CAREER: Toward the Genetics of Meiosis: Integration of Meiotic Molecular Biology and Public School Science Outreach

科学研究本项目采用遗传学、细胞生物学和分子生物学相结合的方法，确定小鼠基因Cyclin B1相互作用蛋白1（Ccnb 1 IP 1）在雄性和雌性减数分裂过程中的结构和功能。本研究有三个组成部分：（1）确定CCNB 1 IP 1的完整基因和信使RNA转录结构，（2）确定小鼠减数分裂过程中涉及CCNB 1 IP 1的特异性蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用，（3）确定雌性减数分裂中染色体缺陷的程度和原因。这项研究将通过提供新的小鼠研究资源，阐明减数分裂进展所需的蛋白质网络，以及确定女性减数分裂的关键成分，来推进减数分裂生物学领域的知识。这项工作代表了一个重要的贡献，研究界，因为它增加了减数分裂的理解，一个过程的核心重要性，通过有性生殖的生命的多样性的产生。更广泛的影响这个项目描述了一个程序，进行国家的最先进的分子生物学研究，并将该研究纳入当地公立学校的课程。一个推广计划将由米德尔伯里学院的本科生开发和工作人员，使用一个移动的DNA实验室称为基因车，作为本科研究计划的一个组成部分。 学生将前往当地学校，并与当地教师合作，设计和实施基于遗传学的教育实验室。 此外，该项目将通过每年夏天直接参与小学研究来吸引公立学校教师。 该项目将在一个贫困线以下学生比例较高的学区提高对生物学的兴趣和学习。该项目对社会的好处是，减数分裂的基础研究将提供有关生物体如何繁殖，产生遗传多样性以及如何进化的基本信息。此外，首席研究员将准备教师和学生作为科学家取得成功。 社区外展计划将直接影响到所有当地学生，但对农村贫困学生特别有益。 作为一种模式，该方案还将促进在该地区执行其他此类外联方案。

Scientific ResearchThis project uses a combination of genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology to determine the structure and function of the mouse gene Cyclin B1 interacting protein 1 (Ccnb1IP1) during male and female meiosis. This research has three components: (1) to determine the complete gene and messenger RNA transcript structure for Ccnb1IP1, (2) to determine specific protein-protein interactions involving CCNB1IP1 during meiosis in mice, and (3) to identify the extent and cause of chromosomal defects in female meiosis. This research will advance knowledge across the field of meiotic biology by providing a new mouse resource for study, by elucidating the protein networks necessary for progression through meiosis, and by determining the key constituents of female meiosis. This work represents an important contribution to the research community because it increases the understanding of meiosis, a process of central importance for the generation of life's diversity through sexual reproduction.Broader ImpactsThis project describes a program to conduct state-of-the-art molecular biological research and to integrate that research into the curricula of local public schools. An outreach program will be developed and staffed by Middlebury College undergraduate students, using a mobile DNA lab called the Gene Wagon, as an integral part of the undergraduate research program. Students will travel to local schools and, in collaboration with local teachers, will design and implement genetics-based educational laboratories. Additionally, this project will engage public school teachers through direct participation in primary research each summer. This project will improve interest and learning in biology in a school district with high rates of students below the poverty level. The benefits to society of this project are that basic research in meiosis will provide fundamental information regarding how organisms reproduce, generate genetic diversity, and as a result how they evolve. Further the principal investigator will be preparing teachers and students to succeed as scientists. The community outreach program will directly affect all local students but will be particularly beneficial to the rural poor. As a model, this program will also serve to stimulate the implementation of other such outreach programs in the area.