Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
Investigation of Bicaudal D2 and Nesprin-2 Binding Sites Important for Brain Development: Optimization
Investigation of Bicaudal D2 and Nesprin-2 Binding Sites Important for Brain Development: Optimization
Authors: Samantha Sylvain
Authors: Samantha Sylvain
Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Affiliation: Summer Scholars and Artists Program, McNair Scholars Program
Affiliation: Summer Scholars and Artists Program, McNair Scholars Program
Mentor: Sozanne Solmaz, Chemistry
Mentor: Sozanne Solmaz, Chemistry
Abstract
Abstract
Transportation of cellular cargo is aided by the interface of varying molecular machines, which is integral to neuronal migration. The Solmaz laboratory has investigated the interactions of proteins such as Bicaudal D2 and Nesprin 2, as they work in tandem, aided by motor proteins kinesin and dynein, to position cell nuclei in neurons. The Solmaz research group established the cargo recognition mechanism between the dynein adapter Bicaudal D2 and Nup358, which facilitates a transport pathway for cell nuclei during the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Through the utilization of biochemical techniques, the laboratory recently proposed a structural model for the Nesprin-2/Bicaudal D2 complex. My project will examine the allosteric regulation of recruitment of Kinesin-1 and BicD2/dynein motors to Nesprin 2. I will also assess the alpha helical content of Nesprin-2 protein fragments to scrutinize folding. Results will provide greater insight into biological processes including neuronal migration disorders.
Transportation of cellular cargo is aided by the interface of varying molecular machines, which is integral to neuronal migration. The Solmaz laboratory has investigated the interactions of proteins such as Bicaudal D2 and Nesprin 2, as they work in tandem, aided by motor proteins kinesin and dynein, to position cell nuclei in neurons. The Solmaz research group established the cargo recognition mechanism between the dynein adapter Bicaudal D2 and Nup358, which facilitates a transport pathway for cell nuclei during the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Through the utilization of biochemical techniques, the laboratory recently proposed a structural model for the Nesprin-2/Bicaudal D2 complex. My project will examine the allosteric regulation of recruitment of Kinesin-1 and BicD2/dynein motors to Nesprin 2. I will also assess the alpha helical content of Nesprin-2 protein fragments to scrutinize folding. Results will provide greater insight into biological processes including neuronal migration disorders.