Metriotect
Imagine a world where a simple, quick, and affordable test could detect one of the most common, yet often undiagnosed, ailments affecting women worldwide: endometriosis. This is precisely what the innovative minds at UiOslo Norway iGEM 2023 team envision with their synthetic biology project, Metriotect.
Endometriosis is a painful and chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, leading to severe pain, fertility problems, and a host of other issues. It affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years, but despite its prevalence, diagnosis is notoriously difficult and often delayed.
Inspired by the latest research on miRNA biomarkers in patients with endometriosis, the iGEM 2023 team from the University of Oslo undertook the task of simplifying the diagnostic process. The iGEM team consists of five master's students specializing in genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
They developed a rapid test similar to a COVID-19 antigen test or a pregnancy test—easy to use, quick to show results, and cost-effective. This means that women everywhere could have access to a tool that can detect endometriosis in its early stages, potentially saving them from years of pain and uncertainty.
Grand Jamboree in Paris
The international competition was held in Paris, and teams from all over the world gathered to showcase their research and practical solutions to various global challenges.
This year's iGEM team from the University of Oslo achieved the silver medal in the Grand Jamboree, the international final in synthetic biology in Paris. They were also nominated for The Special Prize in Best Part Collection. The interdisciplinary student-lead team has worked on a new rapid test to diagnose endometriosis.
The UiO iGEM 2023 students are Morten Pedersen Hauger, Mats Asakskogen Landfald, Anna Lislerud, and Sindre Sørem. They were guided by Kirsten Borse Haraldsen, Athanasios Saragliadis, and Dirk Linke from the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo.
Participation of iGEM teams at the University of Oslo is organised in the form of a 10-credit point course at the Master's level: BIOS4910IGEM. All UiO master's students at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, are welcome to join UiO's iGEM team.
- Participating in iGem at UiO was an opportunity to work in a team with intelligent and hardworking people on a project that we had to create from start to finish. This was a challenging experience, however, interacting with like minded students at the jamboree was a great reward. I highly recommend and encourage students to participate and create next years UiO iGem team, says Patricija Petrikonytė.
What is iGEM?
The iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition is an annual, worldwide event where student-teams from all over the world meet to solve global challenges using synthetic biology.
The iGEM competition is organized by a US-based foundation that has its origins at MIT in Boston – and has been run with an increasing international visibility since 2003. In 2023, more than 5000 students were part of the competition, competing with more than 400 teams from 66 countries.
- It was an honor to compete in the iGEM competition and meet representatives from industries, academia, and governments as well as all the amazing teams. Being able to develop a product is an opportunity few get and the experience is irreplaceable. I am proud of our team for being nominated for a special award and silver medal as without their hard work it would be impossible to come so far, Mats Landfald says.