Web of Spiderman —The Search for Novel Genes Involved in Spider Silk Production
Poster Number
37
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Due to certain characteristics of spider silk, such as high elasticity and tensile strength, continued research in discovering different spider silk genes can result in many industrial uses, such as bulletproof vests and medical sutures. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to produce a spider silk- like protein for artificial fiber spinning. The goal of our research was to isolate cDNAs from the black widow and analyze the DNA sequence for novel silk genes. The initial unknown cDNAs, embedded in viral chromosomes, were isolated and amplified prior to single clone in vivo excision. The phage stock was added to XL1-Blue MRF’ cells and coinfected along with the ExAssist helper phage to obtain phagemid particles. The phagemid particles were transformed into XLOLR E. coli cells. Once the individual transformants were grown, the plasmid DNA was isolated using plasmid miniprep purification. The plasmid DNA was double digested with EcoRI and XhoI to release the cDNA from the cloning vector and gel electrophoresis was performed to confirm the presence of the cDNA insert. After the DNA sequencing reactions are completed, the DNA will be analyzed using bioinformatic approaches. The results will be discussed later.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B
Start Date
1-5-2010 1:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2010 3:00 PM
Web of Spiderman —The Search for Novel Genes Involved in Spider Silk Production
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B
Due to certain characteristics of spider silk, such as high elasticity and tensile strength, continued research in discovering different spider silk genes can result in many industrial uses, such as bulletproof vests and medical sutures. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to produce a spider silk- like protein for artificial fiber spinning. The goal of our research was to isolate cDNAs from the black widow and analyze the DNA sequence for novel silk genes. The initial unknown cDNAs, embedded in viral chromosomes, were isolated and amplified prior to single clone in vivo excision. The phage stock was added to XL1-Blue MRF’ cells and coinfected along with the ExAssist helper phage to obtain phagemid particles. The phagemid particles were transformed into XLOLR E. coli cells. Once the individual transformants were grown, the plasmid DNA was isolated using plasmid miniprep purification. The plasmid DNA was double digested with EcoRI and XhoI to release the cDNA from the cloning vector and gel electrophoresis was performed to confirm the presence of the cDNA insert. After the DNA sequencing reactions are completed, the DNA will be analyzed using bioinformatic approaches. The results will be discussed later.