HEKcite

Project Summary

As part of the KU Leuven 2017 iGEM team, we genetically engineered a single cell capable of measuring concentrations of many biomolecules. I was the originator of the idea and led the scientific component of the project, including patch-clamp experiments. The inspiration came from the sinus node in the heart– a small group of cells that have a fixed frequency of electrical membrane oscillations that adapts to molecules such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and acetylcholine in seconds.

We proved that with only three genetically transfected ion channel expressions, you could create a stable rythm in a single cell. We further showed that by affecting the channels responsible for slow repolarization (HCN), you could affect the frequency of oscillation. In theory, you could transfect this cell with a 4th ion channel that is targeted at the specific biomolecule you want to measure, such as blood glucose sensitive ion channels found in the pancreas, and create a single cell biosensor for almost any molecule.

In three months, we went from idea to an in-silico proof of concept and in-vitro results. Our team won the “Best New Application Project” at the international jamboree, beating over 20 other university teams in its track.