Probing Protein Interactions with Three-Color Brightness Analysis inside Cells

在这个项目中，PI将描述核受体激活基因的第一步。核受体是一种能够调节相邻基因表达的蛋白质，这些受体被归类为转录因子。PI将通过检测异二聚体核受体与两种辅因子蛋白的相互作用来研究观察到的协同配体效应。PI将使用三色亮度分析直接在活细胞内研究三元蛋白质复合体。所提出的研究将启发三色亮度分析在其他复杂生物学问题上的进一步应用。PI将在暑期为REU学生提供研究机会，这将使这些学生接触到生物物理，并鼓励他们对这门学科的兴趣。此外，PI还将为生物科学专业的学生组织为期三天的年度动手工作坊。研讨会将为在日常研究中应用荧光技术的学生提供必要的培训，但不一定对基本原理有详细的了解。

In this project the PI will characterize the first steps of gene activation by nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors are proteins with the ability to regulate the expression of adjacent genes and these receptors are classified as transcription factors. The PI will investigate the synergistic ligand effect observed for a hetero-dimeric nuclear receptor by examining its interaction with two cofactor proteins. The PI will use three-color brightness analysis to study ternary protein complexes directly inside living cells. The proposed studies will inspire further applications of three-color brightness analysis to other complex biological problems. The PI will provide research opportunities for REU students during the summer, which will expose these students to biological physics and encourage their interest in this subject. In addition, the PI will organize an annual three-day hands-on work shop for students from the biological sciences. The workshop will provide needed training for students who apply fluorescence techniques in their daily research, but without necessarily having a detailed understanding of the underlying principles.