Abstract
The phylum Porifera makes up the foundation of the tree of life for all eukaryotes. Conducting bioinformatics studies on sponge gene sequences will be important for discovering sponge phylogenetic markers within the Phylum. This could be important for finding and tracking genes that could potentially be used as evolutionary markers within Porifera. This study will utilize previously sequenced cDNA transcripts of two sponge species, Cinachyrella alloclada and Discodermia dissoluta. We searched for gene sequences that had interesting metabolic functions and, conserved motifs within these two species. Gene sequence identities were verified with BLAST searches. Next, I performed in silico translation with an online Expasy tool to get the protein sequences. I then performed sequence alignments of target proteins to discover alignments that would allow for the design of PCR primers that I will test on various sponge samples that were harvested locally. The purpose of this experiment is to create PCR primers that could be used to extract D. N. A sequences from sponges. Some specific genes that we targeted in this experiment are RAB30, e3 subunit of the ubiquitin protein complex, fibrinogen complex –A, chytochrome p450, and mucin-4 like. Also, the function of Rab 30 protein has been studied in mammals and, it is found to be tightly associated with the Golgi Complex. Its function is thought to aid in the structure and, maintaining the integrity of the golgi complex. Rab 30 protein is in the super family of GTPases and are involved in vesicle formation and trans-membrane trafficking.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Jose Lopez
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
Gene Evolution and Conservation in Marine Sponges
Alvin Sherman Library
The phylum Porifera makes up the foundation of the tree of life for all eukaryotes. Conducting bioinformatics studies on sponge gene sequences will be important for discovering sponge phylogenetic markers within the Phylum. This could be important for finding and tracking genes that could potentially be used as evolutionary markers within Porifera. This study will utilize previously sequenced cDNA transcripts of two sponge species, Cinachyrella alloclada and Discodermia dissoluta. We searched for gene sequences that had interesting metabolic functions and, conserved motifs within these two species. Gene sequence identities were verified with BLAST searches. Next, I performed in silico translation with an online Expasy tool to get the protein sequences. I then performed sequence alignments of target proteins to discover alignments that would allow for the design of PCR primers that I will test on various sponge samples that were harvested locally. The purpose of this experiment is to create PCR primers that could be used to extract D. N. A sequences from sponges. Some specific genes that we targeted in this experiment are RAB30, e3 subunit of the ubiquitin protein complex, fibrinogen complex –A, chytochrome p450, and mucin-4 like. Also, the function of Rab 30 protein has been studied in mammals and, it is found to be tightly associated with the Golgi Complex. Its function is thought to aid in the structure and, maintaining the integrity of the golgi complex. Rab 30 protein is in the super family of GTPases and are involved in vesicle formation and trans-membrane trafficking.
