Investigating Cytokinesis in Yeast may lead to Novel Cancer Treatments

Presenter Information

Mason Donnell

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

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Apr 11th, 1:00 PM Apr 11th, 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.