Repressing APOBEC3 Proteins with Micro RNAs to Reduce Cancer-Causing Mutations
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
12-4-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
12-4-2022 3:30 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Geoffrey Goellner
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
APOBEC3s are a group of proteins that have widespread influences and effects on human immunity and cancer. APOBEC3s have the ability to inhibit many serious viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papilloma Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus. In addition to their viral implications, APOBEC3s play a crucial role in cancer and its progression. APOBEC3 proteins are expressed to a high degree in cancer patients, especially those whom viral infections have impacted. Because of this, it is hypothesized that downregulating APOBEC3 protein translation will result in fewer cancer-causing mutations, thus limiting cancer and its progression. Our research aims to study this phenomenon through the use of repressive micro-RNA molecules. Currently, in our research, we have delivered various micro RNAs into a human cancer cell line to gauge their repressive effects. To test whether a micro-RNA has repressive effects, we have utilized the dual-luciferase assay system. In this system, the region of APOBEC3, which miRNAs would target, is fused to the light-emitting genes from a sea pansy. A second light-emitting gene from a firefly is expressed independently. If the micro-RNA has a repressive nature, sea pansy, but not firefly, light emission should be lowered when read on a luminometer. From the dual luciferase assay system, we found that miRNAs 548 and 1207 repressed APOBEC3 protein translation significantly compared to a control. These results, however, were unable to be duplicated, but we came close. We also found that miRNA 1227 showed signs of repression, but the error margin was too wide to be considered significant. These results indicate a positive outlook for the downregulation of APOBEC3 protein translation; however, further experimentation must be done to make a definitive statement.
Repressing APOBEC3 Proteins with Micro RNAs to Reduce Cancer-Causing Mutations
CSU Ballroom
APOBEC3s are a group of proteins that have widespread influences and effects on human immunity and cancer. APOBEC3s have the ability to inhibit many serious viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papilloma Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus. In addition to their viral implications, APOBEC3s play a crucial role in cancer and its progression. APOBEC3 proteins are expressed to a high degree in cancer patients, especially those whom viral infections have impacted. Because of this, it is hypothesized that downregulating APOBEC3 protein translation will result in fewer cancer-causing mutations, thus limiting cancer and its progression. Our research aims to study this phenomenon through the use of repressive micro-RNA molecules. Currently, in our research, we have delivered various micro RNAs into a human cancer cell line to gauge their repressive effects. To test whether a micro-RNA has repressive effects, we have utilized the dual-luciferase assay system. In this system, the region of APOBEC3, which miRNAs would target, is fused to the light-emitting genes from a sea pansy. A second light-emitting gene from a firefly is expressed independently. If the micro-RNA has a repressive nature, sea pansy, but not firefly, light emission should be lowered when read on a luminometer. From the dual luciferase assay system, we found that miRNAs 548 and 1207 repressed APOBEC3 protein translation significantly compared to a control. These results, however, were unable to be duplicated, but we came close. We also found that miRNA 1227 showed signs of repression, but the error margin was too wide to be considered significant. These results indicate a positive outlook for the downregulation of APOBEC3 protein translation; however, further experimentation must be done to make a definitive statement.
Recommended Citation
Vetter, Joshua. "Repressing APOBEC3 Proteins with Micro RNAs to Reduce Cancer-Causing Mutations." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 12, 2022.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2022/poster-session-02/24
