Laura Walker

• Msci Biochemistry
• A study of the interactions between proteins involved in chromosome segregation in Bacillus subtilis using the yeast-two-hybrid system

The project involved testing protein-protein interactions from the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The proteins to be tested (Soj, Spo0J, MinD, comN, racA, divIVA and minJ) are involved in chromosome segregation in this organism, specifically during spore development. The chromosome segregation process is vital in all organisms, but is not well understood in bacteria. Using a yeast-two-hybrid system it was hoped I would be able to robustly test these protein-protein interactions, furthering our understanding of chromosome segregation process.

Plasmid constructs containing the protein genes were designed/created for the project and various tests were used to measure levels of protein-protein interaction within the yeast cells. This showed preliminary positive protein-protein interactions; including interactions between proteins divIVA-divIVA and proteins soj-divIVA. It is hoped these plasmid constructs can be used in the future to further test protein interactions with soj using the yeast-two-hybrid technique, with the aim to decipher the action of soj.

Funding source: Wellcome Trust

Supervisor: Professor Jeff Errington