Analysis of the Rad51 Gene From Trichomonas vaginalis
Poster Number
20
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Rad51 is a gene responsible for homologous recombination during meiosis and DNA repair in eukaryotic organisms. Trichomonas vaginalis is a unicellular protist from an ancient lineage that is the causative agent for a sexually transmitted disease called Trichomoniasis. One of the major drugs used to treat the parasite has been suggested to kill the organism by generating DNA damage, so a better understanding of DNA repair pathways in this organism, such as the Rad51- dependent homologous repair pathway, could help us understand the mechanism of action of this drug (and others). In addition, though no form of sexual recombination has yet been seen in cultures of this organism, it contains genes used during meiosis in other organisms, including Rad51. Our goal is to understand the role of Rad51 in drug response and its potential role in meiosis in T. vaginalis. I have begun an analysis of Rad51 using techniques such as RT-PCR, real time PCR, Southern analysis, and transfection of Trichomonas. I am currently working on determining when the protein is being expressed, localizing the protein product in Trichomonas cells, and expressing the protein in bacteria in order to make antibodies against it and to test its function in DNA recombination.
Location
Callison Hall
Start Date
6-5-2006 10:00 AM
End Date
6-5-2006 12:00 PM
Analysis of the Rad51 Gene From Trichomonas vaginalis
Callison Hall
Rad51 is a gene responsible for homologous recombination during meiosis and DNA repair in eukaryotic organisms. Trichomonas vaginalis is a unicellular protist from an ancient lineage that is the causative agent for a sexually transmitted disease called Trichomoniasis. One of the major drugs used to treat the parasite has been suggested to kill the organism by generating DNA damage, so a better understanding of DNA repair pathways in this organism, such as the Rad51- dependent homologous repair pathway, could help us understand the mechanism of action of this drug (and others). In addition, though no form of sexual recombination has yet been seen in cultures of this organism, it contains genes used during meiosis in other organisms, including Rad51. Our goal is to understand the role of Rad51 in drug response and its potential role in meiosis in T. vaginalis. I have begun an analysis of Rad51 using techniques such as RT-PCR, real time PCR, Southern analysis, and transfection of Trichomonas. I am currently working on determining when the protein is being expressed, localizing the protein product in Trichomonas cells, and expressing the protein in bacteria in order to make antibodies against it and to test its function in DNA recombination.