Investigating Cytokinesis in Yeast may lead to Novel Cancer Treatments
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences, minor in Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry
Research Advisor
Shannon, Katie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE)
Abstract
Cytokinesis is the process of cytoplasmic division in a cell. One of the processes in cytokinesis is actomyosin ring (ARM) assembly. IQG1, a protein involved in ARM function, possess four domains with the C-terminal domain named Ras GAP C terminus (RGCT). This domain, when deleted, causes cell death. I will use DNA plasmids to introduce wild type IQG1 to yeast cells with a RGCT deletion allele. To confirm the proteins expression, SDS-PAGE will be used to isolate the protein and Western Blotting will confirm the IQG1 expression. Once the strain has been made, analysis of the RCGT domain will begin. Qualitative effects of IQG1 in cytokinesis will be achieved by fluorescent microscopy. The ability of the mutant IQG1 to bind to other proteins will be tested using a GST assay followed by Western Blotting. The merit of this project comes from understanding cytokinesis, which can lead to novel cancer treatments.
Biography
Mason Donnell grew up in rural Willard, MO before he made his journey to Missouri S&T. Within his hometown, Mason was actively involved in his high school and community. Being the creator of the school’s first science club and volunteering at the local hospital for three years, his love for science and innovation was pronounced. While looking for the right university, he saw Missouri S&T as a good challenge for his academic abilities and decided to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences while minoring in Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering. Mason’s activity didn’t stop at home, but continued here on campus and in the local community. He has taken leadership roles in organizations such as Society of Women Engineers, Spectrum, and volunteers at Rolla Publics Schools to tutor students. Mason Donnell is excited about the applications of his research, and hopes you enjoy his presentation.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Research proposal poster session, First place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Investigating Cytokinesis in Yeast may lead to Novel Cancer Treatments
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Cytokinesis is the process of cytoplasmic division in a cell. One of the processes in cytokinesis is actomyosin ring (ARM) assembly. IQG1, a protein involved in ARM function, possess four domains with the C-terminal domain named Ras GAP C terminus (RGCT). This domain, when deleted, causes cell death. I will use DNA plasmids to introduce wild type IQG1 to yeast cells with a RGCT deletion allele. To confirm the proteins expression, SDS-PAGE will be used to isolate the protein and Western Blotting will confirm the IQG1 expression. Once the strain has been made, analysis of the RCGT domain will begin. Qualitative effects of IQG1 in cytokinesis will be achieved by fluorescent microscopy. The ability of the mutant IQG1 to bind to other proteins will be tested using a GST assay followed by Western Blotting. The merit of this project comes from understanding cytokinesis, which can lead to novel cancer treatments.
