Summary
The purpose of this project was to solve a current world issue by using biotechnology. We first had to find a current issue. Then we had to find limitations with current solutions, find possible solutions, develop a tests for our solution, create a detailed description of the product with how it works, and how we we would get funding. For our project, we decided to find a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, due to the cause of rheumatoid arthritis being unknown we could find a solution for it. Despite that we did develop a way to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, we had to create a presentation and give it in front of two scientists who specialize in biology and biotech.
Content
Rheumatoid arthritis - is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects mainly joints. It is also an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks tissue.
RA was the current world issue that we decided to make a solution for.
Gene Therapy - is a experimental technique of adding a gene in a cell to replace one that is defective. A defective gene can cause havoc for a body. It will produce incorrect proteins that can cause cells to attack other cells, cells to die, or produce more incorrect proteins.
Gene therapy was our solution for trying to reduce the effects of RA on the human body.
Transfection - is the process of adding a gene to a eukaryotic cell.
Transfection is the process of how we would add a plasmid into our T cells.
CD4+ T Cell (helper T cell) - is a kind of T cell that produces cytokines that kill bacteria and viruses. It simulates and regulates the immune system and production of antibodies from B cells. It can also switch the type of antibodies that are produced by B cells.
We chose the CD4+ T cell as a vector due to its being a non viral vector and its special properties, such as the ability to produce cytokines and migrate to point of infection. Viral vectors are more effective than non viral but it also has the chances of causing viral infection. Also non viral vectors are cheaper to produce than viral.
DNA Plasmid - is a DNA molecule in cells that is separated from chromosomal DNA and that can replicate independently inside a cell.
We are are using a DNA Plasmid with the IL-10 gene and adding it to our CD4+ T Cell through transfection.
IL-10 (Interleukin 10) - is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is produced by the IL-10 gene.
The IL-10 gene is what we chose to put into our T cells to help RA.
RA was the current world issue that we decided to make a solution for.
Gene Therapy - is a experimental technique of adding a gene in a cell to replace one that is defective. A defective gene can cause havoc for a body. It will produce incorrect proteins that can cause cells to attack other cells, cells to die, or produce more incorrect proteins.
Gene therapy was our solution for trying to reduce the effects of RA on the human body.
Transfection - is the process of adding a gene to a eukaryotic cell.
Transfection is the process of how we would add a plasmid into our T cells.
CD4+ T Cell (helper T cell) - is a kind of T cell that produces cytokines that kill bacteria and viruses. It simulates and regulates the immune system and production of antibodies from B cells. It can also switch the type of antibodies that are produced by B cells.
We chose the CD4+ T cell as a vector due to its being a non viral vector and its special properties, such as the ability to produce cytokines and migrate to point of infection. Viral vectors are more effective than non viral but it also has the chances of causing viral infection. Also non viral vectors are cheaper to produce than viral.
DNA Plasmid - is a DNA molecule in cells that is separated from chromosomal DNA and that can replicate independently inside a cell.
We are are using a DNA Plasmid with the IL-10 gene and adding it to our CD4+ T Cell through transfection.
IL-10 (Interleukin 10) - is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is produced by the IL-10 gene.
The IL-10 gene is what we chose to put into our T cells to help RA.
Our Project
Reflection
Our final project of the year was enjoyable and trying. It was really nice to have the ability to choose a subject we found interesting in the year. However, this project was also very hard to work on. The AP test week, our sophomore speech, and the closeness of summer made it really hard for me and my group to work on the project. However, we did finish each checkpoint on time and the final presentation on time. During the project, there we somethings I improved on. First, was my leadership. While I was working on the project I tried my best to make sure that my group was on task and give directions on our solution, since I new a lot on rheumatoid arthritis due to it always been a dream to cure it. Second, was my keeping my stress low. I always have a problem with keeping my stress level low when working on project or studying. So it's an accomplishment for me to keep my stress on a project, especially one that near the end of the year. Despite these improvements there were somethings I could have done better. First, was focusing on the project. During the project, I had a very hard time focusing on working on the project due to other classes assigning work and how close summer is. Second, was my time management. Even though we did finish our work, I got side tracked sometimes which lead to my group being a little bit behind schedule.