Site-Specific Mutagenesis Of Rad51 In Escherichia Coli

Zachary Walsh

School Name

South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Cell and Molecular Biology

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Michael Wyatt, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina

Abstract

RAD51 is a gene whose protein is vital in homologous recombination, where it acts as a single-stranded “cage” for DNA to attach to and copy a template strand in order to repair double-stranded breaks due to harmful exposure to UV light. RAD51 is also a proto-oncogene which is over expressed in cancer cells. The absence of RAD51 leads immediately to cell death. Investigating RAD51 would be extremely beneficial to both biochemical research and cancer research. In spite of its importance in cell repair systems, very little is known about the regulation of RAD51. This project aimed to elucidate the mechanisms which control RAD51 and to determine suitable vessel bacteria for the RAD51 expression by mutating the RAD51 gene in E. coli. Our research determined that the E. coli strain Db3.1 was ideal for the plasmid DNA. Mutating RAD51 in order to clarify its pathways is the next step in this investigation.

Start Date

4-11-2015 1:30 PM

End Date

4-11-2015 1:45 PM

COinS
 
Apr 11th, 1:30 PM Apr 11th, 1:45 PM

Site-Specific Mutagenesis Of Rad51 In Escherichia Coli

RAD51 is a gene whose protein is vital in homologous recombination, where it acts as a single-stranded “cage” for DNA to attach to and copy a template strand in order to repair double-stranded breaks due to harmful exposure to UV light. RAD51 is also a proto-oncogene which is over expressed in cancer cells. The absence of RAD51 leads immediately to cell death. Investigating RAD51 would be extremely beneficial to both biochemical research and cancer research. In spite of its importance in cell repair systems, very little is known about the regulation of RAD51. This project aimed to elucidate the mechanisms which control RAD51 and to determine suitable vessel bacteria for the RAD51 expression by mutating the RAD51 gene in E. coli. Our research determined that the E. coli strain Db3.1 was ideal for the plasmid DNA. Mutating RAD51 in order to clarify its pathways is the next step in this investigation.