Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Chemistry
Research Advisor
Shannon, Katie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
OURE Program
Abstract
During cell division, the cytoplasm must be divided between the parent and daughter cell. The Mitotic Exit Network (MEN) is a signaling pathway that allows a dividing cell to exit mitosis and complete cytokinesis. Obf2 is a MEN protein kinase in yeast, which provides a simplified model for studying this conserved pathway. By regulating Dbf2s' activity through phosphorylation mutants, its effect on cytokinesis can be studied. Cells were viewed under a microscope, to visualize division errors. Yeast cells that fail to complete cytokinesis will form chains, as the budding daughter cells fail to separate from their parents. Chains of 3 or more cells were considered to exhibit cell separation defects. Cells were also treated with Zymolyase, an enzyme that breaks down yeast cells walls, to determine that chain formation was a result of cytokinetic errors, and not the cell being unable to form the bud scar and close the cell wall. Additionally, new mutant strains were developed by transforming yeast cell lines using bacterial plasmids with Dbf2 mutant alleles. This information is relevant to human health. Dbf2 is a member of the Ndr kinase family. Its human homologue plays a role in the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Thus, mutations in this gene can lead to cancer. By studying the impact of mutations and phosphorylation in a simplified system, the overall mechanism can be better understood.
Biography
Katharine is a sophomore in the Chemistry department, with a focus area of Biochemistry. She is also working towards a minor in Biology and is interested in pursuing academic research after graduation. She enjoys spending time in the lab and learning new techniques. She was drawn to this project due to its real-world implications in human health.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Innovation Forum - 1st Floor Innovation Lab
Presentation Date
10 April 2024, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cytokinesis and Dbf2
Innovation Forum - 1st Floor Innovation Lab
During cell division, the cytoplasm must be divided between the parent and daughter cell. The Mitotic Exit Network (MEN) is a signaling pathway that allows a dividing cell to exit mitosis and complete cytokinesis. Obf2 is a MEN protein kinase in yeast, which provides a simplified model for studying this conserved pathway. By regulating Dbf2s' activity through phosphorylation mutants, its effect on cytokinesis can be studied. Cells were viewed under a microscope, to visualize division errors. Yeast cells that fail to complete cytokinesis will form chains, as the budding daughter cells fail to separate from their parents. Chains of 3 or more cells were considered to exhibit cell separation defects. Cells were also treated with Zymolyase, an enzyme that breaks down yeast cells walls, to determine that chain formation was a result of cytokinetic errors, and not the cell being unable to form the bud scar and close the cell wall. Additionally, new mutant strains were developed by transforming yeast cell lines using bacterial plasmids with Dbf2 mutant alleles. This information is relevant to human health. Dbf2 is a member of the Ndr kinase family. Its human homologue plays a role in the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Thus, mutations in this gene can lead to cancer. By studying the impact of mutations and phosphorylation in a simplified system, the overall mechanism can be better understood.
