2012 Participants

Laura Domicevica

  • BSc (Hons) Human Genetics
  • Interaction of SpoOJ proteins and SMC protein complex.

This project concerned the possible requirement of lateral spreading of the SpoOJ proteins on a chromosome in order for the SMC protein complex to load by looking at bacteria - Bacillus subtilis. SMC protein complex is responsible for various not well understood functions in chromosome maintenance and repair and it is found in organisms ranging from bacteria to man. Therefore, it is important to understand how SMC proteins interact with their partners. Bacterial strains with impaired SpoOJ - SMC protein interaction were analysed and more strains with similar properties were acquired by mutagenising the SpoOJ gene.

Funding source: Institute of Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University