Background
Mitochondria are the "energy factories" of cells, producing ATP by oxidative phosphorylation of adenosine triphosphate and the electron transport chain (ETC). In addition, mitochondria are essential calcium-buffered organelles in neurons that regulate neurotransmitter release by modulating local calcium dynamics$^1$. Studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the development of ASD. The results of our enrichment analysis also show that energy metabolism disorders are closely related to the development of ASD. Details of our literature research and enrichment analysis can be found on the Description page.
Exposure to heavy metals can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Metal ions can cause endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and the destruction of necessary metalloproteins, as concluded in the figure below. Eventually, cell death occurs through apoptosis and/or necrosis mechanisms$^2$.
Different heavy metals cause mitochondrial damage through distinct mechanisms. Here, we summarize the mechanisms through which As, Al, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, and Pb cause mitochondrial damage.
Summary of mitochondrial damage by heavy metals
- As
- Al
- Cu
- Zn
- Mn
- Fe
- Hg
- Pb
As and mitochondrial dysfunction
Al and mitochondrial dysfunction
Cu and mitochondrial dysfunction
Zn and mitochondrial dysfunction
Mn and mitochondrial dysfunction
Fe and mitochondrial dysfunction
Hg and mitochondrial dysfunction
Pb and mitochondrial dysfunction
Design and Development
Design
Our goal is to design a simple and fun game so that people can understand our engineered bacteria design while having fun. Thus, we refer to the arcade games of the early 20th century. The background of the game is the human intestinal environment and heavy metals will flow continuously into it. Our engineered bacteria can shoot balls at heavy metals to destroy them. One point will be awarded for each heavy metal destroyed. With time, heavy metals will get near the engineering bacteria, and if the heavy metal ions reach the engineering bacteria, the player fails. Although this is different from the mechanism of our engineering bacteria for heavy metal elimination, it is a more straightforward and appealing way to play.
Game Design Pattern
Development
As to the market, WeChat Mini Programs are becoming increasingly popular. Develop and promote games using WeChat Mini Program can attract more people. In terms of technology, the WeChat Mini Program has mature technical support following professional testing and maintenance. As a result, we develop the game based on the environment of the WeChat Mini Program.
How to Play
Here is the QR code of this game. You can scan it in WeChat and the game will begin in a few seconds.
QR code of the game
If WeChat is unavailable to you, don't worry. We also recorded a video to demonstrate how the game can be played.
