Presenter: Mandi Severson
Faculty Mentor: Diane Hawley
Presentation Type: Poster 82
Primary Research Area: Science
Major: Biology, Human Physiology
Funding Source: NICHD Summer Research Program, National Institutes of Health, $3800
RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II) is an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of all mRNA in eukaryotic cells. The Rpb1 subunit participates in RNA elongation in the active site of the enzyme. However, residues in Rpb1 have also been identified as having a potential role in backtracking and arrest. Backtracking occurs when RNAP II moves backward along the DNA, causing the 3’ end of the RNA to dislodge from the active site and bind to nearby RNAP II residues. If the polymerase has not backtracked extensively, RNAP II can spontaneously resume transcription; however, if the polymerase has backtracked too much, elongation stops and RNAP II arrests. This study focuses on creating mutations in Rpb1 residues that interact with backtracked RNA. The point mutations being investigated change nucleophilic amino acid residues into residues that theoretically should have reduced ability to bind to backtracked RNA. If RNAP II residues and backtracked RNA are interacting this way, it may induce less extensive backtracking and decreased incidence of arrest. Currently we are using site-directed mutagenesis to create and isolate mutants, which are then tested in transcription assays to observe the effects on speed and incidence of arrest of RNAP II. Mutants are still being isolated and tested at this time. Results from this study will contribute to our knowledge about backtracking and its function in the transcription cycle, which could help us combat viral proliferation and genetic disease.