Abstract

COBRA1, co-factor of BRCA1, is a transcriptional regulator and a subunit of the Negative elongation complex also known as NELF-B. Although this protein was first designated as a cofactor of BRCA1 and hence acts accordingly, it was found later that it elicits a battery of response genes overlapping those regulated by BRCA1 in absence of BRCA1 itself. Cobra1 deletion is embryonic lethal and results in embryonic stem cells (ESC) differentiation independent of the typical pluripotency machinery. Moreover, it was found that it has a role in suppression of tumors' growth and patients with poor prognosis of breast cancer had decreased levels of COBRA1. Paradoxically, levels of COBRA1 was found elevated in some upper gastro-intestinal tract tumors. Our understanding of the regulation of gene expression has been evolving as an important venue to explain gene product's diversification. Alternative initiation of translation has been observed in many important genes and showed different subsequent phenotypes. In some cases, the discovered protein isoforms are not generated from the classically recognized Kozak/ATG system (i.e. Canonical initiation). Alternatively, their expression is initiated using a non-canonical mechanism resembling viral internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) pathway. Generation of different protein isoforms has been linked to paradoxes in the associated genes' functions. Among the different functions observed are resistance to degradation, altered cellular localization and regulation of different cell cycle phases. In this study we have substantiated the hypothesis that Cobra1 has two protein isoforms, which might be one of the possible reasons for the associated paradoxes. We have used in-silico prediction analyses to verify that the 5' un-translated region (5'UTR) of Cobra1 has the required sequences and complex RNA structures for non-canonical initiation. We also could detect these isoforms in endogenous mouse tissues from different strains and ages. Finally, we were able to induce the expression of the two isoforms ex-vivo and still could recognize the isoforms in flag-tag based systems.

Department

Biotechnology Program

Degree Name

MS in Biotechnology

Graduation Date

6-1-2012

Submission Date

June 2012

First Advisor

Amleh, Asma

Second Advisor

Li, Rong

Extent

NA

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Genetic recombition.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Cytogenetics.

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

Comments

This work was funded by department of molecular medicine, University of Texas, health science center in San Antonio, Texas and the American university in Cairo. Al-Alfi foundation funded me throughout the program duration and during my stay in UTHSCSA.

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