Date of Award
Summer 7-29-2015
Track
Biochemistry
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Sciences (MSCB)
Department
Chemistry
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Michael Van Dyke
Committee Member
Dr. Daniela Tapu
Committee Member
Dr. Carol Chrestensen
Abstract
We have modified the combinatorial selection method Restriction Endonuclease Protection and Selection Assay (REPSA) to work in high temperature conditions for the discovery of new DNA-binding proteins in thermophiles (HT-REPSA). We utilized Thermus thermophilus (HB-8/ATCC 27634/DSM 579) as a test organism due to its amenable nature in a laboratory setting and current status as a model thermophilic organism. We used a TetR Family (TFR) transcription factor SbtR as the model protein for optimization of HT-REPSA protocols, as data had previously been obtained regarding SbtR physical characteristics and DNA-binding properties. REPSA was conducted until a cleavage resistant species arose after 7 rounds. Massively parallel sequencing of the selected DNAs and bioinformatics analysis yielded a consensus binding sequence of 5'-GA(t/c)TGACC(c/a)GC(t/g)GGTCA(g/a)TC, a 20base pair palindromic site comparable to that described in the literature. Taken together, our data provide a proof-of-concept that HT-REPSA can be successfully used to identify the preferred DNA-binding sequences of transcription factors from extreme thermophilic organisms.