The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) is a transposable element comprising roughly 17% of the human genome. This MQP investigated two zinc finger proteins (ZNF), 146 and 507, as potential L1-binding proteins. Bioinformatics analysis identified potential ZNF binding sites on L1 elements. Binding to 146 was verified biochemically using pull-down assays. The binding for the ZNFs are highly conserved across primate L1s, with 507 showing a specific period of loss. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed ZNF nuclear localization. Protein overexpression resulted in toxicity and possible signs of cell phase arrest. Protein knockdown resulted in morphology similar to senescence. Immunoprecipitation of flag-tagged 507 followed by mass spectroscopy identified PRMT5 as a 507-binding protein.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Larsen, Eric Christoper

Contributors

• Lawrence, Jeanne

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042618-111020

Advisor

• Adams, David S.
• Dempski, Robert E.

Year

• 2018

Sponsor

• UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2018-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-09-19