iGEM 2023

iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) is an annual competition in the field of synthetic biology. Since 2008, it brings together teams of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to work on innovative projects using genetic engineering and biological systems.

It costs $5000 to enter the competition, but as the president of the foundation says, it teaches students to develop essential skills in fundraising and establish their own startup ventures. 

This year, Florida State University FSU iGem team (led by Colton Keib and Christian Suastegui, advised by Dr. Rodriguez) will be proposing a project to address Trimethylaminuria. 

Here's a list of FSU projects for iGEM: 2017: therapy for celiac disease; 2018: activating cells with sound guns; 2019: antimicrobial peptides; 2020: engineered E. coli cell to produce an enzyme that degrades erythromycin in the treatment plants; 2021: shelf-life extension of a chitosan-based protective coating; 2022: engineering cercosporin production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 2023: stay tuned

In 2019, a UC San Diego team, used Trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH) to reduce TMA into formaldehyde, methane, and a reduced electron-transferring flavoprotein. Since Formaldehyde is toxic, theytested this in E. coli where TMADH and formaldehyde dehydrogenase are both produced to break down TMA and formaldehyde. Team members included Allison Bien, Daniel Kim, and many others)

In 2014, a team from Paris University, genetically engineered skin bacteria (E.coli and Corynebacterium striatum) by introducing a trimethylamine mono-oxygenase from a non-human bacteria (Ruegeria pomeroyi).

In 2012, a team from Fatih university  genetically engineered bacteria producing geraniol and FMO3 to eliminate TMA odors. Their product, FreshEcoli, was supposed to work as a synthetic perfume. 

MEBO Research and Aurametrix conducted several clinical studies, but never tested any of the genetically engineered products mentioned above. This is due to the potential risks and safety concerns associated with use of genetically engineered bacteria in human subjects.

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