GEMS and Natural Microbe Comparison

John Hopkins. (2012). Luminescent Virus

Exploring the world of genetically engineered microorganisms and naturally occurring microorganisms.  Here we will explore two.  The first two are P. agglomerans and the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).

• P. agglomerans - Malaria is a serious and deadly disease caused by a parasite.  Mosquitoes transmit it to humans through biting.  Genetically modified bacterium found in the midgut of the mosquito is enabling prevention of the disease.  Pantoea agglomerans is the gut bacterium that, when genetically altered to secrete certain proteins, will kill the malaria parasite.  As scientists discover new ways of fighting disease, it is becoming clear that instead of treating the organism to prevent the disease, using a host of genetically altered bacterium is more effective (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Medicine, 2012).

Diseases caused by pests are not the only practical application for using genetically modified microorganisms.  Cystic Fibrosis is a debilitating and deadly genetic disease that causes an overproduction of mucus in the lining of the lungs.  Patients who suffer from cystic fibrosis will eventually die of the disease as they fight to breath and retain oxygen in the blood.  

• CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) - According to Rowe and Verkman (2014), "The fundamental premise of CFTR corrector and potentiator therapy for CF is that correction of the underlying defects in the cellular processing and chloride channel function of CF-causing mutant CFTR alleles will be of clinical benefit. Correctors are principally targeted at F508del cellular misprocessing, whereas potentiators are intended to restore cAMP-dependent chloride channel activity to mutant CFTRs at the cell surface" (para. 1).  There are already successful cases of gene therapy in cystic fibrosis patients that allow younger patients to completely reverse the disease and live healthier lives.

The naturally occurring microorganisms found in anoxic decomposition and syntrophy are bacteria that work together and break down to ferment.  Anaerobic organisms are responsible for the production of alcohol, useful in wastewater treatment, and cleaning the environment (Madigan et al., 2012).

• Cellulolytic bacteria - Microorganisms that can only survive with air are aerobic organisms.  Wastewater can become anoxic if it sits for more than a day, however; anoxic organisms work well with aerobic and anaerobic organisms to break down organic materials.  In syntrophy, cellulolytic bacteria "hydrolyze cellulose into glucose, which is catabolized by ermentative organisms to short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), alcohols such as ethanol and butanol, H₂ and CO₂" (Madigan et al., 2012, p. 702).  Methanogens take over and consume the H₂ along with acetate, resulting in the formation of fatty acids and alcohol (Madigan et al., 2012).

 In addition, for those GMO naysayers...here is a list of 10 ways GEMS may save the world. 

References:

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Medicine. (2012)  Genetically Engineered Bacteria Prevent Mosquitoes from Transmitting Malaria Retrieved from http://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2012/jacobs-lorena-bacteria.html

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Medicine. (2012). Luminescent virus in mosquito. [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2012/jacobs-lorena-bacteria.html

Rowe, S.M., and  Verkman, A.S. (2014).  Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Correctors and Potentiators Retrieved from http://perspectivesinmedicine.org/content/3/7/a009761.full