Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PBIGP (Plant-Bacillus Interaction: Gain of Function Project)
Reporting period: 2016-03-17 to 2018-03-16
Even if none of the original scientific milestones could be achieved, this fellowship allowed the completions and release to the public domain via publications of synthetic biology tools developed to support plant engineering. The most important outcome was the development of a robust DNA assembly tools that allow support combinatorial and rapid gene assemblies and gene stacking to support the engineering of Agrobaterium transformation compatible hosts (e.g. plants). This tool was completed with the development of a two-component-switch for plants allowing precise and robust control of transgene. This system is a negative switch composed of a RNase that recognizes a specific RNA module. Binding of the RNase prevents the translation of any mRNA sequence that contains the RNA module by cleaving it. It adds further sophistication to the fine-tuning of expression of metabolic pathways, for example, by allowing multiple genes to be switched off in response to an external cue and/or in specific tissues This system was also validated to simultaneously repress the expression of two proteins in a specific plant tissue
Regarding Training activities: I was trained to work with pathogenic microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), it includes all necessary precaution for safe manipulations and stewardships. Additional trainings were focused on acquisition of teaching skills, as I had several opportunities to give lectures in class setting to students from undergraduate to graduate levels. It gave me more credibility to apply for professorship positions. Moreover, with my host-team; I had the opportunity to practice my applications for faculty and governmental positions.