A GENETIC SCREEN FOR MCM10: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MCM10 AND DEFICIENCY REGIONS ON THE 3RD CHROMOSOME OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER by Bryan J. Anstead A Senior Honors Project Presented to the Honors College East Carolina University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Graduation with Honors by Bryan J. Anstead Greenville, NC May 2015 Approved by: Dr. Tim Christensen Department of Biology, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences ABSTRACT - Mis-regulation of the Mcm10 gene has been linked with multiple forms of cancer, including many forms of breast cancer (Thu, Y. 2014). Despite this, the role of Mcm10 in cancer is not yet fully known. One way to study a gene is to see the effects when it is no longer functioning. When eukaryotic organisms are homozygous deficient for Mcm10 they are still able to function despite the complete loss of the Mcm10 protein (Christensen, T. 2003). This suggests that there are other genes that interact with Mcm10 which are able to make up for its’ loss, allowing the organism to continue to function. The hypothesis is that by studying the interactions between Mcm10 and other genes, Mcm10’s role, and its carcinogenic effects, can be more fully understood. Genetic screening will aid in this study of Mcm10 and its interacting genes, as well as their role in cancer. We propose an enhancer/suppressor screen of the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster, spanning roughly 7,619 genes, to determine Mcm10’s mechanisms of interaction. 2 Acknowledgments I would like to thank the people and organizations that made this study possible: Ariana Rebaza, Jerri Strickland, Kim Valle, Brenda Kennedy, the Department of Biology, East Carolina University, and Dr. Elizabeth Ables. I am especially grateful to my project advisor, Dr. Tim Christensen, for his knowledge and guidance. Funding was received from East Carolina University Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award. 3 Table of Contents Introduction 7 Methods & Materials 15 Fly Husbandry 15 Fly Collection and Cross Setting 15 Deficiency Lines Used 16 Data Analysis and Gene Identification 17 Results & Discussion 18 Df(3R)BSC874: Mcm10 & Cul5 20 Df(3L)BSC839 & Df(3R)ED6255: Mcm10 & pol-α 22 Df(3L)ED4789: Mcm10 & Reptin 23 Df(3R)ED5622: Mcm10 and Orc2 23 Df(3L)BSC816 24 Df(3L)ED201 25 Df(3R)ED7665 26 Df(3R)ED5100 26 Df(3R)ED5516 26 Df(3R)BSC568 27 Df(3R)BSC748 27 Df(3L)BSC12 27 Df(3L)ED4543 28 Df(3R)ED10555 28 Df(3R)ED10845 29 Df(3R)ED5330 29 Conclusion 31 Literature cited 32 4 List of Tables Table 1: Determination of an Interaction 14 Table 2: Stocks ordered from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center 16 Table 3: Each deficiency line outside of the standard deviation 19 5 List of Figures Figure 1: Example Deficiency Region 11 Figure 2: Schematic representation of crosses 13 Figure 3: Graphical Representation of each Wt/(CyO+Sb) Ratios calculated 18 Figure 4: Graphical representation of the results from the two crosses performed between the single Cul5 mutation and Mcm10148. 21 Figure 5: Graphical representation of the progeny from Df(3R)ED5330 x Mcm10148. 30 6 Introduction Mcm10 is a protein that may have separate roles in DNA replication, endoreplication, the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, origin firing, and stem cell maintenance (Apger, J 2010; Thu, Y. 2013; Ricke, R. 2004). Despite this, the true function of Mcm10, in replication and as a whole, remains elusive. Numerous studies on Mcm10 in single-celled organisms have been performed, most notably in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These studies provide much information on Mcm10 as a whole, as it is a highly conserved gene, having a similar appearance and likely a similar function throughout many organisms (Johnson, E. 2003). Mcm10 is a very abundant protein, with approximately 40,000 copies in each haploid cell of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and is mainly localized in the chromatin or nuclear matrix during the phases of the cell cycle (Kawasaki, Y. 2000). Mcm10 has been shown to associate with the origin replication complex; Mcm10 is required during origin activations, as well as during the disassembly of the pre-replicative complex. This is shown through the Mcm10 lesion causing drastic reduction in initiation at DNA replication origins (Merchant, A. 1997). In the same study, the Mcm10 lesion caused pausing at replication forks during elongation, suggesting a role for Mcm10 in the elongation step of DNA replication (Merchant, A. 1997). Mcm10 has also been shown to interact genetically with initiation and elongation factors Cdc45, DNA polymerase δ and ε (Kawasaki, Y. 2000). These studies present a strong argument for Mcm10 having a role in the initiation and elongation of DNA replication, at least in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthering our knowledge on Mcm10 in yeast, Mcm10 protein has been demonstrated to associate and co-operate with other members of the Mcm family during the initiation of DNA synthesis, and may function as a replication-licensing factor (Kawasaki, Y. 2000). 7 Building on this role in replication, Mcm10 mediates the loading of Mcm2-7 complex onto replication origins (Homesley, L. 2000). Finally, other studies have been done determining that accurate genome replication requires Mcm10, which interacts with the Mcm2-7 helicase, DNA polymerase-α, the replication clamp, and the lagging-strand polymerase (Alver, Robert C. 2014). Despite being a highly conserved protein, some evidence has arisen demonstrating that not all aspects of Mcm10 are translated to higher organisms. Due to this, some of the information gathered from these previous studies in yeast cells may not represent Mcm10 in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, yeast Mcm10 binds to chromatin during the entire cell cycle, with constant expression levels (Homesley, L. 2000; Kawasaki, Y. 2000). However, human Mcm10 protein levels have been demonstrated to fluctuate during the cell cycle, decreasing in late M/G1 phase, and bind to chromatin specifically in S phase (Izumi, M. 2001). The study performed by Izumi was performed in human cell tissues. Like in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, many studies have been performed on single-cell tissue cultures, expanding our picture of what Mcm10 does. Through culture studies, Mcm10 was found in the same genetic screen as the minichromosome maintenance family, which includes Mcm2Mcm7, which are all highly conserved throughout eukaryotes and are essential for DNA replication (Johnson, E. 2003). Phosphorylation may be essential for the dissociation of Mcm10 from chromatin, potentially by cdc2 kinase, although this requires clarification (Izumi, M. 2001). Since Mcm10 deficiency is known to cause replication stress, and due to its role in genome duplication and mis-regulation, Mcm10 may facilitate cancer development. Through studies on cancer tissue samples, there has been shown to be a relationship between Mcm10 mutations and multiple forms of cancer. Molecular studies, 8 mainly using Mcm2 and Mcm5, suggest that proliferative malignant cells, precancerous cells, and potential cancer reoccurrence are marked by increased Mcm levels, especially in cervical and lung cancers, as well as meningioma (Williams, G. 1998; Tan, D. 2001; Hunt, D. 2002). Mcm10 could also play a role in this, due to its relationship with the Mcm complex. Mcm10 has been shown to be overexpressed in cervical cancer, showing increased frequency of overexpression as tumor stages advanced, but this expression profile for Mcm10 remains poorly understood (Das, M. 2013). Finally, Mcm10 overexpression is associated with WHO (World Health Organization) tumor grade in glioma samples, one of the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system (Hua, C. 2014). Extensive research has been performed on Mcm10 through these single-cell models. However, little has been done in actual multicellular eukaryotic organisms. One in vitro study, performed on Xenopus egg extracts, demonstrated MCM proteins become less tightly associated with chromatin following entry of cells into quiescence, making Mcms effective markers of proliferation (Madine, M. 2000). However, this study focused on all of the Mcm proteins, rather than Mcm10 specifically. This serves to represent the deficiency in our knowledge of Mcm10 in multicellular eukaryotes, despite the relationship with cancer in human tissue cells, as well as its’ role in essential cell processes such as replication. To reduce this gap in knowledge, we propose an enhancer/suppressor screen. Since organism homozygous deficient in Mcm10 are still able to function, albeit imperfectly, there are likely proteins that interact with Mcm10. The proposed genetic screen will serve to reveal and determine the mechanisms between Mcm10 and the interacting genes. Through the study of the interactions between Mcm10 with other genes, the function of Mcm10 will be made clearer. This will be done through the performance of an 9 enhancer/suppressor screen for Mcm10 mutants in Drosophila melanogaster. A genetic screen will be useful in further studies on Mcm10, allowing the mutation to be more prominent. It will also shed light on possible non-essential processes Mcm10 may have a role in. A genetic enhancer screen identifies mutations that increase a phenotype of interest in a mutant of a different gene. The phenotype of this double mutant, one with both the enhancer and original background mutation, is more noticeable than either of the single mutant phenotypes. An enhancer screen can identify genes that redundantly with each other; a suppressor screen determines genes that subdue the mutant phenotype caused by the original mutation of interest. By performing enhancer and suppressor screens, a variety of genes can be characterized to have an interaction with Mcm10. The screens will be performed using classical genetic approaches. Drosophila melanogaster, due to their ease of care, quick generation time, and accessibility as a multicellular eukaryotic model organism, will be used to perform the screen. This model organism was chosen in part due to its unique balancer chromosomes. Balancers were created for all of the major chromosomes, and facilitate genetic analysis by: suppressing recombination with their homologs; their presence being signaled by dominant markers affecting adult and larval morphology; and having recessive mutations that cause lethality or reduced fertility in heterozygotes (Casso, D. 1999). These properties allow for the maintenance and stability of populations of mutants as balanced heterozygotes. A genetic screen can be performed multiple ways. One is through the candidate-gene approach. This method singles out individual genes that are predicted from the literature to interact with a given gene. However, this method is very inefficient to perform a screen on a scale as large as the proposed screen, as each individual gene out of the 7,619 would have to 10 be studied one at a time. Additionally, this method does not emphasize the discovery of novel mechanisms. Using this method, only genes with some bias towards having an interaction are likely to be studied if the project does not screen the entire chromosome. Another method is to screen the entire chromosome by subdividing it into large deficiency regions. This will dramatically increase the efficiency of the screen, as any region with an interesting result can be further separated into the individual genes for further study. An example of this method is shown in Figure 1. The red boxes are the possible deficiency regions for that span of the chromosome, with the blue boxes representing the genes contained within that region. Figure 1: Example Deficiency Region (Flybase, 2014). The red bars are different deficiency regions, denoting the genes that are removed in that region. The blue pentagons represent a single gene. A deficiency region could have over fifty genes in it, or as little as ten. 11 Our screen will be completed by crossing virgin females with a mutation in Mcm10, located on the 2nd chromosome, with males having deficiency regions located on the 3rd chromosome, which span multiple genes. To measure the results, two genetic markers will be attached to the mutants with deficiencies: curly wings (compared to the wild-type straight wings), located on the second chromosome, and stubble-hair (compared to the bristles found in wild-type), located on the third chromosome. By studying the phenotypic ratio of progeny from each cross, it will be able to determine if an interaction is present. Normally, if there is no interaction, the four possible phenotypic ratios of the progeny will be equal: 1 wild-type, containing both mutations, to 1 curly-winged, possessing only the deficiency region of interest, to 1 stubble, having only the Mcm10 mutation, to 1 curly-stubble, lacking either of the mutations. For a possible enhancer, the ratio will be similar to a 1:2:2:2 relationship, with the amount of wild-type progeny, which contain both of the mutations, being much lower than the other phenotypes. Conversely, the ratio for suppression would appear as a 2:1:1:1 relationship, with the wild-type progeny proliferating much more than either of the offspring possessing the single mutations. If the number of offspring which contain deficiencies in both mcm10 and the target region, shown as wild-type, are significantly lower than the number of offspring with a deficiency in only the Mcm10 gene, shown through stubble, or the target region, evidenced by curly wings, there is likely an interaction between Mcm10 and one of the multiple genes in that deficiency range. 12 Figure 2. Schematic representation of crosses. This figure shows the crosses conducted. 30 Virgin female Drosophila melanogaster with the mcm10 mutant and curly-wing phenotypic marker were crossed with 30 males that had the deficiency region on the third chromosome and the stubble-hair phenotypic marker. All of the possible genotypes of the progeny is displayed, and the amount of each is counted and analyzed to determine if there is any irregularities that could signify an interaction between Mcm10 and that deficiency region. (Drosophila image source: Wikimedia Commons) This is calculated through the expression would be: Genotypically, this calculation An enhancer is characterized by a ratio much lower than .50, ideally near .25; a suppressor is characterized by a ratio much higher than .50, ideally near 1 based on the hypothetical relationships stated previously, as shown in Table 1. 13 No Interaction: Wt/(CyO+Sb) Ratio = 0.5 Suppression: Wt/(CyO+Sb) Ratio > 0.5 Enhancer: Wt/(CyO+Sb) Ratio < 0.5 Table 1: Determination of an Interaction. If the ratio of Wild-type progeny to Curly and Stubble progeny is around 0.5, an interaction is unlikely to be present. If the ratio is greater than 0.5, there is a suppression interaction. If the ratio is less than 0.5, there is likely a gene within the deficiency region interacting redundantly with Mcm10. These ratios will determine whether an enhancer or suppressor gene is present. The function of this gene will explain another role of Mcm10, as the two must work cooperatively in order to exhibit enhancer or suppressor effects. 14 Methods Fly Husbandry. Fly stocks were obtained from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center, with each stock number listed in Table 2 below. Each stock was crossed with 175 Tm3,Sb/Tm6b,Tb,Dr mutants multiple times to add the stubble balancer. Virgin females of the stocks lacking the stubble phenotypes were collected and crossed with the 175 Tm3,Sb/Tm6b,Tb,Dr mutants. After waiting ten days, the parents were dumped, and any larvae that appeared to be tubby were squashed. All progeny with the stubble phenotype were collected and stored in a vial together. The successive generations were monitored for the stubble phenotype, and any stock still lacking the phenotype were re-crossed with the 175 Tm3,Sb/Tm6b,Tb,Dr mutants until the genotypes were cleaned of unwanted mutations. Mcm10148 mutants were collected and maintained at room temperature. Fly Collection. Female virgin Mcm10148 mutants were collected daily every six to eight hours, to ensure virginity. The virgin females were stored five to a vial and monitored to ensure no larvae were produced, preventing contamination. Setting Crosses. Approximately thirty males of each stock number listed in Table 2 below were collected and placed into a fresh bottle with the same amount of virgin female Mcm10148 mutants. After a ten-day waiting period, the parents are dumped out of the bottle and disposed of. The crosses were then scored every day over ten days, beginning the day after the parents were dumped, and sorted into their respective phenotypes. After ten days, the bottles were thrown away, to ensure only the F1 generation was scored. 15 Df(3L)ED4 293 8058 Df(3R)ED 5622 8959 Df(3L)ED4 789 8084 Df(3R)ED5177 8103 9215 Df(3L)ED4475 8069 Df(3R)ED5815 9208 Df(3R)ED10845 9487 Df(3R)ED6255 9210 Df(3R)X3F 2352 Df(3R)BSC874 29997 Df(3R)ED 6096 8684 Df(3R)ED 7665 8685 Df(3L)ED2 01 8047 Sxc bw sp/SM5 3058 Df(3R)ED 6232 8105 P{RS3}Ca m[UM8064-3] 8064 P{RS5}Dia p15-HA-2788 2788 175 Df(3L)Exel9001 7924 Df(3L)BSC388/ TM6C 24412 Df(3R)BSC619/ TM6C 25694 Df(3L)BSC815 27576 Df(3R)Exel9029 7951 Df(3R)BSC819 27580 Df(3R)ED5938 24139 Df(3L)BSC673 26525 Df(3L)BSC816 27577 Df(3R)ED10639 9481 Df(3R)ED10555 23714 Df(3L)ED4543 8073 Df(3L)BSC220/ TM6C 9697 P{PcT:Avic/GFPEGFP}3 9593 Df(3L)BSC223/ TM6C 9700 Df(3L)BSC389/ TM6C 24413 Df(3L)BSC371/ TM6C 24395 Bq: klarmarb-CD4 st 25097 Df(3R)BSC738/ TM6C 26836 Df(3R)BSC621/ TM6C 25696 Df(3R)BSC568 25126 Df(3L)1-16 /TM6B 7002 P{Or67dGAL4.F}57.1 9997 Df(3R)Exel6270 7737 Df(3R) Exel67 6 7743 Df(3R)BSC141/ TM6B 9501 Df(3R)Exel6182 7661 Df(3R)Exel6264 7731 Df(3L)ED4858 8088 Df(3L)BSC671 26523 Df(3R)BSC137/T M6B 9497 Df(3R)ED5516 8968 Df(3R)ED5705 9152 Adhfn23 pr cn l(2)46Ck26-19 9877 Df(3L)BSC839 27917 Df(3L)ED5017 8102 E l(3)CHf/DC10 9667 Df(3R)ED5100 9226 Df(3R)ED5339 9204 Df(3R)ED6346 24142 Df(3R)BSC748 26846 Df(3R)BSC547/ TM6C 25075 Df(3L)BSC 12 6457 Df(3R)BSC43 7413 Df(3L)BSC23 6755 Opt19926.3/SM1 3447 Df(3L)Aprt32/TM6 5411 Table 2: Stocks ordered from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center. The bolded items are the specific deficiency names, and the number below it is the stock number. Each stock number represents a different section mutated on the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. 16 Df(3L)Exel6112 7591 Df(3L)ED2 08 8059 Df(3R)ED5 330 9077 Df(1)sd72b/ FM7c 3347 Data Analysis. The total amount of each phenotype that eclosed was calculated and used to determine the individual ratios of wild-type to curly and stubble for the progeny of each cross. These ratios were compared to the average of all of the stocks to determine the stocks that greatly differed from the “normal” ratio through graphing with excel. Identification of Genes. Once deficiency regions of interest are identified, the stock number of that range is entered into Flybase in order to generate the Gbrowser displaying the genes specific to that region. Each gene is then sorted through, and genes of interest are identified by their molecular function and biological process performed. Genes associated with functions such as: DNA binding, chromatin formation, DNA replication, primase, or polymerase activity were chosen as a possible candidate for the enhancer or suppressor effect, as well as interacting with Mcm10. 17 Results & Discussion The final results of each cross are shown in Figure 3 below. The shaded region indicates the range where the results of each cross was considered “normal,” and any result outside of this was considered to have an candidate interaction. The range was determined through the calculation of standard deviation of every result using Excel. The deficiency lines that showed an enhancer or suppression effect are represented in Table 3, along with deficiency lines that are near the edge of the standard deviation range. The cumulative average eclosion day and associated ratio was also calculated, but no abnormal results were found (Data not shown). Figure 3. Graphical representation of each Wt/(CyO+Sb) Ratios calculated. The graph shows the Wt/CyO+Sb ratios from all of the defiency lines crossed with Mcm10. The lines represent the range of standard deviation in relation to the total data set, which is 0.13327. The average ratio for all of the results was 0.47531. Any stock with a result that was outside of the standard deviation in relation to the overall data set was determined to likely have a gene within it that interacts with Mcm10 in some fashion. 18 Enhancer Suppression Possible Interactions Deficiency Line & Stock Number Deficiency Line & Stock Ratio Number Deficiency Line & Stock Number Ratio Ratio Df(3L)ED201 (8047) 0.000 Df(3L)BSC816 (27577) 0.616 Df(3R)ED6255 (9210) 0.36 Df(3R)ED7665 (8685) 0.2838 Df(3R)ED5516 (8968) 0.629 Df(3L)ED4543 (8073) 0.372 Df(3R)ED5100 (9226) 0.2990 Df(3R)BSC568 (25126) 0.638 Df(3R)ED10555 (23714) 0.375 Df(3L)BSC839 (27917) 0.3030 Df(3R)BSC748 (26846) 0.652 Df(3R)ED10845 (9487) 0.378 Df(3R)ED5622 (8959) 0.663 Df(3R)ED5330 (9077) 0.387 Df(3L)ED4789 (8084) 0.733 Df(3R)BSC874 (29997) 0.562 Df(3L)BSC12 0.653 (6457) Table 3: Each deficiency line outside of the standard deviation. The table displays the stock number and Wt/CyO+Sb ratio for each result outside of the range of the standard deviation. The effect on Mcm10 is shown at the top. Stocks that displayed abnormal results that had genes likely to interact with Mcm10 within the deficiency region are shown in the last column. 19 Df(3R)BSC874: Mcm10 and Cul5. The cross with Df(3R)BSC874 (Stock #29997) initially showed a suppression effect. Upon further trials, the results fluctuated from within and out of the standard deviation range. Looking into the genes located in this deficiency line, Cul5 was identified, a gene in the cullins family. The cullins gene family confer substrate specificity to E3-ligases, which are involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation or modification (Ayyub, C. 2011). Similar to Mcm10, Cul-5’s role is not well understood. Multiple studies done have linked Cul-5 to cellular proliferation and gene expression. Cul-5 mutants have significantly lower cellular proliferation rates and inhibit cell growth (Dort, C. 2003). Mcm10 can be diubiquitinated, which is cell cycle regulated, appearing in late G1 and throughout S phase (Das-Bradoo, S. 2006). Mcm10 must be di-ubiquitinated to bind to PCNA, and the diubiquitinated form of Mcm10 is associated with chromatin and DNA replication (DasBradoo, S. 2006). As Mcm10 must be ubiquitinated to perform all of its functions, the ubiquitination could be done using Cul5, which would show either an enhancement or suppression effect in the deficiency crosses performed and could account for the results seen in Df(3R)BSC874. An isolated Cul5 mutant, Cul521463, was crossed with Mcm10148. This was done twice, with the total number of each phenotype shown below in Figure 4. The cross had a final ratio of 0.632, meaning that there is likely some suppression effect occurring from the loss of both Cul521463 and Mcm10148, although a more in-depth study will need to be conducted to explain this effect. 20 Figure 4. Graphical representation of the results from the two crosses performed between the single Cul5 mutation and Mcm10148. The amount of Wt, or higher than either of the two single mutations, indicated by Cyo and Sb, which gives a is ratio of 0.632, indicating a suppression effect on the mutants. The cul-5 homolog gene used by Dort, VACM-1, inhibits cell growth through a mechanism involving MAPK and p53 signaling pathways. In Drosophila, the p53 gene is located at 3R: 23,049,0657…23,054,082, which is contained in the deficiency line Df(3R)ED6096 (Stock #8684) (Flybase.org). When crossed with Mcm10148, the Ratio was 0.555, within the range of standard deviation. However, the deficiency line was crossed with only 15 males and 15 Mcm10148 virgin females, rather than the standard 25-30 of each, and so the cross should be performed again to verify the results obtained. The MAPK genes, P-38a and P-38b are located on separate chromosomes, with P-38b on 2L and P-38a on 3R. However, the deficiency region contained P-38a was not crossed in this experiment, and should be performed in further studies. VACM-1’s function is known to be regulated by protein kinase A and protein kinase C. Exploring this in relation to Mcm10, it would be 21 relevant to check for an interaction between Mcm10 and these two proteins. Protein kinase C was crossed in Df(3R)BSC874, stock 29997, which also contained Cullin-5. The protein kinase A family has three genes located on the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster, Pka-R1, Pka-C3, and Pka-C2, although we did not have the ability to cross deficiency regions containing these genes (Flybase.org). Df(3L)BSC839 & , Df(3R)ED6255: Mcm10 and pol-α Df(3L)BSC839(Stock #27917) exhibited a enhancement effect, having a ratio of 0.303. Upon examining the genes contained in this deficiency region, DNA polymerase α 60 kD was identified; as mentioned before Mcm10 is known to interact with DNA polymerase α. DNApol-α 60kD has a role in DNA primase activity, as well as the synthesis of the RNA primer (Spradling, 1999; Chen, 2000; FlyBase Curators, 2004). Furthermore, Df(3R)ED6255 (Stock# 9210) was on the border of showing a enhancement effect, with a ratio of 0.36. This deficiency line contained another DNA polymerase, DNApol-α 73kD. DNApol-α 73kD plays a role in DNA binding and DNA replication initiation (FlyBase Curators, 2004; GOA Curators, 2007). Both DNApol-α 60kD and DNApol-α 73kD are associated with DNA-directed DNA polymerase activity, as well as DNA-dependent DNA replication (Kuikeshoven, 1999; Cotterill, 1992). Additionally, in S. pombe the DNA binding and pol-α binding properties, especially in the p180 subunit of Mcm10p play an important role in DNA replication activation (Fien, 2004). This role could transfer into Drosophila melanogaster’s Mcm10, through these subunits. The functions of DNApol-α 60kD and DNApol-α 73kD make them likely candidates for causing the interactions with Mcm10 seen, although other genes located in their respective deficiency 22 lines could also be creating the effects, and more specific deletion lines will be crossed to further narrow the cause of the interactions. Df(3L)ED4789 (Stock# 8084): Mcm10 and Reptin (Rept) The cross between Mcm10148 and Df(3L)ED4789 produced the highest ratio, 0.733. Upon examining the genes located in this deficiency line, Reptin stands out among the genes identified as a candidate causing the interaction with Mcm10. Reptin is an evolutionary conserved protein present in all eukaryotic organisms studied, and likely has a role in DNA helicase activity, chromatin silencing and remodeling, and ATP-dependent 5’-3’ DNA helicase activity (Grigoletto, A., 2011; Im, D. 1990; Rottbauer, W., 2002; FlyBase Curators, 2004). Drosophila Reptin participates in epigenetic processes that lead to a repressive chromatin state through the fly TIP60 HAT complex (Qi, D. 2006). Since Mcm10 is known to have a role in chromosome condensation and chromatin binding, it is possible an interaction is present (Christensen, T. 2003; Christensen, T. 2002). However, due to Reptins’ role in transcription regulation and regulators does not mean it is definitively causing the enhancement effect (Grigoletto, A. 2011). We do not yet know the function of a lot of genes located in this deficiency line, and without further experimentation we are not able to say with complete certainty that Rept and Mcm10 have an enhancement effect, although based on Repts’ function it is likely. Df(3R)ED5622 (Stock# 8959): Mcm10 and Orc2 Df(3R)ED5622 had a ratio of 0.663. Upon examining the genes located in this deficiency line, four stood out: Hrb87F, Orc2, CG9312, and CG9588. Little is known about CG9312 and CG9588 other than that they are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, and 23 cellular response to DNA damage stimulus and proteolysis, respectively. CG9312, with its involvement in the cell cycle, could have an interaction with Mcm10. CG9588 could also play a role in causing the effect seen, as Mcm10, in humans, is regulated by proteolysis (Izumi, M. 2001). HRB87F is an hnRNP A1 homolog in Drosophila, likely has a role in alternate splicing, and is transcribed maternally, decay rapidly after embryogenesis, and are synthesized again in the late larval and pupal stages (Zu, K. 1996; Haynes, S. 1990). A single-mutation of Hrb27c was able to be crossed with Mcm10, although the results indicated no interaction was present. While not exactly HRB87F, it is unlikely HRB87F is interacting with Mcm10 based upon those results. The gene most likely to be causing the enhancement effect is Orc2, Origin recognition complex subunit 2. In Eukaryotes, origin specification and pre-RC assembly start with the chromatin binding of ORC (Baldinger, T. 2008). Previous work has shown interactions between Mcm10 and Orc2, and Mcm10 was shown to be sensitive to the depletion of Orc2, with total Mcm10 protein levels being slightly reduced in cells depleted of Orc2 (Christensen, T. 2003). Based upon the previous work, Orc2 is almost definitely causing the enhancement effect, as the progeny with both Mcm10 and Orc2 deficiency is slightly less than either deficiencies (61 both deficiencies to 92 either deficiency). Df(3L)BSC816 (Stock# 27577) Df(3L)BSC816 showed a suppression effect, with a ratio of 0.616. Within this region, one gene could have caused the effect: hairy (h), which is involved in DNA and E-box binding (Van Doren, M. 1994). However, Cdc6 is located on the border of this deficiency region, and could be disrupted. Cdc6 is involved in the pre-replicative complex assembly involved in DNA replication, and is known to associate with other Mcm complexes, 24 specifically Mcm2 and Mcm5 (Crevel, G. 2011). Due to cdc6’s role in the pre-replication complex, it is almost certainly causing the suppression effect, despite not fully being within the deficiency region. Df(3L)ED201 (Stock# 8047) Df(3L)ED201 had a final ratio of 0.00, which is likely due to some error. The total amount of offspring was 8, with 4 CyO, 3 Sb, and 1 CyO,Sb. Upon examining the genes located in this deficiency region, two stood out: E(Bx) and Atac3. E(bx), also known as Nurf301, is a member of NURF, a chromatin remodeling complex that catalyzes ATPdependent nucleosome sliding (Kwon, S. 2009). It is necessary for the chromatin remodeling required for transcription (Hamiche, A. 1999). Experiments have shown that both NURF301 and ISWI contribute to the chromatin remodeling activities of NURF (Badenhorst, P., 2002). Based on this, an interaction between Mcm10 and Nurf301 could account for the low ratio. Atac3 is involved in chromatin remodeling and histone acetylation, and stimulates nucleosome sliding by the ISWI, SWI-SNF and RSC complexes (Suganuma, T.; 2008). Finally, CG32344 is involved in helicase activity and ATP-dependent RNA helicase activity, although little else is known of it (Lasko, P. 2000; FlyBase Curators, 2002-2003). It is worth mentioning one other gene located in this region, due to the previous discussion of Df(3R)BSC874: Mpk, involved in MAP kinase tyrosine/serine/threonine phosphatase activity. Cul-5 is required for the phosphorylation of MPK-1 in the germline, and Cul-2based and Cul-5-based E3 ligases have a redundant function in meiotic cell cycle progression through the activation of MAP kinase MPK-1 (Sasagawa, Y. 2007). 25 Df(3R)ED7665 (Stock# 8685) When crossed with Mcm10148, Df(3R)ED7665 showed an enhancement effect, with a ratio of 0.284. Within this deficiency line was numerous CG genes whose molecular functions are not currently know, which could interact with Mcm10 to explain the enhancement effect. When examining those genes whose functions are known, two stand out: PSEA-binding protein 95kD (Pbp95) and Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme 84D (Ubc84D). Pbp95 is involved in DNA binding, protein binding, and chromatin binding, as well as being a member of DmPBP protein-DNA complex (Li, C. 2004; Hung, K. 2009; FlyBase Curators, 2004). Ubc84D is involved in ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, but not much else is known (Robin, C. 1996; FlyBase Curators). It is possible Ubc84D could aid Cul-5 in the ubiquitination of Mcm10, although Cul-5 was still active in the cross performed. Df(3R)ED5100 (Stock# 9226) Df(3R)ED5100 showed an enhancement effect, with a ratio of 0.299. Numerous genes located in this deficiency line were associated with ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, including: Skp2, Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme 6 (Ubc6), and Circadian trip (Ctrip) (Curators, Flybase). Another gene located in this deficiency region is corto, which and is required for proper condensation of mitotic chromosomes, having a role in the maintenance of chromosome structure during mitosis and interphase (Kodjabachian, L. 1998). From the genes whose functions are known, Corto is likely causing the enhancement effect shown. Df(3R)ED5516 (Stock# 8968) Df(3R)ED5516 showed a suppression effect, having a ratio of 0.629. This effect is likely caused Inverted repeat-binding protein (Irbp), or a CG, whose function has yet to be 26 specifically identified. Irbp is inferred to have a function in DNA helicase activity, as well as likely having a role in telomere maintenance, reducing the stability of terminally deficient chromosomes (Melnikova, L. 2005; FlyBase Curators). Df(3R)BSC568 (Stock# 25126) The suppression effect and ratio of 0.638 is either due to error or from a CG gene whose function has yet to be studied. Some genes in this region, such as CG6689 are inferred to have a function in nucleic acid binding and zinc finger binding, although the specifics are as yet unclear (FlyBase Curators, 2004). Df(3R)BSC748 (Stock# 26846) Df(3R)BSC748 had a final ratio of 0.652, falling into the suppression range. However, upon examining the genes located in the deficiency region, none whose functions were known stood out as a candidate for interaction. One gene, CG3995, has been inferred to be involved with DNA binding, but this is not specific enough to pinpoint this gene to be causing the suppression effect (Flybase Curators, 2004). Df(3L)BSC12 (Stock# 6457) Df(3L)BSC12 had a suppression effect, with a ratio of 0.653. After examining the genes located in the region, Sneaky (Snky) could potentially cause the effect. Sneaky is involved in sperm chromatin decondensation, fertilization, and exchange of chromosomal proteins, and may have a role in sperm activation after entry into the egg (Fitch, K. 1998). These functions, at a glance, would seem to cause an enhancement effect if there were no other interactions present. At this time, there is no definite explanation for the suppression effect seen in Df(3L)BSC12, save for error. 27 Df(3L)ED4543 (8073) Df(3L)ED4543 had a ratio of 0.372, and was close to the edge of what ratio is considered to have no interaction. Numerous genes stand out as possibly having an interaction with Mcm10, especially Stonewall (Stwl), RecQ5 helicase (RecQ5), and Trithorax-like (Trl). Stwl is a heterochromatin-associated protein able to modify chromatin, and is likely to be required for normal compaction of chromatin, and is required to maintain DNA integrity when replication stress is induced (Yi, X. 2009). RecQ5 is a DNA helicase in the RecQ family, in which three are predisposed to cancer, premature aging, and developmental abnormalities in humans, and RecQ5 has been suggested to play a role in preventing cancer (Hu, Y. 2007). RecQ5 maintains genome stability through participating in many DNA metabolic processes, including DNA repair and DNA resolution, which overlaps with functions Mcm10 likely performs (Sakurai, H. 2013). Of the three genes isolated, Trithorax-like is the least likely to have an interaction with Mcm10. Trl encodes the GAGA factors, which is a multifunctional protein involved in gene activation, Polycomb-dependent repression, chromatin remodeling, and is a component of chromatin domain boundaries (Chopra, V. 2008). Df(3R)ED10555 (23714) Df (3R)ED10555 was on the border of an enhancement effect, with a ratio of 0.375. Based on the functions stated by Flybase, three genes stand out: BigH1, Eff, and His4r. BigH1 is involved in regulating nucleosome density and assembly, and is known to be located in chromatin. Eff, meanwhile, is involved in ubiquitin conjugating enzyme activity, ubiquitin protein ligase activity, and ubiquitin protein ligase binding, as well as chromosome organization. Finally, His4r is predicted to have a role in centrosome duplication, chromatin 28 assembly or disassembly, as well as nucleosome assembly. Of the three, His4r is least likely to be causing the low ratio shown through the cross, although it is as yet undetermined. Df(3R)ED10845 (Stock# 9487) Df(3R)ED10845 was also on the edge of an enhancer effect, with a ratio of 0.378. Two genes located within this region have roles ubiquitin processes: Usp8 and Slmb. Slmb is inferred to play a role in regulation of chromosome condensation and ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, functioning as a member of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. The SCF complex has a catalytic core consisting of a cullin from the Cul1 subfamily and a RING domain protein (Willems, AR. 2004). Usp8, meanwhile, is involved in ubiquitin-specific protease activity, protein deubiquitination, and is found in the cytoplasm (Xia, R. 2012). Based upon this, Slmb is the gene most likely to be the cause of the near-enhancement effect observed. Df(3R)ED5330 (Stock# 9077) Finally, Df(3R)ED5330 was also on the edge of an enhancement effect, with a ratio of 0.387. Numerous genes could be contributed to this, including: Neur, pyd, Kdm2, and E(var)3-9. Based upon the functions stated by Flybase, Neur is involved in ubiquitin protein ligase activity, protein polyubiquitination, zinc ion binding, and DNA binding. Pyd is also involved in ubiquitin protein ligase binding. Both Neur and Pyd are involved in the Notch signaling pathway, and it is possible the loss of these two genes could cause the low ratio. Both of the offspring genotypes containing the deficiency line were lower than the offspring containing only the Mcm10148 mutation, as shown in Figure 5 below. 29 Figure 5. Graphical representation of the progeny from Df(3R)ED5330 x Mcm10148. The Wt offspring contain both the Df(3R)5330 and Mcm10 mutations. The CyO offspring contain only the Df(3R)ED5330 mutant, and Sb contains only the Mcm10 148 mutation. Kdm2 is involved in histone demethylase activity, ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, zincion binding, and is inferred to be a member of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex, encountered earlier (FlyBase, 2008). Finally, E(var)3-9 plays a role in chromatin maintenance and structure determination, and encodes a zinc finger protein (Weiler, 2007). 30 Conclusion From previous studies, we know Mcm10 may have separate roles in DNA replication, endoreplication, the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, origin firing, and stem cell maintenance. Based upon the screen performed, Mcm10 may interact with many different proteins involved in similar functions. Many genes identified correlate with previous studies performed on Mcm10’s function. DNA polymerase-α60kd and DNA polymerase-α73kd stand out as genes likely causing the interactions shown in their deficiency lines based upon agreement with the literature. Other genes, such as Reptin or E(bx), a member of the NURF chromatin remodeling complex, are not as certain to be causing the interactions, although due to their similar functions to Mcm10 they are likely involved with Mcm10 in some way. Of particular interest is Cul-5, a ubiquitinating protein known to associate with E3-ligases, which was shown through single-mutant crosses to have a suppression effect on the Mcm10 mutant. The identification of this interaction increased the likelihood of other genes involved in the ubiquitination process to be interacting with Mcm10. 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