Literature-Based Redesign of CMV Reporter Construct
For our bio-sensor or reporter design, we built upon the existing iGEM part BBa_J433000, which contains the full CMV enhancer-promoter region commonly used for strong constitutive expression in mammalian systems.
After reviewing literature on the regulatory mechanisms of the CMV promoter, we identified that the enhancer region upstream of the promoter is responsible for maintaining high basal activity, which may mask subtle transcriptional changes in stress-responsive systems. To improve specificity and dynamic range for our assay, we proposed a modified construct by:
- Removing the CMV enhancer sequence upstream of the promoter to generate a minimal CMV (minCMV) backbone that reduces to basal activity.
- Inserting an Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) sequence in place of the enhancer. The ARE motif is a known binding site for the Nrf2 transcription factor, which is activated under oxidative and electrophilic stress.
- Linking this regulatory region to the EGFP reporter gene, allowing fluorescence to be induced when Nrf2 binds to the ARE element upon exposure to oxidative stressors such as hydroquinone.
ARE-minCMV-EGFP construct design
Using in silico cloning tool SnapGene, we inserted the designed ARE-minCMV-EGFP fragment into the pGGAselect vector. The pGGAselect is used in mammalian Golden Gate assembly. This design step prepares the construct for subsequent insertion into a mammalian expression plasmid and measurement of the fluorescence in response to oxidative stressors such as hydroquinone.
SnapGene cloning design in pGGAselect vector
Although we did not experimentally validate the construct due to time limitations this year, we hope that our contribution provides a literature-supported design blueprint and modular sequence map for future iGEM teams working with stress-responsive or mammalian biosensor systems.
Beyond the Bench: 3D Braille Stickers
At iGEM, we learned that contributing to science goes beyond generating data. It's about making synthetic biology and innovation accessible, inclusive, and meaningful to all. Recognizing that the iGEM community values creativity and generosity in knowledge, we thought our 3D stickers would be a very meaningful contribution that addresses a common yet neglected social challenge.
Our Motivation
Through our outreach events, we met visually impaired and blind students in Shymkent, Kazakhstan and discovered the daily difficulties they face when using personal care products. All shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, and creams do not have Braille labeling, making it sometimes challenging for visually impaired individuals to distinguish between them independently. We realized that accessibility is a form of empowerment and that everyone deserves to use high-quality products confidently.
To address this, we designed and 3D-printed Braille stickers that can be attached to personal care items. Each sticker includes Braille markings indicating the product type (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand cream), allowing users to identify products safely and easily.
To bring this idea to life, we collaborated with Telli, one of Kazakhstan's first GMP-certified cosmetics manufacturers. We applied our Braille stickers to their donated products and distributed them to 29 visually impaired and blind students in the specialised school. This initiative not only increased accessibility but also strengthened awareness among local companies and students about inclusive design.
To learn more about our inclusivity initiatives, visit the Inclusivitypage
Met the CEO of Telli at their official cosmetics store in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Why Is It a Contribution?
We believe our project demonstrates how iGEMers can extend innovation beyond the laboratory to make everyday life more inclusive. By sharing our 3D stickers and usage instructions, we hope to inspire future teams to adapt or expand our idea, for instance, by developing tactile or scent-based product identifiers, or extending this idea to medicine packaging.
The process of creating 3D stickers for the products
Insights and Call to Future Teams
Many of us hesitate to ask questions about disability or accessibility, fearing we might say something wrong or unintentionally hurt someone's feelings. Through this project, we learned that open and respectful curiosity is welcomed. The students we met wanted to share their experiences and were excited to discuss how science and design could make their lives easier.
We encourage future iGEM teams to step beyond hesitation and start conversations with people in their communities. By asking genuine questions and listening to diverse perspectives, we can discover challenges that often go unnoticed and transform them into opportunities for innovation.