National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 1R21AI191589-01A1

A versatile bimodal QF/QS gene expression system for insect and vertebrate models based on conditional protein self-splicing

The award funds a project to develop a temperature-sensitive gene expression system for insect and vertebrate models, enhancing temporal control and reducing toxicity in gene function studies.

Description

This project aims to re-engineer the current Q-system in Drosophila to eliminate the need for drug administration and add a temporal control dimension using temperature-sensitive self-splicing intein modules. The system will be tested in Drosophila melanogaster and transferred to zebrafish Danio rerio, with the goal of overcoming limitations such as toxicity and lack of temporal gene expression control. The innovative approach involves integrating inteins into key proteins to regulate their activity based on temperature, providing a new tool for gene and cell function analysis relevant to human health.

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