My current project in Dr. Stamm’s lab centers around the investigation of protein phosphotase 1 (PP1) binding to the RNA recognition motif (RRM) , and the purification of GST-tagged and His-tagged proteins, specifically TraRATApET and TraRRMpET. Once adequately purified, these proteins are subjected to a gel shift assay in order to determine whether they bind to a Tra RNA oligo, and at what concentration the binding is optimized. These assays further the investigation of the role of PP1 in splice site selection by determining whether PP1 prevents binding of Tra proteins to the RNA oligo.

  Results of these findings have the potential to be clinically valuable in the treatment of spinal
muscularatrophy. Along with this research, I also culture cells which are needed for experiments involving
 further insight into snoRNAs, and ensure that the cells are properly prepared for successful transfections

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