Dissecting the Role of Protein Arginine Methylation on Yeast Splicing Factor Snp1
This project studies the molecular underpinnings by which a key post-translational modification impacts eukaryotic gene expression.
Project description
The student will investigate how protein arginine methylation, a type of post-translational modification commonly found in RNA-binding proteins, regulates the function of an evolutionarily conserved pre-mRNA splicing factor, Snp1, using the budding yeast. The project focuses on determining whether arginine methylation of Snp1 influences its protein-protein interactions with known partners – including other subunits of the U1 snRNP and the SR-/hnRNP protein Npl3. In a broader context, the functional consequence of arginine methylation of Snp1 on the process of pre-mRNA splicing, a key step in regulating eukaryotic gene expression, will be studied.
Project outcome
Participation in this project will provide the student with hands-on training in yeast genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry, as well as valuable experience in the public dissemination of scientific results. From a knowledge and reasoning perspective, the student will learn to implement the scientific method by formulating testable hypotheses, selecting appropriate experimental controls, and troubleshooting experiments. In terms of technical proficiency, the student will develop fundamental laboratory skills in a biological sciences laboratory setting, such as solution and media preparation, sterile technique, safe reagent handling, and basic techniques for working with the budding yeast. In addition, the student will also gain experience with advanced molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, such as co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The student is expected to follow all laboratory safety guidelines and maintain responsible research practices, including data management and scientific record keeping. With respect to scientific communication, the student will present experimental results and interpretations during weekly meeting with the mentor and deliver PowerPoint presentations at lab meetings. The student will also learn to design and present a scientific poster at a research symposium. If the research contributes to a publication, the student will be credited with co-authorship on such publication. Collectively, these outcomes will equip the student with strong conceptual understanding, practical skills, and tangible research products and experience that will support future academic or professional endeavors.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Longer than a semester (about 6-9 months) |
| Start time | Anytime |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person |
| Level of collaboration | Individual Student Project |
| Benefits | Stipend Work Study Academic Credit (through BIO 498) |
| Who is eligible | Sophomores, juniors, and seniors that have taken BIO 200. |
Project mentor
Michael Yu
Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
There will be specific background papers to read prior to the start of the project. In addition, the students will be given some relevant methods videos to watch over in order to get some idea as to the techniques being taught. There will be mandatory workshops involving lab safety that each student must attend and complete.
Keywords
biological sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, laboratory