MLL Studies at Minot State University

Progress report for North Dakota INBRE

Projects

• MLL translocation mechanism. What is the role of DNA topoisomerase II in MLL translocations?• In vitro cleavage assays• DNA binding assays (ChIP)

• Targeting the MLL-fusion messages by RNA interference

INBRE GOALS

• Establishing a sustainable research program

• Creating networks with UND, NDSU, baccalaureate institutions and tribal colleges

• Preparing undergraduates for post graduate studies and careers in biomedical science

Establishing a sustainable research program

• State of the art cell and molecular biology lab at MiSU• Cell culture facility• Fluorescence microscope• Plate reader• DNA analysis facility

• Researchers/Staff• Cheryl Lepp and Karen Pocha-Melby• 7 former/current research students/3

summer students

Networks

• Proteomics Core– Consultation on identification of DNA binding

protein (spring 2005) InSu Hahn

• Biology CoreConsultation with the sequencing facility (spring 2005)

Real-time PCR analysis of RNA interference samples (January 2006) Sheri Dorsam

Networks

Tribal colleges

• Turtle Mountain Community College• Visit to Minot State University, February 2006• TMCC research conference, April 2006• Lyle Best /Melanaie Nadeau-- research discussions

• Fort Berthold Community College• Kerry Hartman

Non-INBRE colleagues

• MLL research group at University of Chicago

• Cytogenetic analysis of cell line• Consultation

• MLL research group at Loyola University• Methods and research consultation• Grant proposal consultation

• Topoisomerase II expert at University of Central Florida and consultant for Topogen Inc.

The students

• Involving 3-4 students /semester in independent research projects

• Total of 10 since BRIN/INBRE initiated• Complete experience

– Literature– Experimental design– Analysis– Dissemination (meetings, presentations,

posters)

Presentations

• In vitro cleavage of the MLL breakpoint cluster region by topoisomerase II. 2005 ND Academy of Science Undergraduate Research prestentation. Shelly Reinholdt.

• Studies of topo II binding in the MLL translocation breakpoint region. INBRE poster session 2005 Stephanie Mueller

• Does DNA topoisomerase II bind in the MLL translocation breakpoint region. Undergraduate Research prestentation. Stephanie Mueller

Where are they now?

• Jessical Townsend– University of Wisconsin Madison– Ph.D. program in molecular pharmacology

• Jessica HamiltonUniversity of North Carolina Vet school

• Tonia SundlovUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison

--Ph.D. in Cancer genetics

Plans for the Future

• Stay the course…

• Reinforce collaborations—Sheri Dorsam, MLL research collaborators

• Establish new partnerships, especially with tribal college faculty and students

• Grant proposal