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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

activator proteins, DNA-protein, primary cartilage enhancer, col11a2

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

Abstract: The Human col11 2 gene is responsible for the production of type XI collagen, one of the three components of the collagen triple helix. Disruption of this gene results in varied problems including dwarfism, osteoarthritis and possibly cleft palate. In order to understand more about this gene, a series of experiments were carried out to identify proteins involved in its expression in cartilage-producing Chondrocytes. More specifically, based on what was learned in previous research, efforts were made to isolate the DNA sequences that encode those proteins acting as activators of three known enhancer elements in Chondrocyte cells. Using the protein identification system known as a Yeast-One Hybrid Screen (clonetech), plasmids were constructed using four copies of a known enhancer element. The new reporter plasmids were integrated into the genome of a host yeast strain and used as bait to attract DNA encoding the protein used to activate the specific enhancer element. Based on the technology of hybridizing a binding-domain and an activation-domain that acts as a carrier for cDNA molecules, specific sequences in theory could be sought after, isolated and be translated into functional proteins. The results of this study will ultimately be coordinated with studies of the rest of the gene. These results in turn will provide insight into control and expression pathways of col11 2. Such information will provide potential sources of gene therapy to individuals with collagen gene dysfunction.

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