• •       Description
  •       Design
  •       Proof Of Concept
  •       Results
  •       Implementation
  •       Experiments
  •       Notebook
• •     Modeling
  •     Protein
• • Intergrated
  • Education
• •                         Parts
  •                         Contribution
  •                         Engineering
  •                         Collection
• •                  Safety
• •            Judging
• •           Team
  •           Attributions
  •           Collaboration
  •           Partnership
  •           Acknowledgement

   TOP

Collaboration

Content

Partenerships
Collaborations
Meetups that we attended
The meetup that we held

Partenerships

The following two teams and QHFZ-China had quite deep collaborations across this season. So we regard them as partnerships. The record is in partnership page.

Jilin_China

ZJUT_China_B

Collaborations

NEFU-China

Summary

NEFU-China and QHFZ-China helped each other a lot during this season. So we consider NEFU-China as one of our core collaborative teams. Namely, we had a one-to-one meetup to give advice to each other, in order to improve our project design. We shared gene parts and helped each other measure the parts. Besides, we help each other in some other ways.

First meeting

We knew each other via Northeastern coastal areas online Meetup at Jul. 18th, 2020. During the meetup, both teams gave a wonderful speech. QHFZ-China was very interested in NEFU-China's project (Using engineered bacteria to sweep mines) and raised several questions. For example, QHFZ-China asked how the device distinguished the number and distance of mines around it. NEFU-China gave a detailed answer.

Deep communication

QHFZ-China showed interest in NEFU-China's project and NEFU-China gave a positive response. The two team held a one-to-one meetup at Aug. 5th, 2020. During the communication, the two teams exchanged ideas, and we found that the project design of QHFZ-China can be applied to NEFU projects, so as to be our proof of concept. We designed a strategy, which would make NEFU-China's product hold a much longer shelf life. As a result, we started a further collaboration. In addition, we both threw out suggestions to each other's project. For example, QHFZ-China suggested that TNT is dangerous, so NEFU-China should take care and keep safety.

Mutual assistance of arabinose sensor

NEFU-China selflessly shared their arabinose sensor (AraC-ParaBAD-GFP) with QHFZ-China, which promoted the project of the latter. This year, QHFZ-China constructed 2 composite parts based on the vector——AraC-ParaBAD-CAHS 106094 (used to express the TDP CAHS 106094 in E. coli DH5α) and AraC-ParaBAD-mf-Lon (used to express a protease to degrade TDPs). Without the vector, the peoject of QHFZ-China would fail. In return, the result of the parts we constructed proved the modularity of the arabinose sensor.

Meanwhile, iGEM encouraged participants to measure a part in different laboratories to confirm the part's universality. We first measured the AraC-ParaBAD-GFP part, it sensitively responds to L-Arabinose, and 0.2% is the best induction concentration. What's more, we also help test other conditions: (1) the sensor could not respond to D--Arabinose; (2) D-Glucose and D-Trehalose affected it, and the affect of D-Trehalose was worse. Without doubt, the results enriched the information about the part.

Verification of QHFZ-China's bacteria storage method

This year, QHFZ-China used freee-drying to make bacteria dry powder, so that the engineered bacteria could be stored and transported at room temperature. NEFU-China thought the method was incredible. When we interviewed many other teams, they also expressed shock. To ensure the feasibility of our method, NEFU-China helped us to do the simulation. They sent us the engineered bacteria that containing TNT sensor and TDP expression module. We cultured it and made dry powder by freeze-drying. Then we packed it well and sent it back to them from Beijing to Harbin, which simulated transport at room temperature. Then they tested if the bacteria were still alive.

However, they found the bacteria could not be revived at first tries. This made both teams very nervous. Fortunately, days later, after NEFU-China tried many times, they found what was wrong and successfully recovered the bacteria powder. Through their attempt, our concept were proved by another team other than ourselves, which made our design credible. We appreciate NEFU-China's help and attempt.

Their member, Zhifu Shang, gave his experimental record to us, you can click here to see it.

We raised an idea that wvia our project design, we can help NEFU-China's engineered bacteria have a longer shelf time, so that the practicability is enhanced. NEFU-China thought the idea was very helpful (Score: 4 out of 5).

Others

The two teams also helped each other in other aspects. (1) They shared the sheets of the safety form with each other and checked each other's safety form. (2) QHFZ-China had some problems when making the subtitle for the promotion video. NEFU-China gave useful technical support.

XMU-China

QHFZ-China → XMU-China

Both XMU-China and QHFZ-China used mf-Lon protease in their projects, but the gene is not easy to synthesize. XMU-China cannot get the gene from gene synthesis corporations till September. To avoid the risk that they do not have enough time to do the downstream experiments, QHFZ-China provided them with a plasmid that can express mf-Lon to help them carry out the next experiment more smoothly.

ASTWS-China

QHFZ-China → ASTWS-China

We shared our experience about the online meetup with ASTWS-China. On August 1st, we held our meetup before them. Therefore, we gave them some suggestions, such as how to better record the information and how to exchange the ideas effectively by using some special links. They told us their concern about the coming meetup and we tried our best to help them find the solution. Hence, they held their meetup smoothly and they gave us some feedback on how we could hold our secondary meetup better. We also shared our project with each other, helping each other find more teams to collaborate with.

BNDS_China

BNDS_China → QHFZ-China

(1) In the preparation stage, Wanji Li, a senior student of BNDS_China, introduced to us the general situation of iGEM jamboree and put forward a lot of practical suggestions. For example, Wanji Li told us that we must improve our execution, which benefits us during the next few months. Wanji Li also gave some knowledge about synthetic biology. (2) To select an appropriate topic, we had an online meeting to choose one from our four optional subjects. We invited Wanji Li, the senior student of BNDS_China, to attend the meeting. Wanji Li gave us many tips. For example, he told us the subject about TDPs had a careful research and could be improved by adding other stress resistant protein in the future.

NAU-China

QHFZ-China → NAU-China

During the project investigation stage, NAU planned to use CP6 promoter this year. As we used it last year, they came and asked us about the experience. We told them that CP6 is quite a strong promoter and works well.

NAU-China → QHFZ-China

To select an appropriate topic, we had an online meeting to choose one from our four optional subjects. We invited Chengzhu Fang, a senior student of NAU-China , to attend the meeting. Chengzhu Fang gave us many tips. For example, she suggested that we should choose two topics and do a further research. 

SHSBNU_China

SHSBNU_China → QHFZ-China

To select an appropriate topic, we had an online meeting to choose one from our four optional subjects. We invited Cheng Li, the advisor of SHSBNU, to attend the meeting. He put forward a lot of practical suggestions for us. For example, he told us that in the future, our TDPs could be used to enhance the stress resistance of bacteria so that it will contribute to terraform of Mars.

SCU-China

QHFZ-China → SCU-China

QHFZ-China provided SCU-China with the information which needed for their project.

Interviews

This year, our project focuses on the storage methods of engineered bacteria out of laboratory. To measure the value of our project, we interviewed several iGEM teams. We let the team give us a score. 5 score means that our project design is extremely conducive to the practical application of their project; while 0 score means no help.

The teams that accepted our interview are: NEFU-China (score: 4), NEU_China (score: 4), ASTWS-China (score: 5), KEYSTONE (score: 5), BHSF (score: 3), BJ101HS (score: 4), QHFZ-China (2019) (score: 5), BNU-China (2019) (score: 4), BEAS_China (2019) (score: 2) and ECUST_China (2018) (score: 4).

Meetups that we attended

1) The 4th Southern China Regional Online Meeting

Attend meetings

We submitted a small video and project overview to The 4th Southern China Regional Online Meeting. In the vote stage, we did not obtain enough support, so that we did not have a chance to give a talk during the meeting. However, we attended the meeting and got a lot information about iGEM this year and other teams.

2) Northeastern coastal areas online Meetup

Attend meetings

On July 18, we participated in Northeastern coastal areas online Meetup. We actively participated in the discussion and tried our best to give advice to other teams.

Presentation

We were invited to introduce our project design during the meeting. The participants spoke highly of our design and we received the guidance of other undergrad teams and the organizing committee.

Collaboration

We realized that NEFU_China would make a kind of amazing engineered bacteria this year. As we aimed at helping store engineered bacteria this year. We began to collaborate. What's more, they gave their araC-ParaBAD gene part (arabinose sensor) to us, which helps us a lot.

3) The 7th Conference of China iGEMer Meetup

Attend meetings

Our instructor (Xing Zhang) took part in this session as the judge of CCIC national exchange meeting and put forward many suggestions for other teams.

Collaboration

ZJUT_China_B knew us via CCiC. They wanted to use TDPs to store their Cas13a protein and they are able to help us do some experiments. We decided to make a partnership this year.

Meetup that we held

Beijing International iGEMer Collaboration Seminar

Motivation

After we attended the The 4th Southern China Regional Online Meeting , we found that a meetup is quite important for iGEM teams to improve their project, presentation skill, and find collaborate partners. However, to high school teams, there were not such a meetup. So we decided to hold it in August.

Time

Aug. 1st, 2020. 8:00 a.m. ~ 12:30 p.m.

Form

Online meeting (Zoom).
Indeed, we tried to hold an offline party for a better communication. However, our teacher rejected the proposal in order to ensure safety.

Teams

There were 11 teams attending the meetup. The high school teams were BHSF, BJ101HS, BNDS_China, JNFLS, KEYSTONE, Nanjing_NFLS, NFLS, RDFZ-China and QHFZ-China. Besides, we also invited two undergrad teams to join us. They were Tsinghua and BUCT-China.

Guests

We invited the following experts to attend the meetup. They gave us advice about our project and information about iGEM 2020.
A. Tian Wang, director of development center, Tsinghua University High School
B. Hongzheng Tan, manager of research laboratory, Tsinghua University High Schoo
C. Wei Wei, associate professor of biology, Nanjing University
D. Jiabao Li, ambassador of After iGEM, 2020
E. Lu Ye, assistant to the president, and manager of STEM technological innovation center, Ulink College of Suzhou Industrial Park
F. Yuanze Liu, biology teacher, Ulink College of Suzhou Industrial Park
G. Tianze Zhou, senior iGEMer, founder and CEO of ZENO Co., Ltd.
H. Cheng Li, senior iGEMer, core member of CCiC
I. Qinglin Zeng, leader of iGEM team Tsinghua, 2020
J. Kenan Jia, a core member of iGEM team BUCT-China, 2020
K. Xing Zhang, the instructor of QHFZ-China.
L. Zhandong Jiao, leader of QHFZ-China.

Participants

The major participants were team members of the 11 teams above. However, some other teams also came as the audience, such as UCAS-China. What's more, we also released notes to attract ones that did not attend iGEM, to publicize iGEM and knowledge about synthetic biology. There were 83 people attending the meetup.

Procedure

Before the meetup, we set up a WeChat group to communicate and give notice. During the meetup, our member, Sizhe Duan, was the conductor of the meetup. After the prologue, Tian Wang and Zhandong (Bill) Jiao made a speech. Then Tianze Zhu shared some advice about experiments and human practices. Then each of the 11 teams gave a 10 minutes' talk, while the other participants and the guests offer some questions and advice. Intense Q&A lasted long. At last, the ambassador of after iGEM, Jiabao Li, shared the latest news about iGEM 2020; Wei Wei and Tianze Zhu gave a summary. As far as we know, all teams got some improvement during the meetup, and some collaborations were set up, such as KEYSTONE and BUCT-China.The timetable is shown below.

Key point: Why we are different?

A. Good preparation: after that we decided to hold a meetup. We attended Northeastern coastal areas online Meetup, and carefully studied how to hold a meetup well.
B. Unique PK rule: we realized that good communication skills are very important. However, to Chinese high school students, many did not like to express themselves. As a result, during Q&A, there are always the several outgoing ones speaking. To encourage everyone to say something, we set up a PK rule. After the talk of a team, we appointed a specific team to comment and question. The rule made the meetup very bustling and communicative.
C. Reward mechanism: we scored every team and selected the most active teams—— BJ101HS and RDFZ-China. We invited Wei Wei and Tianze Zhu to give more advice to the two teams.
D. Feedback: after the meeting, we distributed and collected a questionnaire. By it, we knew the merit and demerit of the meetup. In the future, we had a direction to improve it.
E. Serial meetups: most meetups do not pay attention to the progress of iGEM teams. However, we hope to keep a connection with the teams and offer help if some teams meet difficulties. So on Sep. 13th, we held a small online meetup again, and communicated with several teams about the problems encountered in the near future and future plans.
F. Guidance: after we held the meetup, we knew that Team ASTWS-China also wanted to hold a meetup. However, they do not have too much experience. So we had an online meeting to told all our experience to them, such as how to master time, how to deal with the poor network, how to stimulate Q&A.

We hope the meetup would not only help the 11 teams, but also give an example about how to set up an unforgettable meetup.

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