Teens Innovate Lyme Disease Detection and Treatment with CRISPR Gene Editing
Students from Lambert High School in metro Atlanta have made significant strides in Lyme disease research, employing the cutting-edge CRISPR gene-editing technology. This innovative group, consisting of teenage scientists, competed at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris, showcasing their unique approach to detecting and potentially treating the disease.
Understanding Lyme Disease and Its Challenges
Lyme disease is transmitted by infected ticks and affects nearly half a million Americans each year. If left untreated, it can lead to severe issues such as arthritis, neurological damage, and heart complications. One of the biggest challenges in managing Lyme disease is the difficulty in diagnosing it early, often leading to prolonged suffering for patients.
The Lambert High School Team’s Approach
- The team identified a protein associated with Lyme disease as a target for detection.
- Using CRISPR, they created a method to amplify DNA segments that revealed the presence of the disease.
- This process allows for early detection – potentially as soon as two days post-infection, compared to the two-week window typical of existing tests.
Team captain Sean Lee explained that their approach involves simulating blood serum and employing a guide RNA to pinpoint the target protein. Their goal is to eventually develop a simple testing method akin to pregnancy or COVID tests.
Innovative Treatment Strategies
The Lambert team also explored treatment options, shifting from conventional antibiotic therapies to a CRISPR-mediated approach. This method aims to directly target and eliminate the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Competitive Spirit at iGEM
The iGEM competition was held in late October 2023, featuring more than 400 teams from across the globe. This year, the Lambert team was the only American high school represented in the top ten. They faced off against formidable opponents from China, which has emerged as a global leader in biotechnology.
Each year, approximately 100 students vie for around ten spots on the iGEM team at Lambert High School. Applicants undergo rigorous evaluations, including project proposals, tests, and interviews, showcasing their engineering and coding skills. Their rigorous preparation culminated in a presentation that combined scientific innovation with strategic thinking.
A Glimpse into Team Dynamics
Kate Sharer, the biotechnology teacher guiding the students, remarked on their exceptional talent and creativity. She mentioned that they work tirelessly, often putting in late-night shifts to finalize their project before heading to the international competition.
Despite facing challenging odds, the team achieved recognition for creating one of the best software tools in the competition. They were ecstatic about their accomplishment and proud of their work’s potential to impact public health significantly.
Looking Ahead
The capabilities demonstrated by the students at Lambert High School illustrate the untapped potential of young innovators in the scientific community. If further testing confirms their findings, their work could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in Lyme disease detection and treatment.
As the Lambert team looks towards the future, their success at iGEM serves as motivation for continued exploration in synthetic biology, ultimately aiming for innovations that could transform medical diagnostics and therapies.
