No description available.

<p>As a means of further localising the interaction, truncated fragments derived from the C-terminal region of YB-1, were tested for their interaction with the RING finger domain of RBBP6 using three different assays: a directed yeast 2-hybrid assay, co-immunoprecipitation and NMR chemical shift perturbation analysis. Our results suggest that the entire 62 amino acid region at the C-terminal domain of YB-1 may be involved in the interaction with RBBP6. Using chemical shift perturbation analysis, this study provides an indication of where YB-1 binds to the RING finger. This represents the first step towards the design of therapeutics aimed at modulating the interaction between RBBP6 and YB-1 as a means of targeting the oncogenic effects of YB-1. In order to identify E2 enzymes involved in the ubiquitination of YB-1, we examined the efficiencies of selected E2s in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. UbcH5c and UbcH7 were both found to catalyse the ubiquitination of YB-1 in conjuction with RBBP6, whereas Ubc13 was not. Finally, we show using NMR that two single-point mutations of the RING finger-like domain are sufficient to abolish homodimerisation of the domain. These will be used in future studies to investigate the requirement for homodimerisation on the ubiquitination activity of RBBP6.</p>

<p>As a means of further localising the interaction, truncated fragments derived from the C-terminal region of YB-1, were tested for their interaction with the RING finger domain of RBBP6 using three different assays: a directed yeast 2-hybrid assay, co-immunoprecipitation and NMR chemical shift perturbation analysis. Our results suggest that the entire 62 amino acid region at the C-terminal domain of YB-1 may be involved in the interaction with RBBP6. Using chemical shift perturbation analysis, this study provides an indication of where YB-1 binds to the RING finger. This represents the first step towards the design of therapeutics aimed at modulating the interaction between RBBP6 and YB-1 as a means of targeting the oncogenic effects of YB-1. In order to identify E2 enzymes involved in the ubiquitination of YB-1, we examined the efficiencies of selected E2s in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. UbcH5c and UbcH7 were both found to catalyse the ubiquitination of YB-1 in conjuction with RBBP6, whereas Ubc13 was not. Finally, we show using NMR that two single-point mutations of the RING finger-like domain are sufficient to abolish homodimerisation of the domain. These will be used in future studies to investigate the requirement for homodimerisation on the ubiquitination activity of RBBP6.</p>

Magister Scientiae - MSc / As a means of further localising the interaction, truncated fragments derived from the C-terminal region of YB-1, were tested for their interaction with the RING finger domain of RBBP6 using three different assays: a directed yeast 2-hybrid assay, co-immunoprecipitation and NMR chemical shift perturbation analysis. Our results suggest that the entire 62 amino acid region at the C-terminal domain of YB-1 may be involved in the interaction with RBBP6. Using chemical shift perturbation analysis, this study provides an indication of where YB-1 binds to the RING finger. This represents the first step towards the design of therapeutics aimed at modulating the interaction between RBBP6 and YB-1 as a means of targeting the oncogenic effects of YB-1. In order to identify E2 enzymes involved in the ubiquitination of YB-1, we examined the efficiencies of selected E2s in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. UbcH5c and UbcH7 were both found to catalyse the ubiquitination of YB-1 in conjuction with RBBP6, whereas Ubc13 was not. Finally, we show using NMR that two single-point mutations of the RING finger-like domain are sufficient to abolish homodimerisation of the domain. These will be used in future studies to investigate the requirement for homodimerisation on the ubiquitination activity of RBBP6. / South Africa

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) is a 250 kDa RING finger-containing protein whose function is known to be mediated through interaction with other proteins. RBBP6 plays a role in the regulation of the tumour suppressor protein p53 and is also thought to be involved in mRNA splicing although its role has yet to be characterised. A recent study utilising a yeast 2-hybrid screen identified the cancer-associated protein known as YB-l as an interacting partner of RBBP6, and showed that RBBP6 ubiquitinates YB-I, leading to its degradation in the proteasome.Human Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-I) is member of the cold-shock domain family of proteins, which regulates a number of growth related genes through both transcriptional and translational mechanisms. YB-l is a cell-survival factor whose expression is increased in proliferating normal and cancer cells. It also protects cells against p53-mediated apoptosis by repressing the p53- promoter and down-regulating endogenous p53. The interaction between RBBP6 and YB-l involves the RING finger-like domain ofRBBP6 and the C-terminal62 amino acids ofYB-l. As a means of further localising the interaction, truncated fragments derived from the C-terminal region of YB-I, were tested for their interaction with the RING finger domain of RBBP6 using three different assays: a directed yeast 2-hybrid assay, co-immunoprecipitation and NMR chemical shift perturbation analysis. Our results suggest that the entire 62 amino acid region at the C-terminal domain ofYB-l may be involved in the interaction with RBBP6. Using chemical shift perturbation analysis, this study provides an indication of where YB-l binds to the RING fmger. This represents the first step towards the design of therapeutics aimed at modulating the interaction between RBBP6 and YB-l as a means of targeting the oncogenic effects ofYB-l. In order to identify E2 enzymes involved in the ubiquitination of YB-I, we examined the efficiencies of selected E2s in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. UbcH5c and UbcH7 were both found to catalyse the ubiquitination of YB-l in conjuction with RBBP6, whereas Ubc 13 was not. Finally, we show using NMR that two single-point mutations of the RING finger-like domain are sufficient to abolish homodimerisation of the domain. These will be used in future studies to investigate the requirement for homodimerisation on the ubiquitination activity of RBBP6. www.etd.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) is a 250 kDa protein that is implicated in mRNA processing and ubiquitination functions and has been shown to be highly up-regulated in a number of cancers. In humans and mice,RBBP6 interacts with both tumour suppressors p53 and pRb, suggesting that it is involved in regulation of transcription, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle control. Knock-out of an RBBP6 homologue PACT resulted in p53 dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Although the biological functions of RBBP6 remain largely unclear, it is possible that its functions are mediated through interaction with other cellular proteins. Since it is possible to unveil novel functions of a target protein through identifying its interacting protein partners,this study aims to further characterize the functions of RBBP6 through identifying novel protein interacting partners using a yeast 2-hybrid screen.In order to identify interaction partners of RBBP6, two well characterized domains of RBBP6, the N-terminal ubiquitin-like DWNN domain and RING finger domain, were used as baits in a yeast 2-hybrid screen of a human testis cDNA library. Putative interactors were verified using in vitro and in vivo immunoprecipitation assays. The RING finger domain was shown to interact with transcriptional factors Y-Box binding protein 1 (YB-1) and zinc finger and BTB containing protein 38 (zBTB38), resulting in their ubiquitination. In the case of YB-1 ubiquitination was correlated with a decrease in the intra-cellular levels of YB-1, suggesting that ubiquitination leads to degradation in the proteosome. The DWNN domain was shown to interact with a splicing associated small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide G (snRPG) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70).The results of this work suggest that, at least in the case of YB-1 and zBTB38,RBBP6 plays a role in the regulation of gene expression by ubiquitination of transcription factors, causing them to be degraded in the proteosome. The study provides further evidence of RBBP6’s involvement in mRNA splicing through its interaction with snRPG. The interaction with Hsp70 suggests a possible role in protein quality control similar to that played by other E3 ligases such as Parkin and CHIP.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) is a 250 kDa protein that is implicated in mRNA processing and ubiquitination functions and has been shown to be highly up-regulated in a number of cancers. In humans and mice, RBBP6 interacts with both tumour suppressors p53 and pRb, suggesting that it is involved in regulation of transcription, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle control. Knock-out of an RBBP6 homologue PACT resulted in p53 dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Although the biological functions of RBBP6 remain largely unclear, it is possible that its functions are mediated through interaction with other cellular proteins. Since it is possible to unveil novel functions of a target protein through identifying its interacting protein partners, this study aims to further characterize the functions of RBBP6 through identifying novel protein interacting partners using a yeast 2-hybrid screen. In order to identify interaction partners of RBBP6, two well characterized domains of RBBP6, the N-terminal ubiquitin-like DWNN domain and RING finger domain, were used as baits in a yeast 2-hybrid screen of a human testis cDNA library. Putative interactors were verified using in vitro and in vivo immunoprecipitation assays. The RING finger domain was shown to interact with transcriptional factors V-Box binding protein 1 (YB-1) and zinc finger and BTB containing protein 38 (zBTB38), resulting in their ubiquitination. In the case of YB-1 ubiquitination was correlated with a decrease in the intra-cellular levels of YB-1, suggesting that ubiquitination leads to degradation in the proteosome. The DWNN domain was shown to interact with a splicing associated small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide G (snRPG) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). The results of this work suggest that, at least in the case of YB-1 and zBTB38, RBBP6 plays a role in the regulation of gene expression by ubiquitination of transcription factors, causing them to be degraded in the proteosome. The study provides further evidence of RBBP6's involvement in mRNA splicing through its interaction with snRPG. The interaction with Hsp70 suggests a possible role in protein quality control similar to that played by other E3 ligases such as Parkin and CHIP.

No description available.

The transcription factor Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) is crucial in multiple reproductive processes of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, including previtellogenesis, vitellogenesis, and oogenesis. This study explores the interaction between Kr-h1 and its potential associated proteins (KAPs), with a specific focus on the dimerization partner (DP-1), and how this interaction regulates gene expression pathways critical for mosquito reproduction. Utilizing RNA interference (RNAi), the research identifies DP-1 as a significant regulator of follicle growth post-eclosion (PE), highlighting its vital role in the mosquito reproductive regulatory pathway. The experimental approach included RNAi-mediated knockdown of DP-1, accompanied by evaluations using quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting (WB), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), follicle length measurement, and egg counting to assess the role of DP-1 in reproductive functions. For the first time, the inhibition of DP-1 expression was found to significantly impede A. aegypti follicular development. The elucidation of the mechanistic roles of Kr-h1 and DP-1 provides valuable insights that could lead to innovative strategies for mosquito population control and effective disease vector management. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Mosquitoes can spread serious insect-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria, etc. These diseases can infect hundreds of millions of individual and cause around a million of death annually. This study focuses on a specific mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, which is a major carrier of these diseases. To manage their populations and reduce the spread of these diseases, scientists are constantly seeking new methods to control their reproduction. Chemical insecticides are one of the most efficient and widely used strategies. However, these insecticides face significant challenges, including the development of resistance in mosquito populations and the potential damage to non-target species to affect the ecosystem. To address this issue, the development of new insecticides is crucial. We can identify new targets to pave the way to research novel effective insecticides. Inside mosquitoes, there are various proteins that help control their ability to reproduce. One of these proteins is called Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1). Kr-h1 plays a crucial role in the development and reproductive processes of mosquitoes. Our research looked at how Kr-h1 interacts with other types of protein to control mosquito reproduction. Through various experiments, including gene expression analysis and protein studies, we found that DP-1 is essential for the proper development of mosquito eggs. This insight helps us understand more about the biological processes and hormonal pathways during mosquito reproduction, therefore provide greater opportunity to develop insecticides to reduce their populations and the spread of the diseases they carry.

THAP5 is a protein which was recently isolated in the Zervos Lab as an interactor of a pro-apoptotic protein, Omi/HtrA2. THAP5 is unique because it shares no homology with mouse or rat and can only be found in humans. The only homology it shares with any other protein is its THAP domain. THAP proteins are zinc-dependent sequence specific DNA-binding factors belonging to the zinc-finger family of proteins (2). There are 12 identified members of TIIAP proteins in humans, THAP0-THAP 11. The roles of these THAP proteins include proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, chromosome segregation, chromosome modification, and transcriptional regulation (2). The function of THAP5 is still unclear and thus, a Yeast Two-Hybrid experiment will be done to further determine its function. The Yeast Two-Hybrid System is a common molecular biology technique used to identify interactors of a certain protein of interest. By identifying the protein interactors of THAP5 and their functions, it is possible to further determine the function of THAP5.