The Role of Recombinases, Rad51 and DMC, in Generating Genetic Diversity in Trichomonas vaginalis through Homologous Recombination

Authors

Winston Young, University of the Pacific
Jose Jauregui, University of the Pacific
Cassie Blanscet, University of the Pacific

Poster Number

42

Lead Author Major

Biological Sciences

Format

Poster Presentation

Faculty Mentor Name

Lisa Wrischnik

Faculty Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract/Artist Statement

Trichomonas vaginalis displays no evidence of sexual reproduction, yet contains homologs for numerous meiotic genes. Without sexual reproduction, allelic variation is restricted to mutation or homologous recombination (HR). Current research aims to confirm the role of recombinases, TvRad51 and TvDMC, in HR. HR occurs after a DNA double stranded break, allowing an exchange of genetic information between allelic sequences. Therefore, the repair of the break promotes genetic diversity. Both Rad51 and DMC aid HR in eukaryotes, although DMC only assists during meiosis. We performed a triple strand exchange assay and an ATPase assay that monitored the oxidation state of NADH to look for evidence that TvRad51 and TvDMC are functional and can assist in HR. The triple strand exchange measures interactions between circular ssDNA and its double stranded replicate. Assays were run on an agarose gel and analyzed for the presence of joint molecules and nicked circular DNA. Our results indicate the presence of joint molecules and nicked circular DNA for both RecA, a bacterial recombinase, and TvDMC1, confirming that this protein does assist with HR in T. vaginalis. Future rese arch will confirm the role of TvRad51 in HR and further examine the function of these homologs.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

Start Date

26-4-2014 2:00 PM

End Date

26-4-2014 4:00 PM