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Presentation

Brianne Givens
Texas A and M University, Kingsville

Subject Listing - Biology
Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Escudero

Thursday, Oral Session 3, Presentation 4, Karpen Hall 101

TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR FOXL2 REGULATION OF THE ANTIZYME GENE PROMOTER

Certain mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FoxL2 have been shown to cause premature ovarian failure (POF) in women. Previous studies aimed at identifying genes that are regulated by FoxL2 have suggested that the ornithine decarboxylase antizyme gene is affected by FoxL2 expression. These studies utilized the herpes simplex virus VP16 protein. VP16 is a very strong transactivator that enhances the transcription of genes. Fusion of VP16 to FoxL2 creates a hybrid protein that theoretically activates genes regulated by FoxL2. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines and is regulated by antizyme. Binding of antizyme to ornithine decarboxylase promotes the dissociation of ornithine decarboxylase homodimers (the active form) and also promotes degradation of ornithine decarboxylase. The aim of these studies is to determine if FoxL2 regulates the expression of antizyme by using Real Time PCR analysis. The hypothesis is that FoxL2 regulates the expression of antizyme and this will be tested by transfection of mammalian cells, total RNA extraction and Real Time PCR analysis. If FoxL2 acts as a repressor, over expression of FoxL2 will cause antizyme expression to decrease. If FoxL2 acts as an activator, over expression of FoxL2 will cause antizyme expression to increase. The results of this study will increase the understanding of gene regulation involved in ovarian function and lead to the elucidation of one of the causes of POF (Premature Ovarian Failure).

Texas A&M University, Kingsville
McNair Scholars Program

Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Escudero, Associate Professor, Biology, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Kingsville, TX