https://video.igem.org/videos/watch/d5fdce16-bae4-411b-a682-47ce7e03b8ae Title: AKGut: Can Engineered EcN Deliver α-Ketoglutarate to C. elegans? Description: AKGut is the University of Houston iGEM 2026 project. We are investigating whether Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) can be engineered to produce α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and make it available to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The project builds on published research in which α-KG supplementation extended the mean lifespan of C. elegans. However, supplying pure α-KG and producing it with engineered bacteria are different approaches. Our work uses genome-scale metabolic modelling to investigate production constraints and compare possible strain designs. We constructed a sequence-verified expression plasmid carrying ppc and the modified gltA(R164L) gene and transformed it into wild-type EcN. The intended chromosomal edits remain unconfirmed. We have not yet demonstrated increased α-KG production, release from the bacteria, delivery into worms, or an effect on lifespan. This presentation covers the published motivation, metabolic modelling, engineering progress, safety considerations, and experiments needed to test the remaining questions. The video uses AI-assisted visuals and voice-over. Generated scenes are conceptual illustrations, not experimental images. Wiki | Official Page Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:22:51 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://video.igem.org https://video.igem.org/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://video.igem.org/videos/watch/d5fdce16-bae4-411b-a682-47ce7e03b8ae All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://video.igem.org/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.