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DNA定位在被称为细胞核的细胞室内。为了适应细胞核的小范围，DNA与许多蛋白质结合形成一种高度紧凑的结构，称为染色质。虽然这种紧凑对生命是必不可少的，但它也代表着对那些结合DNA的因素的物理障碍，这些因素是将遗传信息转换为特定生物事件的初始步骤所需的，这一过程通常被称为基因转录。近年来，细胞利用大量的染色质改变蛋白与染色质相互作用并改变染色质的结构，从而使DNA或多或少能够被转录所需的因子所访问。在这个项目中，将使用遗传和生化策略的组合来阐明在基因转录过程中调节这些染色质改变蛋白之一Spt16与染色质相互作用的机制。由于准确的转录调控对于所有细胞和有机体的正常功能至关重要，这些研究有望为普遍重要的基本生物学过程提供新的见解。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进行培训，包括适当的实验设计和执行，对实验数据的准确分析和解释，以及科学写作和口头交流技能的发展。此外，参与该项目的本科生将有机会在区域、国家和国际科学会议上展示他们的研究成果。这些结合在一起的经历不仅将把本科生带到令人兴奋的科学研究世界，还将使他们更好地为大学毕业后做出关于职业道路的明智决定做好准备。

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.