RUI: Investigation of the mechanisms that regulate interactions between the transcription elongation factor Spt16 and chromatin.

所有活细胞携带的遗传信息都包含在脱氧核糖核酸（DNA）的长分子中。在真核细胞中，大部分的DNA被定位在称为细胞核的细胞腔室中。为了适应细胞核的狭小范围，DNA与许多蛋白质结合形成一种高度紧密的结构，称为染色质。尽管这种压实对生命至关重要，但它也代表了结合DNA的因素的物理障碍，这些因素是将遗传信息转化为特定生物事件的初始步骤所必需的，这一过程通常被称为基因转录。近年来，人们已经清楚地认识到，细胞利用一些染色质改变蛋白，这些蛋白可以与染色质相互作用并改变染色质的结构，从而使转录所需的因子或多或少地接近DNA。在这个项目中，遗传和生化策略的结合将用于阐明这些染色质改变蛋白之一Spt16在基因转录过程中如何与染色质相互作用的调节机制。由于转录的准确调控对所有细胞和生物体的正常功能至关重要，因此这些研究有望为具有普遍重要性的基本生物学过程提供新的见解。更广泛的影响。该项目将为本科生提供一个积极参与前沿遗传和生化研究的绝佳机会。在这个项目中，本科生将在科学研究的重要方面得到训练，包括正确设计和执行实验，准确分析和解释实验数据，以及发展科学写作和口头交流能力。此外，参与该项目的本科生将有机会在地区、国家和国际科学会议上展示他们的研究成果。这些综合的经历不仅将把本科生引入令人兴奋的科学研究世界，而且还将为他们在大学毕业后就职业道路做出明智的决定做好更好的准备。

The genetic information carried by all living cells is contained within long molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In eukaryotic cells, most of the DNA is localized within a cellular compartment referred to as the cell nucleus. In order to fit within the small confines of the nucleus, DNA associates with a number of proteins to form a highly compacted structure known as chromatin. Whereas this compaction is essential for life, it also represents a physical barrier to those factors that bind DNA and that are required for the initial steps in the conversion of genetic information into specific biological events, a process more generally known as gene transcription. In recent years it has become clear that cells utilize a number of chromatin-altering proteins that can interact with and change the structure of chromatin to make the DNA more or less accessible to factors needed for transcription. In this project a combination of genetic and biochemical strategies will be used to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate how one of these chromatin-altering proteins, known as Spt16, interacts with chromatin during the process of gene transcription. Because accurate regulation of transcription is crucial for the proper function of all cells and organisms, these studies promise to provide new insights into a basic biological process of general importance.Broader impacts. This project will provide an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to be actively involved in cutting-edge genetic and biochemical research. During this project, undergraduate students will be trained on important aspects of scientific research, including the proper design and execution of experiments, accurate analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the development of scientific writing and oral communication skills. In addition, undergraduate students involved in this project will have the opportunity to present the results of their research at regional, national and international scientific meetings. These combined experiences will not only introduce undergraduate students to the exciting world of scientific research, but will also better prepare them for making informed decisions regarding their career paths following graduation from college.