A group of teenagers from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta has developed a promising method for detecting and treating Lyme disease, a condition affecting nearly half a million Americans each year. Utilizing the groundbreaking gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, these students showcased their work at the iGEM competition in Paris, an event often described as the “science Olympics” for budding biotechnologists.
The iGEM competition, or International Genetically Engineered Machine, challenges participants to employ synthetic biology to address real-world problems. In this year’s event, Lambert’s team aimed to tackle the complexities of Lyme disease, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health issues such as arthritis and nerve damage.
Inside the school’s lab, students like senior Sean Lee diligently worked on their project. “What we’re doing is moving samples into mixes that amplify our DNA,” he explained during a demonstration. Senior Avani Karthik, another team captain, added, “It’s a novel CRISPR method that detects a specific protein generated by the Lyme infection.” This innovative approach could significantly improve early detection, a major hurdle in current diagnostic practices.
Many Lyme disease cases go undiagnosed for extended periods, sometimes leading to years of suffering before receiving appropriate treatment. Karthik noted, “One person we met went 15 years without a diagnosis.” To remedy this, the Lambert team developed a test capable of identifying the infection within two days of exposure—far quicker than existing tests, which often require at least two weeks.
Their method involves targeting specific DNA strands linked to the Lyme infection and using CRISPR to remove unnecessary genetic material. This allows for the detection of the Lyme-specific protein using a simple kit-style test, similar to those used for COVID-19 or pregnancy.
The team also aimed to innovate treatment methods. While standard therapy relies on antibiotics, they proposed using CRISPR to directly target the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. “We had to build software to model how best to use CRISPR,” Lee explained, underscoring the complexity of their undertaking.
Guided by Kate Sharer, their biotechnology teacher, the students drew on feedback from various experts in the field. “This project is very high risk, high reward,” Sharer stated, recognizing the ambitious nature of their research. Lambert High School benefits from a well-funded lab environment, contributing to the students’ advanced capabilities.
Competition for a spot on the iGEM team is fierce, with around 100 students vying for just ten positions each year. Applicants must submit project proposals, take tests, and participate in interviews, reflecting the high expectations of this affluent school district.
The team’s dedication paid off as they prepared for the competition, pulling all-nighters to finalize results and build a project website. Their hard work culminated in a presentation in Paris, where they competed against over 400 teams, including a considerable number from Asia, which has seen a surge in interest in synthetic biology.
During the competition, Karthik observed the impressive range of projects presented by other teams, including initiatives focused on environmental challenges and healthcare innovations. This year, Lambert’s team was the only American high school to reach the top ten, alongside teams from China and South Korea.
Despite not winning the grand prize, which went to China’s Great Bay for their mold treatment enzyme, Lambert’s team celebrated a significant achievement by winning the award for best software tool. “We are very proud of our project,” Karthik said, reflecting on their accomplishments.
The potential impact of their research is immense, with the possibility of developing a new diagnostic tool for Lyme disease that could change lives. As Drew Endy, a Stanford professor and co-founder of iGEM, noted, “This year they appear to have developed a better diagnostic for Lyme disease than anything I’ve seen before.”
With a growing emphasis on biotechnology globally, the success of Lambert’s students highlights the need for innovative education in this field. As competition in synthetic biology intensifies, especially from countries like China, the future of American leadership in science may hinge on the creativity and determination of young innovators like those at Lambert High School.
