Tag: Poster 82

Rpb1 Mutations and Interactions with Backtracked RNA in RNA Polymerase II in Yeast

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.

Determining Scrib binding partners relevant to its spindle orienting function

Presenter(s): Hussein Al-Zubieri – Biochemistry

Faculty Mentor(s): Ken Prehoda, Nicole Paterson

Poster 82

Research Area: Molecular Biology

Asymmetric stem cell division requires a mitotic spindle oriented relative to its axis of polarity. Spindle orientation determines where the cleavage furrow is positioned, thereby determining the location of cell division. Without a correctly oriented spindle, tumorigenesis can occur. Indeed, many of the proteins in the pathway are tumor suppressors. Two pathways have been found to position the spindle, Mud pathway and Dlg pathway. Both are required for spindle orientation. Our research focuses on a Dlg pathway protein member called Scrib which is a tumor suppressor protein that has been shown to be required for spindle orientation. The function of Scrib is not yet fully understood, and our research is focused on discovering the mechanism of its function in this process. A starting point for identifying function is to test the requirement of the functional domains of Scrib in vivo, and determine the specific function of these domains in vitro. My project is to determine the Scrib binding partners relevant to its spindle orienting function.

How Stigma Surrounding Depression Influences Depression Symptoms in Ghana

Presenter(s): Joan Hicks

Faculty Mentor(s): Alicia DeLouize

Poster 82

Session: Social Sciences & Humanities

The diversity of humanity should be included in any discussion surrounding mental health in order to work towards de-stigmatizing mental health disorders. I will focus mainly on how stigma of depression influences the reports of symptoms of depression in Ghana, and we hypothesize that stigma will predict the symptoms that are reported by participants in each population. Using data from the WHO’s study on Global AGEing and Adult Health, we will compare the level of stigma in Ghanian populations to the symptoms of depression reported, the under diagnosis of depression, and the diagnosis of depression. Gender differences, age differences, income differences, and educational differences, that may influence stigma surrounding depression, as well as the manifestation, and reporting of these symptoms, will also be explored. This will lead to further discussion surrounding culturally specific techniques to recognize, and identify depression in Ghana, and other countries.