Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
About This Simulation
Open your eyes to the vast potential of gene regulation, where you can reprogram cells into any cell that fits your needs. Will you able to help the doctor in restoring the sight of a visually impaired girl?
Learning Objectives
- Explain how gene expression can be regulated
- Describe the different levels of gene regulation (mRNA and protein)
- Measure mRNA levels (RT-PCR), protein expression (Western blotting)
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Microscopy
- Western blotting
- RT-PCR
Related Standards
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
Learn More About This Simulation
In the past, there was no hope for visually impaired people to regain their sight back. Welcome to the future of medicine! In this simulation, you will learn the gene regulation principle that won the Nobel Prize for Physiology 2012. With the gene regulation technique develop by Sir Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka, your mission is to try to treat a visually impaired girl.
Learn the basics of stem cells
In order to save the visually impaired girl, you will prepare induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) from a fibroblast cells sample taken from the girl. The iPS cells will then be differentiated to retinal-pigmented epithelial cells for transplantation. In this simulation, 3D-animations will allow you to take a closer look at the machinery involved in gene regulation. You will learn about the basics of stem cells and what it takes to create one.
Transform fibroblast cells into iPS cells
You will have to determine which transcription factors are essential in maintaining a stem cell’s features based on what you have learned in the previous mission. After determining the genes, you will use a retroviral infection technique to transform mature fibroblast into iPS cells. After incubation, you will examine which set of transcription factors is capable of inducing the fibroblast into stem cells (iPS).
Analyze gene expression
By now you will have an idea of which transcription factor is capable of transforming fibroblast cells into iPS cells. The next step is to confirm your findings by analyzing the gene expression in mRNA and protein level. You will perform reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot to investigate the mRNA and protein level, respectively. Finally, you will have to decide which set of transcription factors can be used to transform fibroblast cells into iPS effectively. Will you be able to help the girl?
Boost STEM Pass Rates
Boost Learning with Fun
75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster
Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus
Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content
Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists
Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios
Related Course
+20 other courses
Genetic Transfer in Bacteria: Prevent the rise of superbugs!
Prevent Dr. One from wiping out humanity! Complete a number of learning games to understand the three ways of genetic transfer in bacteria, transduction, transformation, and conjugation, and use your learnings to prevent the rise of superbugs.
Pipetting: Master the technique
Micropipettes are the extended arm of every biochemist. In this simulation, you will learn the art of pipetting in a hands-on experiment, as you try to determine the protein content of a corn cob. Will you be able to help LabsterFood Inc. create a breed of corn that contains enough essential amino acids to fulfil a person’s daily requirements? After playing this simulation, you’ll be ready to show off your pipetting skills when you enter the lab for the first time.
Gene Expression Unit: Use sequencing to unveil a gene linked to obesity
Discover Next Generation Sequencing by analyzing the mRNA from pig tissues and identify a new gene linked to obesity. Confirm your results using qPCR to analyze the expression levels of your gene!
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
Labster can be integrated within a school's LMS (Learning Management System), and students can access it like any other assignment in their LMS. If your Institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log in to Labster's Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide the access method during the sales process.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.
Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.