The ultimate goal of the University of Illinois 2012 iGEM team is to construct an RNA based PUF protein toolkit which may be utilized for the manipulation of gene expression. Customizable manipulation will involve gene silencing by specific RNA scission. Also, the PUF protein's properties also allow for its use in optimizing multi-step enzymatic pathways. In this way, we aim to improve the versatility and cost efficiency of biological production systems by use of our toolkit. In developing a protein based RNA binding toolkit, researchers will be able to transmute the biobricked PUF to do what is necesary for their scientific endeavors. We seek to standardize and characterize the nature of PUF.
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