iGEM Thessaly 2024: Thaelia
THAELIA, aims to develop a bacterial formulation to protect olive trees from Verticillium dahliae . The treatment involves using engineered P. putida to facilitate bacterial-mediated RNA interference (bmRNAi). In particular, we will deploy a bacterial system designed to produce double - stranded RNA (dsRNA) and deliver it to Verticillium, resulting in specific gene silencing [9]. To ensure the dsRNA reaches Verticillium effectively and withstands the harsh conditions of the soil, we are utilizing Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) as the transport mechanism. These OMVs will protect the dsRNA during transit, ensuring it remains intact and functional upon reaching its target [10]. P. putida strain we plan to use functions as a Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) [11] and will colonize the roots of olive trees. This bacterial colonization will enable the Bacteria to protect the trees both around and within the root system. Should Verticillium appear, the P. putida will act to prevent the infection, safeguarding the olive trees from this pathogen.
You can learn more about Thaelia 2024 by clicking here
Meet the team
katerina Karagianni
she/her
Team Leader
Panagiota Koutsandrea
she/her
Head of Human Practices
Maria-Nefeli Stoupa
she/her
Head of Wet Lab
Maria-Asimina Kakadiari
she/her
Wet Lab
Myrto Veligratli
she/her
Wet Lab
Ioannis Xesfingoulis
he/him
Wet Lab
Vaggelis Ananiadis
he/him
Head of Dry Lab
Nikos Chatzoudas
he/him
Dry Lab/Wiki
Chrissy Touchtidou
she/her
Dry Lab
