Characterizing the interaction of the Bacillus subtilis ClpC chaperone with a novel sporulation adaptor protein

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dc.contributorBerry, Katie
dc.contributorFink, Rachel
dc.contributor.advisorCamp, Amy
dc.contributor.authorFekade, Ruth
dc.date.accessioned2023-06-28T20:22:39Z
dc.date.available2023-06-28T20:22:39Z
dc.date.gradyear2023en_US
dc.date.issued2023-06-28EN
dc.description.abstractProtein degradation is a complex process that affects biological pathways. Proteolysis in all organisms is carried out by the ATP-dependent AAA+ proteases, including in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, which undergoes sporulation, resulting in the formation of a metabolically dormant cell type called a spore. The molecular mechanisms that drive metabolic dormancy are poorly understood, but research suggests that this may involve the degradation of key metabolic enzymes in the forespore. Previous lab members have identified an uncharacterized gene micA expressed in the developing spore; its knockout displays phenotypes consistent with increased metabolic capacity. Our model suggests MicA functions as an adaptor protein, recruiting key metabolic enzymes to the chaperone-protease, ClpCP for degradation. MicA interacts with an interface of the ClpC N-domain at 3 different electrostatic sites confirmed by a co-crystal structure. In this project, we hypothesize that the lysine at position 12 (K12) of ClpC is important for the interaction of MicA with ClpC. Alteration of ClpC K12 did not disrupt overall ClpC function, but rather specifically blocked the toxicity of micA during vegetative growth and, like a mutant lacking micA, caused increased gene expression in the developing spore. Therefore, the K12 site on the ClpC protein is necessary for MicA and ClpC interaction.en_US
dc.description.sponsorshipBiological Sciencesen_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10166/6434
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.rights.restrictedrestricteden_US
dc.subjectBiologyen_US
dc.subjectMicrobiologyen_US
dc.subjectBacteriaen_US
dc.subjectBacillus subtilisen_US
dc.titleCharacterizing the interaction of the Bacillus subtilis ClpC chaperone with a novel sporulation adaptor proteinen_US
dc.typeThesis
mhc.degreeUndergraduateen_US
mhc.institutionMount Holyoke College

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