We utilize a multidisciplinary approach toward biotechnology development, with the primary goal of developing novel and useful RNA catalysts. One such catalyst, termed a trans excision-splicing ribozyme, has been shown to excise single-base insertion mutations from RNA transcripts, both in vitro and in prokaryotic cells, resulting in the repair of the transcript. This represents an innovative therapeutic strategy whereby the ribozyme can repair genetic mutations at the RNA level. Our funded research includes feasibility studies for developing such ribozymes against known
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mutations that lead to disease susceptibility in muscular dystrophy, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
The undergraduate project will involve the further analysis of this repair activity in prokaryotic cells. We have previously published that ribozymes can excise up to 28 nucleotides at a time from RNA model target systems in vitro, but this has not yet been tested in vivo. This project will utilize a fluorescent protein model system (Green Fluorescent Protein), and involves traditional molecular biology, simple cell transformation, and fluorescence detection. The project can be completed in the allotted time, can be conducted by an undergraduate student (under my supervision), and the results will be important and publishable. The student will leave my lab with extensive experience in molecular biology techniques, catalytic RNA theory, and fluorescence detection. Perhaps more importantly, this project will allow the researcher to experience the satisfaction of beginning and completing a research project, as well as being a part of a larger scientific community, all working towards a socially rewarding scientific goal. |
