In all organisms, gene regulation is crucial for proper cell function and development. Dosage compensation is one such mechanism of gene regulation. In Drosophila melanogaster, dosage compensation is mediated by the MSL (Male Specific Lethal) protein complex. The MSL complex allows for the two-fold up-regulation of the X chromosome in males (XY), in order to equalize the disparities in amount of genetic information with females (XX). Since none of the known MSL components are sufficient for direct DNA recognition in vitro, the Larschan laboratory has identified an additional DNA binding protein as a key player in MSL complex recruitment. This previously unstudied zinc-finger protein, CLAMP, (Chromatin Linked Adaptor for MSL Proteins), co-localizes to the X chromosome with MSL complex in vivo. In order to fully investigate the role of CLAMP in dosage compensation, it is necessary to generate a null or mutant of CLAMP. The aim of my project is to generate a CLAMP null mutant using the CRISPR/CAS9 system. With this cutting edge technique, I have site-specifically mutagenized CLAMP in vitro in Drosophila melanogaster S2 and Kc cells and in vivo in Drosophila melanogaster flies.
Doherty, Caroline,
"Creating a CLAMP null using the CRISPR/Cas system"
(2014).
Summer Research Symposium.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.26300/acj1-rb64
Each year, Brown University showcases the research of its undergraduates at the Summer Research Symposium. More than half of the student-researchers are UTRA recipients, while others receive funding from a variety of Brown-administered and national programs and fellowships and go …
