Team:BostonU/Methodology

One of the crucial steps in converting BioBricks to MoClo is adding the fusion sites to all the parts: promoters, RBSs, genes and terminators. In our project, we utilized PCR amplification to insert the fusion sites into the parts sequence. However, this is not as simple as it may sounds. PCR is a sensitive technique that requires optimized conditions for each set of primers and templates used. Figuring out what were the conditions for each reaction we ran was a learning experience that we intend to share in this section.

The first aspect to be considered is what kind of PCR is going to be utilized. For parts bigger than 50 bp: genes, terminators and some of the promoters we utilized amplification PCR and designed the forward and reverse primers to have the fusion tags in their 5’ end.

For smaller parts: RBSs and J series promoters, our first approach was to use inverse PCR, which has the primers oriented in the reverse direction of the usual orientation. The primers tags contain the fusion sites and the parts sequence that will anneal after the extension. The mechanism can be better understood by the diagram below:

Unfortunately, we were not successful utilizing this method. The second approach we implemented was ligation PCR1 that consists in two primary PCRs that are then ligated together in a third PCR. For each of the primary PCRs we utilize one primer whose tag that contains the fusion sites and the part (B, C) and another regular primer to amplify the complementary strand (A, D). The third PCR is run with the outermost primer pair (A,D) as clarified by the diagram below:

Besides determining the PCR strategy there was troubleshooting involved in the determination of the optimized conditions to run each PCR.

We realized that reagents such as:  MgCl and DMSO can play a big role in optimizing the reaction and we often ran gradient PCR varying the concentrations of these reagents to achieve the best conditions.

The amount of template added is very important as well. Too much template might lead to unspecific amplification while too little template may not be enough to obtain the desired PCR product.

Also, determining the primers ideal annealing temperature required running temperature gradients PCRs with the melting temperature (Tm) ranging from from 2°C through 10°C lower than the lower Tm for the two primers. In our work, we found most PCRs worked with a Tm of 2°C lower than the lowest Tm for the forward and reverse primers.

Another aspect to take into account is the extension time that depends on the enzyme efficiency and the size of the PCR product. Extension time longer than necessary may lead to amplification of unspecific products, while short extension time may not be enough to amplify the product entire sequence.

References
[1] http://www.biot echniques.com/multimedia/archive/00036/BTN_A_04363BM04_O_36287a.pdf