Team:HK SSC/Results

Results

We have successfully constructed our 12kbp plasmid and expressed the dCas9 protein. Here are the results:

1. Plasmid construction

After various restriction enzyme cuts and ligation, we have successfully constructed our 12kbp plasmid.

Fig1. The first and last lanes are NEB 2-log ladder. Lanes 2 and 3 are linearized plasmids of our final plasmid, showing the band size about 12kbp.

2. Successful Transformation

We have successfully transformed our plasmids into Microcystis and spread onto selective plates, showing that the plasmid we constructed is compatible in both E.coli and Microcystis. Besides, our transformed cells demonstrated kanamycin resistance. These are living colonies as we checked the plates under microscope every day. We ensured that the cells were not only dead cell bodies buy transfering them to new selective plates once in two weeks.


Fig2. Microcystis Aeruginosa UTEX2388 transformed with our 12kbp plasmid spread onto a Kanamycin plate.

Fig3. E.coli DH5α transformed with our 12kbp plasmid and spread onto a Kanamycin plate.

3. Plasmid expression

We used Microcystin-LR detection kit (WRZ001) from Guangzhou Oasisbio chemistry Technology Co., Ltd. We believed that our dCas9-sgRNA complex has been successfully been expressed. This is because the Microcystin-LR concentration in our transformed Microcystis was lower than 0.002mg/L, while our control set ups have a higher concentration.


Fig 4. Microcystin detection kit sample

Fig5. 1st test (from left): Culture of Microcystis 3 weeks after transformation
2nd test: Water
3rd test: Culture of unsuccessful Microcystis transformation after 3 weeks
4th test: Positive control of Microcystis culture that has not been transformed

The successful transformation of Microcystis culture showed Microcystin concentration less than 0.002mg/L. This shows a decrease in Microcystin toxin.


4. GFP Expression

Through UV excition, we the green flourescence protein has been successfully expressed, demonstrating flourescence properties.

Fig 6. Cell cultures with disired plasmid under UV excitation.

5. Quantitative Real-Time PCR

We will be conducting quantitative real-time PCR in the future for further verification of our results.