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Multiplex Automated Genomic Engineering (MAGE): Conjuring massive mutations Virtual Lab

Gain insight into how scientists can improve children’s eyesight by genetically modifying E.coli to produce more beta-carotene.

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Multiplex Automated Genomic Engineering (MAGE): Conjuring massive mutations

About this Simulation

Imagine you were tasked to edit over 100 genes to find which gene or combinations of genes will work best to produce the pigment beta-carotene. You could try editing them one at a time, but that would take way too much time in the lab! That’s where Multiplex Automated Genome Engineering, or MAGE, comes in. Instead of painstakingly editing one gene at a time, the MAGE technique helps scientists to perform many genetic mutations at many target sites at a time.

Introduction to MAGE and designing oligos

In this simulation, you will be introduced to the principles of MAGE as a recombinant engineering tool for the large-scale programming and accelerated evolution of cells. After understanding the basics of the technique, you will be tasked to perform MAGE to enhance the beta-carotene metabolic pathway in Escherichia coli. To start your MAGE journey, you will first learn how to design the optimum oligos to be used for editing E.Coli genomes.

Performing MAGE

Once you’ve understood the principles behind MAGE, you will have the freedom to experiment with changing up different parameters of the technique as you progress. For example, you can try tweaking cell density, growth media electroporation process, and MAGE cycle. Your decision will determine the outcome of your experiment!

Plating and screening

To help you visualize what happens at the molecular level in this technique, this simulation shows you the step-by-step progression of the MAGE cycle in immersive 3D animations. The choices that you made when designing your experiment at the beginning of the simulation will be portrayed in the screening steps of the resulting E.Coli clones.

Will you be able to enhance the beta-carotene production in E. coli to help improve the eyesight of young children?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Explain the concept and molecular mechanism of MAGE technique

  • Describe the oligo design requirements for MAGE

  • Understand which proteins, enzymes, and plasmids are involved in MAGE

  • Perform MAGE cycles

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • MAGE (Multiplex automated genome engineering)
  • Electroporation

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