Abstract

The long term goal of this research proposal is to further understand the transcriptional regulation of the MRP1 promoter in neuroblastoma cells. We are primarily focused on two possible mechanisms that might lead to the regulation of MRP1 expression: epigenetic modifications, in particular, gene promoter methylation and transcription factors namely the regulation by the methyl binding protein (MeCP2). Within the 5’ untranslated region of the MRP1 promoter is a CpG island that has the potential to be methylated, thus contributing to down regulation of MRP1 expression in drug sensitive neuroblastoma cells. Our goal is to determine if methylation status of the promoter region and subsequently the recruitment of MeCP2 that may play a role in the regulation of MRP1 expression. The methylation status of the promoter will be investigated using Methylation specific PCR and Bisulfite sequencing; while MeCP2 binding will be examined using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation.This project addresses a very important question, which is why neuroblastoma patients develop drug resistance. Identifying regulatory mechanisms for MRP1 expression can potentially help us to determine prognostic factors for drug resistance and further down the road lead to the development of better treatment strategies.

Department

Biotechnology Program

Degree Name

MS in Biotechnology

Graduation Date

2-1-2014

Submission Date

January 2014

First Advisor

El-Dorry, Hamza

Committee Member 1

Fouad, Walid

Committee Member 2

Amleh, Asma

Extent

85 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Neuroblastoma.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Manufacturing resource planning.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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