iGEM Leiden 2024 aims to revolutionise the use of nanobodies by addressing the limitations of traditional methods of nanobody development. Their new system offers a faster and more cost-effective way to generate nanobodies against a wide range of targets, without the need for animal immunisation. Nanobodies are not only smaller and more stable than traditional antibodies, but they also bind more strongly and specifically, making them highly valuable for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research applications.
Major jamboree in Paris in October 2024
iGEM is a synthetic biology competition with over 400 teams and 4,000 participants worldwide. It challenges student teams to solve global and local problems by genetically modifying microorganisms. The results of these projects will be presented in October of this year at the Grand Jamboree in Paris.
The A.L.P.A.C.A. Project
The idea behind A.L.P.A.C.A., or the ‘Affordable Library-based Pipeline for Accelerated Creation of Antibodies,’ is to develop a system that uses genetically modified baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to discover nanobodies against a chosen antigen from a vast synthetic “library” of nanobody variations, eliminating the need to immunize animals (such as alpacas or llamas in the case of nanobodies), thereby saving considerable time, money, and effort.
The A.L.P.A.C.A. Process:
- Genetically modified yeast cells (>108) each take up a sequence from the synthetic nanobody library and present it abundantly on the cell surface, linked to GFP-binding nanobodies.
- The target antigen and GFP (green fluorescent protein) are sequentially added to the yeast cells. Due to steric hindrance, antigen-binding cells will not bind GFP.
- Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is then used to isolate the antigen-binding yeast cells.
- After collecting the yeast cells that display the antigen-binding nanobodies, the corresponding DNA sequences can be extracted, and the nanobodies can be produced in bulk for use as research tools.
Sponsorship
By supporting the iGEM team, you can position your organization as one committed to solving real-world problems and supporting the next generation in tackling these challenges. Sponsor the ALPACA project.
Want to know more?
Download the brochure or send an email to the iGEM 2024 team.
