Analysis of the ATPase Activity of C. elegans RNA Helicase A

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Walstrom, Katherine

Keywords

RNA Helicase A, C. elegans, ATP

Area of Concentration

Chemistry

Abstract

RNA helicase A, a member of the DExD/H superfamily of nucleic acid helicases, plays several key roles in the regulation of gene transcription. It has been identified as a necessary component for the proliferation of germline cells in the nematode C. elegans. In this study, C. clegans RNA helicase A (RHA-1) was overexpressed using the baculovirus expression system and isolated by Ni-NTA agarose column purification. Spectroscopic ATPase assays performed with purified RHA- I yielded no ATPase activity in the presence of single- and double-stranded DNA, poly(C) RNA, poly(A) RNA, total worm RNA, and poly(U-A) double-stranded RNA. Promising results were obtained in assays performed in the presence of poly(I-C) double-stranded RNA. Future expansion upon these results may be useful in analysis of the activity of specific RHA- 1 functional domains.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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