Molecular Biology Research
Research in the Hollingsworth lab explores how the interaction of cis-elements and trans-factors
affects chloroplast gene expression
RNA-protein complexes can be visualized with band-shift assays
The model for our studies of cis-elements is the atpI 5'untranslated region (5'UTR)
This is a computer-predicted secondary structure of the atpI 5'UTR. Con1 & Con2 denote sequences that are highly conserved among angiosperms.
Con1
Con2
RNAs
(specific, radiolabled)
(non-specific)
Incubation
Native gel
Potential binding proteins
(specific)
(non
-specific)
(non-binding)
Choloroplast extract:
RNA-protein complexes
Unbound RNA: