Cytokinesis and the effect of mutations on protein-protein interactions
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Shannon, Katie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE)
Abstract
Iqg1 is a protein involved in cytokinesis in budding yeast. It is required for the assembly and contraction of the actin ring, which is responsible for dividing the two cells. In previous studies, Iqg1 has been shown to interact with the formin proteins Bni1 and Bnr1. The overall objective of my research is to determine how mutations affecting Iqg1 phosphorylation alter protein-protein interactions. My research began with a preparation of yeast extracts from three different strains; a wild type, a mutant that prevents Iqg1 phosphorylation, and a mutant that mimics Iqg1 phosphorylation. I then used these extracts to perform GST-pull down experiments and conduct western blots to determine the results. By the end of my research, I will be able to determine if mutant Iqg1 alleles affect the binding of Iqg1 to Bnr1 and Bni1.
Biography
Caitlin Siehr is a sophomore at Missouri University of Science and Technology, pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences. She has studied under Dr. Shannon since September of 2014 and is an avid member of Sigma Tau Delta, Missouri S&T’s English Honor Society. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to further her education with graduate studies.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Cytokinesis and the effect of mutations on protein-protein interactions
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Iqg1 is a protein involved in cytokinesis in budding yeast. It is required for the assembly and contraction of the actin ring, which is responsible for dividing the two cells. In previous studies, Iqg1 has been shown to interact with the formin proteins Bni1 and Bnr1. The overall objective of my research is to determine how mutations affecting Iqg1 phosphorylation alter protein-protein interactions. My research began with a preparation of yeast extracts from three different strains; a wild type, a mutant that prevents Iqg1 phosphorylation, and a mutant that mimics Iqg1 phosphorylation. I then used these extracts to perform GST-pull down experiments and conduct western blots to determine the results. By the end of my research, I will be able to determine if mutant Iqg1 alleles affect the binding of Iqg1 to Bnr1 and Bni1.
