Investigation of Akirin Nuclear Localization and the Molecular Interaction between Akirin and Taf4 in Drosophila

<p>Akirin is a highly conserved protein that has been linked to myogenesis, cardiomyogenisis, and innate immunity. This investigation focused on Akirin in two different aspects, developmentally and subcellularly. Developmentally, we focused on further characterization of Akirin’s role in embryonic musculature development through its genetic interaction with the basal transcription factor, Taf4. We did this by analyzing muscle patterning in <em>akirin</em>, <em>taf4</em> double heterozygous mutants. Our data confirm a genetic interaction between <em>akirin</em> and <em>taf4</em>. Subcellularly, we investigated the functionality of an Akirin Nuclear Localization Signal (NLS). Through calcium phosphate transfection of S2 cells and fluorescent imaging, we were able to compare wild-type full-length Akirin protein fused to the Venus fluorescent protein to full length Akirin::Venus fusion protein with alanine mutations in the Akirin NLS to determine if a change in nuclear trafficking patterns occurred. Our data show that all constructs were not able to successfully localize within the nucleus. This could mean that there is a possible interference occurring with the nuclear pore complex, or even nuclear overload occurring. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MSIB)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Gibson, Samantha

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jonathan McMurry
• Martin Hudson

• Biology
• Integrative Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/integrbiol_etd/89

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu:integrbiol_etd-1091