Thesis Title
Purification, Characterization, and Activity of Ribonucleases on mRNA Degradation in Borrelia Burgdorferi
Department or Program
Biological Chemistry
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-born disease in the United States. The bacteria cycles between tick and mammalian hosts, each with very different cellular environments. To maintain infection, B. burgdorferi must be able to rapidly alter its gene expression. We hypothesize that some of this alteration takes place post-transcriptionally through mRNA decay by ribonucleases. However, B. burgdorferi has limited subsets of ribonucleases, and subsequently, slow rates and variable patterns of mRNA decay. This study seeks to purify and characterize ribonucleases in B. burgdorferi to understand their activity and function, as they may serve as good targets for antibiotic development.
Level of Access
Restricted: Embargoed [Bates Community After Expiration]
First Advisor
Schlax, Paula
Date of Graduation
5-2019
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Recommended Citation
Shpilsky, Gabriella Francis, "Purification, Characterization, and Activity of Ribonucleases on mRNA Degradation in Borrelia Burgdorferi" (2019). Honors Theses. 273.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/273
Number of Pages
71