To compensate for having two X chromosomes, C. elegans hermaphrodites repress transcription from both Xs by a factor of two. The Meyer lab has used a variety of cytological, biochemical, and genetic methods to show that the Dosage Compensation Complex (DCC) is important in this process. I plan to determine the mechanism of action of this Condensin-like DCC by purifying it to determine its size, composition, and DNA binding ability. The downstream effect of the complex will be investigated by determining the nature of DCC binding to DNA.
Aim 2 will use a genetic screen to determine what components are required for the dosage compensation complex to spread along the X chromosome. The purpose of both sets of experiments is to understand how the additional layer of precise transcriptional regulation supplied by the dosage compensation machinery can be superimposed on the general transcription machinery. This understanding will help establish how a Condensin-like protein complex binds DNA to establish and maintain a stably inherited specialized chromatin state. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM076934-01A1
Application #
7156332
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08-G (20))
Program Officer
Portnoy, Matthew
Project Start
2006-08-01
Project End
2009-07-31
Budget Start
2006-08-01
Budget End
2007-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$45,976
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
124726725
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704