involved in DNA-repair complexes, and genes that code transcription factors for such complexes. There are certain existing organisms that have evolved strong resistance to DNA damage by UV radiation, and we will be specifically investigating the molecular basis of these defense mechanisms. One DNA repair mechanism that we will be investigating and potentially exploiting is Nucleotide Excision Repair, especially that of Global Genome Repair (known as GG-NER). This is a highly conserved mechanism that is common in all three domains of life, and it has been found in both humans and bacteria such as E. Coli. Once we have determined the specific necessary proteins and their gene sequences, we test their effectiveness in bacteria in the lab. </p> - <p> In the lab, we will compare DNA damage and repair efficiency in wild-type versus genetically modified strains of E. Coli exposed to equal amounts of UV radiation (mimicking the conditions in space). We will use synthetic biology to bioengineer a plasmid to act as a vector for DNA repair-inducing genes. Certain tests will be necessary to ensure bacteria viability and success of transformation before we use COMET assays to detect DNA damage. </p> - <p> If this is successful, we plan to insert this plasmid into commensal bacteria that is commonly found in human biota, specifically Staphylococcus Epidermidis for skin protection, and Lactobacillus for internal protection. These bacteria can be applied as treatments via lotion for the skin and probiotic food such as yogurt for internal protection. </p> - </div> + <p> For our project, we decided to focus on maximizing the ability of photolyase to repair common types of DNA damage, particularly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4) photoproducts, within human skin cells. We plan to combine a cell penetrating peptide (specifically the TAT peptide from the HIV virus), a nuclear localization signal (from the SV40 Large T-antigen), and either a 6-4 photolyase protein (from Arabidopsis thaliana) or a CPD photolyase protein (from zebrafish) in one fusion protein, with linker sequences between each component to allow the protein to fold properly. The cell penetrating peptide will allow the fusion protein to enter the cell through ionic interactions with the cell membrane [11]. Then, the NLS will guide the protein to the nucleus, which will be the main location of the DNA damage. [12]. Finally, the photolyase protein, depending on whether it is CPD photolyase or 6-4 photolyase, will repair a certain kind of DNA damage caused by UV radiation [13]. We will be using the common linker amino acid sequence GGGGS in between the three parts [14]. </p> + <p> By combining these three components, we can create a system where the protein can be produced by bacteria and enter the cell on its own. It will then be able to repair the DNA damage caused by UV radiation itself rather than merely preventing it, as opposed to the pre existing approaches to this issue. We plan to incorporate this fusion protein in a balm or topical treatment that, in combination with preventative measures, will protect both astronauts and people on Earth from the growing problem of UV radiation. </p> + </div> + <div class="col-lg-4"> + <h2>References</h2> + <hr> + <ul> + <li>1. Diffey, B. L. (2002). "Sources and measurement of ultraviolet radiation." Methods, 28(1), 4-13. </li> + <li>2. Armstrong, B. K., & Kricker, A. (2001). The epidemiology of UV induced skin cancer. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 63(1-3), 8-18. </li> + <li>3. Madronich, S., & de Gruijl, F. R. (1993). Skin cancer and UV radiation. Nature, 366(6450), 23-28. </li> + <li>4. Häder, D. P., Kumar, H. D., Smith, R. C., & Worrest, R. C. (2007). Effects of solar UV radiation on aquatic ecosystems and interactions with climate change. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 6(3), 267-285</li> + <li>5. Yu, SL., Lee, SK. Ultraviolet radiation: DNA damage, repair, and human disorders. Mol. Cell. Toxicol. 13, 21–28 (2017).</li> + <li>6. Kullavanijaya, P., & Lim, H. W. (2005). Photoprotection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 52(6), 937-958.</li> + <li>7. Mills, A., & Le Hunte, S. (1997). An overview of semiconductor photocatalysis. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 108(1), 1-35.</li> + <li>8. Mackay, I. M. (2004). Real-time PCR in the microbiology laboratory. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 10(3), 190-212.</li> + <li>9. Furukawa, S., Nagamatsu, A., Nenoi, M., Fujimori, A., Kakinuma, S., Katsube, T., Wang, B., Tsuruoka, C., Shirai, T., Nakamura, A. J., Sakaue-Sawano, A., Miyawaki, A., Harada, H., Kobayashi, M., Kobayashi, J., Kunieda, T., Funayama, T., Suzuki, M., Miyamoto, T., . . . Takahashi, A. (2020). Space radiation biology for "Living in space." BioMed Research International, 2020, 1-25.</li> + <li>10. Choi, H., Stathatos, E., & Dionysiou, D. D. (2006). Sol–gel preparation of mesoporous photocatalytic TiO2 films and TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes for environmental applications. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 63(1-2), 60-67.</li> + <li>11. Vives, E., Richard, J., Rispal, C., & Lebleu, B. (2003). TAT peptide internalization: Seeking the mechanism of entry. Current Protein & Peptide Science, 4(2), 125-132.</li> + <li>12. Kalderon, D., Roberts, B. L., Richardson, W. D., & Smith, A. E. (1984). A short amino acid sequence able to specify nuclear location. Cell, 39(3), 499-509.</li> + <li>13. Liu, Z., Wang, L., & Zhong, D. (2015). Dynamics and mechanisms of DNA repair by photolyase. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 17(18), 11933-11949.</li> + <li>14. Trinh, R., Gurbaxani, B., Morrison, S. L., & Seyfzadeh, M. (2004). Optimization of codon pair use within the (GGGGS)3 linker sequence results in enhanced protein expression. Molecular Immunology, 40(10), 717-722.</li> + </ul> + </div> +</div> {% endblock %}