Analysis of QK-1 Binding to mRNA Targets Implicated in the Schizophrenia Pathway

Flaherty, William Michael

Student Work

Analysis of QK-1 Binding to mRNA Targets Implicated in the Schizophrenia Pathway

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Down regulation of QK-1 correlates with reduced levels of SFRS5,hnRNP A1, NCAM, hnRNP D, and SRRM 1RNA. QK-1 is an RNA binding protein that may regulate the localization and stability of these mRNA transcripts. To test if QK-1 can bind to these candidate targets, quantitative binding experiments were performed using fluorescence polarization, competition fluorescence polarization, and gel mobility shift assays. The data show that QK-1 binds with the highest affinity to hnRNP A1, NCAM and SRRM 1 transcripts, consistent with direct role for this protein in the regulation of these mRNAs. Interestingly, like QK-1, NCAM is also suspected to play a role in schizophrenia. The data show that QK-1 binds tightly to NCAM RNA, establishing a new link between these two schizophrenia candidates.

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.

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