Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
SOX9, Col11a2 gene, vivo cross-linking, vitro, HMG, high mobility group
College
Life Sciences
Department
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Abstract
Improper development of collagen is the cause for many cartilage-based diseases, including osteoarthritis as wells as various skeletal disorders. The Col11a2 (type XI collagen á2 subunit) gene is critical to cartilage development and is necessary for cartilage cells to be able to perform their specific functions (1,5). The development of collagen is controlled by the regulation of various collagen genes by specific proteins. Certain proteins bind to regions in the DNA called enhancers and promoters and this activates the gene. Dr. Laura Bridgewater’s laboratory at Brigham Young University has analyzed three enhancer regions for the Col11a2 gene. Each of these enhancer regions have sites that are homologous to the high mobility group (HMG) protein-binding consensus sequence. These HMG sites are specific sequences of DNA that are found in many different sites that bind proteins. The purpose of my experiment is to determine whether the protein SOX9 binds to the three enhancer regions of the Col11a2 gene in vivo (under conditions found in the living cell).
Recommended Citation
Clinger, Alisha and Bridgewater, Dr. Laura Clark
(2014)
"Analysis of the binding of SOX9 to Enhancer Regions in the Col11a2 Gene by in vivo Cross-linking,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 843.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/843