Bacteriophage T4 DNA Polymerase Structure - Function Studies(Biological Sciences)

本研究的主要目的是表征DNA聚合酶的结构和功能，以了解DNA复制的分子基础。噬菌体T4 DNA聚合酶是这些研究的模型系统。正在使用生物化学和遗传技术。Reha-Krantz博士将研究噬菌体T4 DNA聚合酶的两个区域，这两个区域对DNA聚合酶的功能至关重要；一个区域可以是核苷酸结合位点的一部分，第二个区域可以与核苷酸、DNA相互作用，和/或该区域可以是形成磷酸二酯键的DNA聚合酶活性位点的一部分。酶纯化和表征，蛋白质化学和基因工程技术将应用于这些项目。这项研究将进一步加深我们对DNA聚合酶如何工作的理解，因此将对DNA复制领域做出重大贡献。互动活动包括教授生物化学入门课程和在分子生物物理与生物化学系的研讨会上讲课。此外，Reha-Krantz博士将积极参加由耶鲁大学女性医学办公室主办的系列讲座和支持小组。这些会议将提供与研究生、医学生、博士后研究员和教师互动的机会。她还将监督一名高中生，作为少数民族高中生研究学徒计划的一部分。该项目进一步推进了VPW计划的目标，即(1)为女性提供在工程和NSF支持的科学学科中发展职业的机会；(2)通过为在工业、政府和学术机构工作的女性科学家和工程师提供更大的知名度，鼓励女性在科学和工程领域追求职业。通过鼓励妇女参与科学，这是对国家未来科学活力的宝贵投资。

The main goal of this research is to characterize DNA polymerase structure and function in order to understand the molecular basis of DNA replication. The bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase is the model system for these studies. Biochemical and genetic techniques are being used. Dr. Reha-Krantz will study two regions of the phage T4 DNA polymerase that are critical for DNA polymerase function; one region may be part of the nucleotide-binding site and the second region may interact with nucleotides, DNA and/or this region may be part of the DNA polymerase active site for phosphodiester bond formation. Enzyme purification and characterization, protein chemistry and genetic engineering techniques will be applied to these projects. This research will further our understanding of how a DNA polymerase works and will, thus, be a significant contribution to the field of DNA replication. The interactive activities include teaching in the introductory Biochemistry course and lecturing at seminars in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. In addition, Dr. Reha-Krantz will be an active participant in the lecture series and support groups sponsored by the Yale Office for Women in Medicine. These meetings will provide opportunities for interacting with graduate students, medical students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty. She will also supervise a high school student as part of the Minority High School Student Research Apprentice Program. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.