Team:Tokyo-NoKoGen/Project/lux operon

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<h3>What is bioluminescence ?</h3>
<h3>What is bioluminescence ?</h3>
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Bioluminescence is visible light emission in living organisms mediated by an enzyme catalyst. The bioluminescence has been observed in many different organisms including bacteria, fungi, fish, insects, algae, and squid.(1)
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 Bioluminescence is visible light emission in living organisms mediated by an enzyme catalyst. The bioluminescence has been observed in many different organisms including bacteria, fungi, fish, insects, algae, and squid.(1)
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<h3>lux system</h3>
<h3>lux system</h3>
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Lux operon codes for bacterial luciferase subunit (luxAB) and the fatty acid reductase polypeptide (luxCDE) that is responsible for the biosynthesis of the aldehyde substrate for luminescent reaction.
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 Lux operon codes for bacterial luciferase (<I>luxAB</I>) and the fatty acid reductase complex (<I>luxCDE</I>) that is responsible for the biosynthesis of the aldehyde substrate for luminescent reaction.
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The luxA and luxB gene code for α and β subunit of luciferase. Bacterial luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMNH<sub>2</sub>) and long-chain fatty aldehyde resulting in the emission of a blue-green light.(1)
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 The <I>luxA</I> and <I>luxB</I> code for α and β subunit of luciferase. Bacterial luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMNH<sub>2</sub>) and long-chain fatty aldehyde resulting in the emission of a blue-green light.(1)
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The luxCDE genes are required for conversion of fatty acid into long chain aldehyde.
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The <I>luxCDE</I> are required for conversion of fatty acid into long chain aldehyde.
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luxC : reductase  
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<I>luxC</I> : reductase  
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luxD : transferase  
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<I>luxD</I> : transferase  
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luxE :  synthase
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<I>luxE</I> :  synthase
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the luxG gene which codes for flavin reductase is very closely linked to the luxE gene  
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the <I>luxG</I> which codes for flavin reductase is very closely linked to the <I>luxE</I> gene  
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<I>P. phosphoreum</I> (NCMB844) is known that the luminescence intensity is brightest of other strains. (2)
<I>P. phosphoreum</I> (NCMB844) is known that the luminescence intensity is brightest of other strains. (2)
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But maximum luminescence levels require lower temperatures than the other luminescent species, because this species live in the deeper waters of the ocean. (2)
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 But maximum luminescence levels require lower temperatures than the other luminescent species, because this species live in the deeper waters of the ocean. (2)
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<h4>Construction of biobrick</h4>
<h4>Construction of biobrick</h4>
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Original lux gene from <I>P. phosphoreum</I> has three biobrick restriction sites.
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Original lux gene from <I>P. phosphoreum</I> has three illegal restriction sites.
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/9/9d/Spetoka.png" height="20%" width="80%"/></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/9/9d/Spetoka.png" height="20%" width="80%"/></div>
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First, we constructed arabinose inducible lux gene biobrick.
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First, we tried to construct arabinose inducible lux gene biobrick.
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<h4>Evaluation</h4>
<h4>Evaluation</h4>
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We first investigate the best culturing condition.<br>
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 We first investigate the best culturing condition.<br>
Transformed <I>E coli</I>. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was inoculated into 100 mL LB medium. When OD660 of the culture became 0.6, arabinose(0.25% f.c.) was added to induce and expressed the lux proteins at different temperature(20 ℃ and 30 ℃). After induction, the 500 μL of culture was harvested at certain time and measured light intensity and OD by plate reader.
Transformed <I>E coli</I>. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was inoculated into 100 mL LB medium. When OD660 of the culture became 0.6, arabinose(0.25% f.c.) was added to induce and expressed the lux proteins at different temperature(20 ℃ and 30 ℃). After induction, the 500 μL of culture was harvested at certain time and measured light intensity and OD by plate reader.
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<H4>Result and discussion</h4>
<H4>Result and discussion</h4>
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Here, we show the result. It is suggested that at lower temperature(20 ℃), lux operon from <I>P. phosphoreum kishitanii</I> can emit brighter light  than at 30 ℃.
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 Here, we show the result. It is suggested that at lower temperature(20 ℃), lux operon from <I>P. phosphoreum kishitanii</I> can emit brighter light  than at 30 ℃.<br>
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However, since we first measured the intensity of the light at 3 hours after induction, there is still possibility that the <I>E. coli</I> cultured at 30 ℃ emitted brighter light within 3 hours.   
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 However, since we first measured the intensity of the light at 3 hours after induction, there is still possibility that the <I>E. coli</I> cultured at 30 ℃ emitted brighter light within 3 hours.   
To check the change of light intensity within 3 hours from induction, we operated another experiment. In this time, we measured the intensity every 30 minutes until 3 hours.
To check the change of light intensity within 3 hours from induction, we operated another experiment. In this time, we measured the intensity every 30 minutes until 3 hours.
   
   
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The figure below shows the result of second experiment. As we supposed, the intensity of the light emitted by <I>E. coli</I> cultured at 30 ℃ came to its peak within 3 hours. Yet, the peak intensity was much lower than that of 20 ℃. Then we concluded that 20 ℃ is better to express this lux operon.
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 The figure below shows the result of second experiment. As we supposed, the intensity of the light emitted by <I>E. coli</I> cultured at 30 ℃ came to its peak within 3 hours. Yet, the peak intensity was much lower than that of 20 ℃. Then we concluded that 20 ℃ is better to express this lux operon.
<div align="center"><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/e/e6/%E5%9F%B9%E9%A4%8A%E6%9D%A1%E4%BB%B6%EF%BC%92.png/643px-%E5%9F%B9%E9%A4%8A%E6%9D%A1%E4%BB%B6%EF%BC%92.png" height="60%" width="60%"/></div>
<div align="center"><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/e/e6/%E5%9F%B9%E9%A4%8A%E6%9D%A1%E4%BB%B6%EF%BC%92.png/643px-%E5%9F%B9%E9%A4%8A%E6%9D%A1%E4%BB%B6%EF%BC%92.png" height="60%" width="60%"/></div>
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<h3>2. Improvement of lux luminescence</h3>
<h3>2. Improvement of lux luminescence</h3>
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We succeeded in constructing arabinose inducible lux gene biobric and found out the suitable culturing condition to express, so we next tried to improve the coli express system by changing the color, strengthening the light intensity, and shortening the reaction time.
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 We succeeded in constructing arabinose inducible lux gene biobric and found out the suitable culturing condition to express, so we next tried to improve the coli express system by changing the color, strengthening the light intensity, and shortening the reaction time.
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<h4>Change the color</H4>
<h4>Change the color</H4>
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What is LumP and YFP ?
What is LumP and YFP ?
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Bacterial luciferase derived from <I>Vibrio fischeri</I>, which is a strain of luminous bacteria, shows brue-green light emission (wavelength is 495 nm).  
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 Bacterial luciferase derived from <I>Vibrio fischeri</I>, which is a strain of luminous bacteria, shows brue-green light emission (wavelength is 495 nm).  
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However, <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> strain Y-1 emits longer wavelength light than normal <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> (535 nm, yellow)(3). The yellow shift of light emission wavelength is caused by YFP, which is a secondary emitter protein. YFP does not emit light itself, but it interacts with the luciferase, resulting in a shift of wavelength of light emission. YFP has FMN as a chromophore, and its size is about 28 kDa.
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 However, <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> strain Y-1 emits longer wavelength light than normal <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> (535 nm, yellow)(3). The yellow shift of light emission wavelength is caused by YFP, which is a secondary emitter protein. YFP does not emit light itself, but it interacts with the luciferase, resulting in a shift of wavelength of light emission. YFP has FMN as a chromophore, and its size is about 28 kDa.
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Furthermore, in luminous bacteria, there are strains that emit light with shorter wavelength than normal <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> (475 nm,blue), such as <I>Photobacterium phosphoreum, Photobacterium kishitanii</I> and <I>Photobacterium leiognathi</I>.
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 Furthermore, in luminous bacteria, there are strains that emit light with shorter wavelength than normal <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> (475 nm,blue), such as <I>Photobacterium phosphoreum, Photobacterium kishitanii</I> and <I>Photobacterium leiognathi</I>.
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It is known that blue shift of these luminous bacterium is caused by lumazine protein (LumP). Similar to YFP, LumP shifts the wavelength by interacting with the luciferase. As a chromophore, it has 6,7-dimethyl-8-(1'-D-ribityl)lumazine (DMRL), and its size is about 21kDa.
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 It is known that blue shift of these luminous bacterium is caused by lumazine protein (LumP). Similar to YFP, LumP shifts the wavelength by interacting with the luciferase. As a chromophore, it has 6,7-dimethyl-8-(1'-D-ribityl)lumazine (DMRL), and its size is about 21kDa.
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/9/98/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88_2012-09-26_22.24.47.png" height="30%" width="60%"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/9/98/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88_2012-09-26_22.24.47.png" height="30%" width="60%"></img></div>
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***BRET***<BR>
***BRET***<BR>
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Bacterial luciferase from Lux operon emits light by catalyzing oxidization of luciferin. Oxidized luciferin, oxiluciferine, has high energy. When the oxiluciferin transits from high energy state to low energy state, light is emitted.<BR>
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 Bacterial luciferase from Lux operon emits light by catalyzing oxidization of luciferin. Oxidized luciferin, oxiluciferine, has high energy. When the oxiluciferin transits from high energy state to low energy state, light is emitted.<BR>
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On the other hand, fluorescence substance, such as GFP, absorbs the light and becomes high energy state. And when the fluorescence substance transits from high energy state to low energy state, light is emitted.<BR>
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 On the other hand, fluorescence substance, such as GFP, absorbs the light and becomes high energy state. And when the fluorescence substance transits from high energy state to low energy state, light is emitted.<BR>
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/c/c5/Bret1.png"height="40%" width="60%"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/c/c5/Bret1.png"height="40%" width="60%"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/7/76/Bret2.png"height="40%" width="60%"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/7/76/Bret2.png"height="40%" width="60%"></img></div>
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If the luciferase exists near the fluorescence substance, Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) occurs. BRET is a phenomenon that can be observed when a fluorescence substance is excited by obtaining energy from the bioluminescence. This only happens when the wavelength of bioluminescence is the same as the wavelength that excites the fluorescence substance.
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 If the luciferase exists near the fluorescence substance, Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) occurs. BRET is a phenomenon that can be observed when a fluorescence substance is excited by obtaining energy from the bioluminescence. This only happens when the wavelength of bioluminescence is the same as the wavelength that excites the fluorescence substance.
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/c/c7/Bret3.png/800px-Bret3.png"height="40%" width="80%"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/c/c7/Bret3.png/800px-Bret3.png"height="40%" width="80%"></img></div>
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The wavelength of bacterial luciferase from Lux operon (497 nm) is close to the wavelength that GFP excites(501 nm).<BR>
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 The wavelength of bacterial luciferase from Lux operon (497 nm) is close to the wavelength that GFP excites(501 nm).<BR>
We considered that BRET might occur between the bacterial luciferase and the GFP, so we designed the construct of Lux operon with GFP.<BR>
We considered that BRET might occur between the bacterial luciferase and the GFP, so we designed the construct of Lux operon with GFP.<BR>
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<h4>Evaluation</h4>
<h4>Evaluation</h4>
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Transformed <I>E coli.</I> TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was diluted with LB medium to the point that OD660 became 0.6, then applied into 96well microtiter plate. After adding arabinose(0.25% f.c.), the plate was shaken at 20 ℃ to express the lux proteins. The spectrum of the light and intensity was measured by plate reader once in an hour.
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 Transformed <I>E coli.</I> TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was diluted with LB medium to the point that OD660 became 0.6, then applied into 96well microtiter plate. After adding arabinose(0.25% f.c.), the plate was shaken at 20 ℃ to express the lux proteins. The spectrum of the light and intensity was measured by plate reader once in an hour.
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<U>1.lux+LumP</U>
<U>1.lux+LumP</U>
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We could observe the shift of wavelength from 488 nm to 478 nm (Figure.a). The changing color can clearly recognize by the photograph(Figure.e). And we also achieved to enhance the light intensity. Maximal absorption of Lux+LumP is about 3-fold, comparing to that of lux(cloned).<br>
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 We could observe the shift of wavelength from 488 nm to 478 nm (Figure.a). The changing color can clearly recognize by the photograph(Figure.e). And we also achieved to enhance the light intensity. Maximal absorption of Lux+LumP is about 3-fold, comparing to that of lux(cloned).<br>
Furthermore, we demonstrated that the lumP part(Edinburgh 2009, BBa_K216007) could work with the Lux operon from <I>Photobacterium phosphoreum kishitanii</I> strain.
Furthermore, we demonstrated that the lumP part(Edinburgh 2009, BBa_K216007) could work with the Lux operon from <I>Photobacterium phosphoreum kishitanii</I> strain.
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<U>2.lux+GFP</U>
<U>2.lux+GFP</U>
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We observed the maximal absorption of Lux+GFP at 512 nm (Figure.b). We thought that the shift of emitting light wavelength was caused by BRET. After 1 hour culture, peak could not be observed at 512 nm, and we performed the culture in dark condition. So it is possible to occur that GFP absorbes the lux luminescence and emits fluorescence.<br>
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 We observed the maximal absorption of Lux+GFP at 512 nm (Figure.b). We thought that the shift of emitting light wavelength was caused by BRET. After 1 hour culture, peak could not be observed at 512 nm, and we performed the culture in dark condition. So it is possible to occur that GFP absorbes the lux luminescence and emits fluorescence.<br>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/0/0d/Lux+GFP.jpg"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/0/0d/Lux+GFP.jpg"></img></div>
<br><B>[Figure.b]</B>
<br><B>[Figure.b]</B>
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<U>3.lux+YFP</U>
<U>3.lux+YFP</U>
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We could not observe the yellow light from lux+YFP construct (Figure.c). We assumed that the yellow shift didn’t occur due to difference of luminous bacteria strain (YFP is from <I>Vivrio fischeri</I>.).<br>
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 We could not observe the yellow light from lux+YFP construct (Figure.c). We assumed that the yellow shift didn’t occur due to difference of luminous bacteria strain (YFP is from <I>Vivrio fischeri</I>.).<br>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/8/8f/Lux+YFP.jpg"></img></div>
<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/8/8f/Lux+YFP.jpg"></img></div>
<br><B>[Figure.c]</B>
<br><B>[Figure.c]</B>
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<U>4.Comparing to lux from BioBrick part(Cambridge 2010, BBa_K325909)</U>
<U>4.Comparing to lux from BioBrick part(Cambridge 2010, BBa_K325909)</U>
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We also evaluated the difference of the light emission property between our cloned lux operon and lux operon from BioBrick part(BBa_K325909) (Figure.d).
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 We also evaluated the difference of the light emission property between our cloned lux operon and lux operon from BioBrick part(BBa_K325909) (Figure.d).
Sequentially, it was revealed that our lux and Cambridge lux had almost same maximal absorption peak and the light intensity.
Sequentially, it was revealed that our lux and Cambridge lux had almost same maximal absorption peak and the light intensity.
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<h3>Strengthen the intensity<h3>
<h3>Strengthen the intensity<h3>
<h4>Rib operon</h4>
<h4>Rib operon</h4>
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<I>P. phosphoreum</I> has rib operon(ribEBHA) downstream of luxG. Their gene productshave been identified as riboflavin synthase(RibE), DHBP synthase(RibB), lumazine synthase(RibH) and GTP cyclohydrolaseII(ribA).
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<I>P. phosphoreum</I> has rib operon(<I>ribEBHA</I>) downstream of <I>luxG</I>. Their gene productshave been identified as riboflavin synthase(RibE), DHBP synthase(RibB), lumazine synthase(RibH) and GTP cyclohydrolaseII(RibA).
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Riboflavin is the key substrate for lux operon because riboflavin is the precursor of riboflavin 5'- monophosphate (FMN). FMNH2 is the substrate for emitting light. Synthesis of riboflavin is important to enhance the luminescent. Instead of rib operon from <I>P. phosphoreum</I>, we cloned the rib genes from <I>E. coli</I> BL21(DE3) and constructed rib operon biobrick.
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 Riboflavin is the key substrate for lux operon because riboflavin is the precursor of riboflavin 5'- monophosphate (FMN). FMNH2 is the substrate for emitting light. Synthesis of riboflavin is important to enhance the luminescent. Instead of rib operon from <I>P. phosphoreum</I>, we cloned the rib genes from <I>E. coli</I> BL21(DE3) and constructed rib operon biobrick.
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<h4><u>Method</u></h4>
<h4><u>Method</u></h4>
<h4>Construction of biobrick</h4>
<h4>Construction of biobrick</h4>
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We cloned ribA, ribB, ribC, ribF, and ribDH gene from <I>E.coli </I>BL21(DE3).<br>
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We cloned <I>ribA, ribB, ribC, ribF,</I> and <I>ribDH</I> from <I>E.coli </I>BL21(DE3).<br>
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/7/77/Rib1.png/800px-Rib1.png"height="15%" width="70%"/></div>
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/7/77/Rib1.png/800px-Rib1.png"height="15%" width="90%"/></div>
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Original rib genes, <I>ribA</I> and <I>ribDH</I>, have biobrick one restriction site in each genes.
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Original rib genes, <I>ribA</I> and <I>ribDH</I>, have illegal restriction site in each genes.
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/f/f9/Rib2.png" height="30%" width="40%"/></div>
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/f/f9/Rib2.png" height="30%" width="30%"/></div>
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<h4>Result</h4>
<h4>Result</h4>
coming soom...
coming soom...
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<div align="center"><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/0/09/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88_2012-09-27_12.30.45.png"/></div>
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<h4>Reference</H4>
<h4>Reference</H4>
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<h3>shorten the reaction time</h3>
<h3>shorten the reaction time</h3>
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We would like to make the bioluminescent reaction time faster than BBa_K769011 by constitutively expressing all <I>lux</I> genes except the <I>luxA</I> or <I>luxD</I> gene.
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<h4><u>Method</u></h4>
<h4><u>Method</u></h4>
<h4>Construction of biobrick</h4>
<h4>Construction of biobrick</h4>
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We arranged the order of lux operon and changed the promoter by using inverse PCR. In one construct, luxA is located under Pbad promoter,and other else lux genes are located under Pconst.(H) promoter. In the other one, luxD is located under Pbad instead of luxA.
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Pconst-<I>lux CDBFEG</I> –DT (deletion of<I> luxA</I>) was constructed by inverse PCR.
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<div align="center"><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/thumb/6/69/LuxAD.png/800px-LuxAD.png"hight="80%" width="80%"/></div>
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<div align=center><img  src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/e/e9/AD1.jpg"></div>
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Primers with restriction site <I>Eco</I>RI and <I>Xba</I>I at 5’ end and <I>Spe</I>I and <I>Pst</I>I at 3’ end was used to clone <I>luxA</I>
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<div align=center><img  src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/4/40/AD2.jpg"></div>
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Arabinose inducible promoter was added in front of <I>luxA</I>.
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These two parts were connected.
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<div align=center><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/9/91/AD3.jpg"></div>
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The same process was performed to construct this part.
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<div align=center><img  src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2012/7/74/AD4.jpg"></div>
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<h4>Evaluation method</h4>
<h4>Evaluation method</h4>
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Transformed <I>E coli</I>. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was inoculated into 100 mL LB medium. When OD660 of the culture became 0.6, arabinose(0.25% f.c.) was added to induce and expressed the proteins at 20 ℃. After induction, the 500 μL of culture was harvested at every 30 minutes and measured light intensity and OD by plate reader.
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 Transformed <I>E coli</I>. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was inoculated into 100 mL LB medium. When OD660 of the culture became 0.6, arabinose(0.25% f.c.) was added to induce and expressed the proteins at 20 ℃. After induction, the 500 μL of culture was harvested at every 30 minutes and measured light intensity and OD by plate reader.
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As we expected, when only <I>luxA</I> or <I>luxD</I> were  induced, the light intensity reached its peak faster than wild type. However, the maximum intensity of these two construct far lower than wild type. It may be caused by loss of mass balance of lux proteins. We could improve the light emission by expressing <I>luxAB</I> or <I>luxCDE</I> together not only <I>luxA</I> or <I>luxD</I>.  
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 As we expected, when only <I>luxA</I> or <I>luxD</I> were  induced, the light intensity reached its peak faster than wild type. However, the maximum intensity of these two construct far lower than wild type. It may be caused by loss of mass balance of lux proteins. We could improve the light emission by expressing <I>luxAB</I> or <I>luxCDE</I> together not only <I>luxA</I> or <I>luxD</I>.  
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Latest revision as of 01:52, 27 October 2012

lux operon

Introduction


What is bioluminescence ?

 Bioluminescence is visible light emission in living organisms mediated by an enzyme catalyst. The bioluminescence has been observed in many different organisms including bacteria, fungi, fish, insects, algae, and squid.(1)

lux system

 Lux operon codes for bacterial luciferase (luxAB) and the fatty acid reductase complex (luxCDE) that is responsible for the biosynthesis of the aldehyde substrate for luminescent reaction.
 The luxA and luxB code for α and β subunit of luciferase. Bacterial luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMNH2) and long-chain fatty aldehyde resulting in the emission of a blue-green light.(1)

FMNH2 +O2 → FMN + RCOOH + H2O + light

The luxCDE are required for conversion of fatty acid into long chain aldehyde.
luxC : reductase
luxD : transferase
luxE : synthase

the luxG which codes for flavin reductase is very closely linked to the luxE gene


advantage of lux system

Adding substrate is NOT necessary
Light emission occurs AUTOMATICALLY


Objective

1. Cloning lux operon from Photobacterium phosphoreum

Why we chose lux gene from Photobacterium phosphoreum?
P. phosphoreum (NCMB844) is known that the luminescence intensity is brightest of other strains. (2)
 But maximum luminescence levels require lower temperatures than the other luminescent species, because this species live in the deeper waters of the ocean. (2)

Method

Construction of biobrick


Original lux gene from P. phosphoreum has three illegal restriction sites.


In order to remove restriction site, we chose overlap extension PCR method and designed four primer set.


Lux gene fragment was amplified and four PCR products were connected.


First, we tried to construct arabinose inducible lux gene biobrick.

Evaluation

 We first investigate the best culturing condition.
Transformed E coli. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was inoculated into 100 mL LB medium. When OD660 of the culture became 0.6, arabinose(0.25% f.c.) was added to induce and expressed the lux proteins at different temperature(20 ℃ and 30 ℃). After induction, the 500 μL of culture was harvested at certain time and measured light intensity and OD by plate reader.

Fig. Investigation of culturing condition

Result and discussion

 Here, we show the result. It is suggested that at lower temperature(20 ℃), lux operon from P. phosphoreum kishitanii can emit brighter light than at 30 ℃.
 However, since we first measured the intensity of the light at 3 hours after induction, there is still possibility that the E. coli cultured at 30 ℃ emitted brighter light within 3 hours. To check the change of light intensity within 3 hours from induction, we operated another experiment. In this time, we measured the intensity every 30 minutes until 3 hours.



 The figure below shows the result of second experiment. As we supposed, the intensity of the light emitted by E. coli cultured at 30 ℃ came to its peak within 3 hours. Yet, the peak intensity was much lower than that of 20 ℃. Then we concluded that 20 ℃ is better to express this lux operon.


Reference

(1) Meighen EA. (1993) Bacterial bioluminescence: organization, regulation, and application of the lux genes The FASEB Journal vol. 7 no. 11 1016-1022 (2) Edward A. Meighen Autoinduction of light emission in different species of bioluminescent bacteria Luminescence 1999;14:3–9

2. Improvement of lux luminescence


 We succeeded in constructing arabinose inducible lux gene biobric and found out the suitable culturing condition to express, so we next tried to improve the coli express system by changing the color, strengthening the light intensity, and shortening the reaction time.

Change the color

We used LumP, YFP, and GFP proteins to change the color.
What is LumP and YFP ?
 Bacterial luciferase derived from Vibrio fischeri, which is a strain of luminous bacteria, shows brue-green light emission (wavelength is 495 nm).
 However, Vibrio fischeri strain Y-1 emits longer wavelength light than normal Vibrio fischeri (535 nm, yellow)(3). The yellow shift of light emission wavelength is caused by YFP, which is a secondary emitter protein. YFP does not emit light itself, but it interacts with the luciferase, resulting in a shift of wavelength of light emission. YFP has FMN as a chromophore, and its size is about 28 kDa.
 Furthermore, in luminous bacteria, there are strains that emit light with shorter wavelength than normal Vibrio fischeri (475 nm,blue), such as Photobacterium phosphoreum, Photobacterium kishitanii and Photobacterium leiognathi.
 It is known that blue shift of these luminous bacterium is caused by lumazine protein (LumP). Similar to YFP, LumP shifts the wavelength by interacting with the luciferase. As a chromophore, it has 6,7-dimethyl-8-(1'-D-ribityl)lumazine (DMRL), and its size is about 21kDa.

Learning from previous reports, we decided to use these proteins for changing the color.

Reference

(3) Daubner SC, Astorga AM, Leisman GB, Baldwin TO., 1987, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
Yellow light emission of Vibrio fischeri strain Y-1: purification and characterization of the energy-accepting yellow fluorescent protein.


Method

Construction of biobrick

First, we produced the constitutive promoter + lumP + double terminator construct.

Then, we combined the construct to the construct of cloned Lux operon with Pbad promoter.

The construct of Lux operon with luxY is produced by joining the Lux operon and luxY biobrick part.



***BRET***
 Bacterial luciferase from Lux operon emits light by catalyzing oxidization of luciferin. Oxidized luciferin, oxiluciferine, has high energy. When the oxiluciferin transits from high energy state to low energy state, light is emitted.
 On the other hand, fluorescence substance, such as GFP, absorbs the light and becomes high energy state. And when the fluorescence substance transits from high energy state to low energy state, light is emitted.


 If the luciferase exists near the fluorescence substance, Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) occurs. BRET is a phenomenon that can be observed when a fluorescence substance is excited by obtaining energy from the bioluminescence. This only happens when the wavelength of bioluminescence is the same as the wavelength that excites the fluorescence substance.

 The wavelength of bacterial luciferase from Lux operon (497 nm) is close to the wavelength that GFP excites(501 nm).
We considered that BRET might occur between the bacterial luciferase and the GFP, so we designed the construct of Lux operon with GFP.

Method

Construction of biobrick

The construct of Lux operon with GFP is produced by joining the Lux operon and GFP biobrick part.

Evaluation


 Transformed E coli. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was diluted with LB medium to the point that OD660 became 0.6, then applied into 96well microtiter plate. After adding arabinose(0.25% f.c.), the plate was shaken at 20 ℃ to express the lux proteins. The spectrum of the light and intensity was measured by plate reader once in an hour.

Result


1.lux+LumP
 We could observe the shift of wavelength from 488 nm to 478 nm (Figure.a). The changing color can clearly recognize by the photograph(Figure.e). And we also achieved to enhance the light intensity. Maximal absorption of Lux+LumP is about 3-fold, comparing to that of lux(cloned).
Furthermore, we demonstrated that the lumP part(Edinburgh 2009, BBa_K216007) could work with the Lux operon from Photobacterium phosphoreum kishitanii strain.


[Figure.a]

2.lux+GFP
 We observed the maximal absorption of Lux+GFP at 512 nm (Figure.b). We thought that the shift of emitting light wavelength was caused by BRET. After 1 hour culture, peak could not be observed at 512 nm, and we performed the culture in dark condition. So it is possible to occur that GFP absorbes the lux luminescence and emits fluorescence.

[Figure.b]

3.lux+YFP
 We could not observe the yellow light from lux+YFP construct (Figure.c). We assumed that the yellow shift didn’t occur due to difference of luminous bacteria strain (YFP is from Vivrio fischeri.).

[Figure.c]

4.Comparing to lux from BioBrick part(Cambridge 2010, BBa_K325909)
 We also evaluated the difference of the light emission property between our cloned lux operon and lux operon from BioBrick part(BBa_K325909) (Figure.d). Sequentially, it was revealed that our lux and Cambridge lux had almost same maximal absorption peak and the light intensity.

[Figure.d]


[Figure.e]Left is lux+GFP, middle is lux(cloned), right is lux+LumP.



Strengthen the intensity

Rib operon

P. phosphoreum has rib operon(ribEBHA) downstream of luxG. Their gene productshave been identified as riboflavin synthase(RibE), DHBP synthase(RibB), lumazine synthase(RibH) and GTP cyclohydrolaseII(RibA).
 Riboflavin is the key substrate for lux operon because riboflavin is the precursor of riboflavin 5'- monophosphate (FMN). FMNH2 is the substrate for emitting light. Synthesis of riboflavin is important to enhance the luminescent. Instead of rib operon from P. phosphoreum, we cloned the rib genes from E. coli BL21(DE3) and constructed rib operon biobrick.

Method

Construction of biobrick

We cloned ribA, ribB, ribC, ribF, and ribDH from E.coli BL21(DE3).

Original rib genes, ribA and ribDH, have illegal restriction site in each genes.

In order to remove restriction site, we chose inverse extension PCR method.

After sequencing of each gene, we started to construct rib operon. First, ribosome binding site (RBS) was ligated with each gene. Second, each genes are ligated. Finally, promoter and double terminator were ligated. We constructed rib operon biobrick.

Result

coming soom...

Reference

(4) Nack-Do Sung and Chan Yong Lee. The lux Genes and Riboflavin Genes in Bioluminescent System of Photobacterium leiognathi are under Common Regulation Journal of Photoscience (2004), Vol. 11(1), pp. 41-45


shorten the reaction time


We would like to make the bioluminescent reaction time faster than BBa_K769011 by constitutively expressing all lux genes except the luxA or luxD gene.

Method

Construction of biobrick


Pconst-lux CDBFEG –DT (deletion of luxA) was constructed by inverse PCR.


Primers with restriction site EcoRI and XbaI at 5’ end and SpeI and PstI at 3’ end was used to clone luxA


Arabinose inducible promoter was added in front of luxA. These two parts were connected.


The same process was performed to construct this part.


Evaluation method

 Transformed E coli. TOP10 was precultured into LB medium and incubated at 37℃. After incubating for 12 hour, precultured solution was inoculated into 100 mL LB medium. When OD660 of the culture became 0.6, arabinose(0.25% f.c.) was added to induce and expressed the proteins at 20 ℃. After induction, the 500 μL of culture was harvested at every 30 minutes and measured light intensity and OD by plate reader.

Result





 As we expected, when only luxA or luxD were induced, the light intensity reached its peak faster than wild type. However, the maximum intensity of these two construct far lower than wild type. It may be caused by loss of mass balance of lux proteins. We could improve the light emission by expressing luxAB or luxCDE together not only luxA or luxD.