Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2013

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Chemistry

Committee Chair

Dr. Todd T. Kroll, Department of Chemistry

Second Committee Member

Dr. Blaise Dondji, Department of Biological Sciences

Third Committee Member

Dr. Audrey D. Huerta, Director Science Honors Research Program

Abstract

The mammalian neocortex is divided into discrete functional areas that are marked by distinct boundaries and whose positions are assigned through a process called neocortical arealization. One of the proteins involved in this process is Emx2, a transcription factor (protein that turns genes on and off) that is expressed, or made, in a gradient along the axis of the neocortex and determines the positions of these areal boundaries. In order to determine how Emx2 carries out this function of assigning areas, we have identified the proteins QKl-7 and Cnot61 as binding partners of Emx2.

Current research involves confirming the interactions between these three proteins as well as other binding partners of each of these proteins. The interactions between Emx2 and Qkl-7 and Emx2 and Cnot61 have been confirmed via yeast two-hybrid and yeast two-hybrid assays. Other interactions between Qkl-7 and Cnot61 and each of these two proteins with other known Emx2 binding partners such as e1F4E have also been confirmed through these same methods.

In order to further confirm protein-protein interactions such as those mentioned, a co­immunoprecipitation must be conducted. This requires the expression and purification of each protein to be tested for an interaction. Due to the complexity of this process and the variation of different characteristics of each protein to be tested. optimization of the protein expression and purification process is still being experimented with. Once proteins have been successfully expressed and purified, a co-immunoprecipitation can be conducted. Uncovering which proteins may be interacting with Emx2 will provide necessary information that will allow for the process of neocortical arealization to be studied further.

Comments

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