RUI: Studies on the Interactions Between the yFACT and TORC1 Complexes and Chromatin During transcription Elongation

智力上的优点。为了适应细胞核的小范围，DNA分子需要通过与一些蛋白质的相互作用来压缩，形成一种称为染色质的复合体。染色质的基本单位是核小体，核小体是由DNA包裹在由组蛋白组成的盘状结构周围的颗粒。除了指导细胞内的DNA紧凑，核小体也是发生在染色体上的大多数过程的重要参与者，包括基因转录过程。杜伊纳博士的研究重点是在染色质的背景下，阐明控制转录延伸阶段的机制，在这个阶段，DNA被复制到RNA分子中。该项目有两个目标。一个是更好地定义yFACT，一个在转录延伸中具有明确作用的复合体，如何与转录基因上的染色质相互作用。另一个目的是确定TORC1，一种负责协调营养信号与细胞生长和分裂的复合体，是否在促进基因转录延长方面发挥作用。这些实验将以酿酒酵母为模型系统，采用生化和遗传学方法进行。鉴于酵母和人类细胞之间的高度进化保守性，所获得的结果将为与所有真核生物相关的基本生物学过程提供新的见解。这个项目将为本科生提供一个参与有意义的科学研究的绝佳机会。在杜伊纳博士的指导下，本科生将参与与该项目相关的实验的设计和执行，并将全面参与对他们研究产生的数据的批判性评估。此外，在杜伊纳博士实验室工作的学生将有机会在地区和国家研究会议上展示他们的研究结果。该项目还将包括杜伊纳博士实验室之外的本科生参与，因为实验的一部分将由杜伊纳博士在学院教授的一门课程的学生进行。总而言之，这些经历将把本科生带入美妙的科学研究世界，并无疑将在他们完成大学学业和以后的职业选择过程中发挥关键作用。

Intellectual merit. In order to fit within the small confines of a cell nucleus, DNA molecules need to be compacted through interactions with a number of proteins to form a complex referred to as chromatin. The basic unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, a particle consisting of DNA wrapped around a disc-like structure composed of histone proteins. In addition to directing DNA compaction in cells, nucleosomes are also important participants in most of the processes that occur on chromosomes, including the process of gene transcription. The focus of Dr. Duina's research is to elucidate the mechanisms that control the elongation phase of transcription, the phase during which DNA is copied into RNA molecules, in the context of chromatin. The project has two aims. One is to better define how yFACT, a complex with well-defined roles in transcription elongation, interacts with chromatin on transcribed genes. The other aim is to establish whether TORC1, a complex responsible for coordinating nutrient signals with cell growth and division, has a role in promoting transcription elongation across genes. These experiments will be carried out using biochemical and genetic approaches in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the model system. Given the high degree of evolutionary conservation between yeast and human cells, the results obtained will provide novel insights into basic biological processes relevant to all eukaryotic organisms.Broader Impacts. This project will provide an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students to be involved in meaningful scientific research. Under the guidance of Dr. Duina, undergraduate students will participate in the design and execution of experiments related to this project and will be fully engaged in the critical evaluation of the data generated from their studies. In addition, students working in Dr. Duina's laboratory will have the opportunity to present the results from their research at regional and national research conferences. This project will also include the participation of undergraduate students outside the context of Dr. Duina's laboratory, as a subset of the experiments will be carried out by students enrolled in one of the courses taught by Dr. Duina at the college. Collectively, these experiences will introduce undergraduate students to the wonderful world of scientific research and will undoubtedly play critical roles in shaping their career choices as they progress through college and beyond.