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Date of Award

Spring 2013

Document Type

Restricted Thesis: Campus only access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Paula Lessem

Abstract

Gene regulation is an essential cellular process. One aspect of gene regulation is the remodeling of mRNPs (messenger ribonucleoproteins) as they transition from one state to another in a proposed mRNP cycle. Prior research implicates Ded1, a DEAD-box protein in yeast, in two aspects of the mRNP cycle. While Ded1 is an essential protein, DED1 over-expression is detrimental to the yeast, and is manifested by a loss of translation because messenger RNAs (mRNAs) become fixed in stress granules (SGs). It has been demonstrated that Ded1 is acetylated, although the significance of this acetylation is still under debate. This study aimed to identify potential regulators of Ded1 in yeast, while also examining whether the acetylation pattern found in Ded1 is conserved in mammals. By studying the response of mutant lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and lysine deacetylases (KDACs) to the DED1 over-expression, we were able to reveal potential modulators of Ded1’s activity.

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