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Date of Award
Spring 2008
Document Type
Restricted Thesis: Campus only access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biochemistry & Molecular Biol.
First Advisor
Dr. Joseph Gindhart
Abstract
The microtubule motor kinesin-1 functions in anterograde intracellular transport of cellular cargos, and this transport is essential for cellular survival. In order to further characterize the mechanism behind kinesin-1 function and regulation , we are attempting to identify novel protein-protein interactions necessary for kinesin-1 function. It has been shown that kinesin-1 interacts with various proteins, one being the neuronal protein UNC-76, which has been shown to be essential for neuromuscular function. It has been suggested that UNC-76 is not part of the kinesin-cargo complex, yet somehow works to regulate their interaction. In order to better understand how UNC- 76 regulates kinesin-1 function, we have used a split-ubiquitin DUALmembrane yeast two-hybrid assay to screen a Drosophila melanogaster cDNA library for novel binding partner s of UNC-76. Using this method , we have identified six potential novel binding partners of UNC- 76. Future experiments involve molecular and biochemical approaches to characterize the observed interactions. By identifying the proteins that bind UNC-76 in vivo, we can gain further insights into the role of UNC-76 in kinesin-1 transport pathways .
Recommended Citation
Josowitz, Beccy, "Identification of novel protein-protein interactions required for the regulation of Kinesin-1" (2008). Honors Theses. 177.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/177