Two UG student teams from IISc participated in the International Genetically Engineered Machine or iGEM competition in 2024 and won gold and silver medals.
The IISc software team won a gold medal for their project on a protein modelling tool called Integrated Modelling of Protein Complexes Via Single-shot registration using DREAM (IMPROViSeD) that designs protein complexes using experimentally derived geometric constraints. This data-driven approach ensures that the models reflect the real-world dynamics of protein interactions, which is crucial for understanding biological mechanisms at a molecular level.
More details at: https://2024.igem.wiki/iisc-software/
Another IISc team won the silver medal for their project on exploring the application of DNA aptamers in the treatment of proteinopathies. They developed a molecule that can be incorporated into any DNA aptamer, forming a PROTAC system that can be an optimistic strategy for several neurodegenerative diseases and also misfolded protein diseases. Their aptamer is functional, versatile and can be modified further to act as a therapeutic for similar types of diseases.
More details at: https://2024.igem.wiki/iisc-bengaluru/
iGEM 2024 results: https://jamboree.igem.org/2024/results/medals
