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Study of the Coupling Between Transcription and mRNA Processing Utilizing a Novel Bcl-x Mini-gene

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Date Issued:
2007
Summary:
The Bel family of genes are fundamental to the apoptotic mechanism. Bcl-x a member of this family, is alternatively spliced to create two main isoforms a long (Bcl-xL) and a short (Bcl-xS) variant. The long form exhibits anti-apoptotic activity, while the short form favors apoptosis. The proper balance of expression of these two isoforms is crucial for several developmental processes such as thymic selection and neural reshaping. A number of cancer types have been shown to over-express the long form, thereby granting them some protection from apoptosis. To study the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating gene expression, the Bcl-x gene has been utilized. A complex mini-gene construct has been create in order to monitor the effects that promoter sequences, 5'UTR and 3'UTR's have on mRNA splicing, RNA export, stability and translation. Abundant evidence exists indicating that RNA processing events such as transcription, splicing and export are coupled, yet the mechanisms and factors involved in regulating these processes are poorly understood. The mini-gene is identical to the endogenous gene with the exception of a deletion to the 50Kb intron and the addition of a tag to differentiate the mini-gene product from the endogenous mRNA and protein. This novel system allows for the study of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating gene expression from RNA biogenesis on to the protein level.
Title: Study of the Coupling Between Transcription and mRNA Processing Utilizing a Novel Bcl-x Mini-gene.
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Name(s): Devanney, Sean C.
Caputi, Massimo, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2007
Date Issued: 2007
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 69 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: The Bel family of genes are fundamental to the apoptotic mechanism. Bcl-x a member of this family, is alternatively spliced to create two main isoforms a long (Bcl-xL) and a short (Bcl-xS) variant. The long form exhibits anti-apoptotic activity, while the short form favors apoptosis. The proper balance of expression of these two isoforms is crucial for several developmental processes such as thymic selection and neural reshaping. A number of cancer types have been shown to over-express the long form, thereby granting them some protection from apoptosis. To study the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating gene expression, the Bcl-x gene has been utilized. A complex mini-gene construct has been create in order to monitor the effects that promoter sequences, 5'UTR and 3'UTR's have on mRNA splicing, RNA export, stability and translation. Abundant evidence exists indicating that RNA processing events such as transcription, splicing and export are coupled, yet the mechanisms and factors involved in regulating these processes are poorly understood. The mini-gene is identical to the endogenous gene with the exception of a deletion to the 50Kb intron and the addition of a tag to differentiate the mini-gene product from the endogenous mRNA and protein. This novel system allows for the study of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating gene expression from RNA biogenesis on to the protein level.
Identifier: FA00000741 (IID)
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Subject(s): Genetic transcription
Proteins--Synthesis
Messenger RNA
Gene expression
Oncogenes--Research
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library
Sublocation: Boca Raton, Fla.
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000741
Sublocation: Digital Library
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.