"Epigenetic Mechanism of EBP1 in NLRP-Dependent Development" by Summer Reign Moore

Date of Graduation

Fall 2024

Degree

Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Committee Chair

Ulbricht Randi

Abstract

ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) helps regulate gene expression through various epigenetic modifications and is crucial for embryotic development. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are more commonly known for their roles in the immune system, however, recent research has implicated NLRP2 and 7 as critical factors in embryonic development. EPB1, NLRP2, and NLRP7 dysfunction is a known cause of recurrent miscarriages and other developmental diseases, including infertility. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are also known to affect the levels of DNA methylation, despite that they are located exclusively in the cytoplasm. However, EBP1 can be located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and is known to decrease DNA methylation levels due to its interactions with a DNA methyltransferase. It is hypothesized that EBP1 is the mediator between the NLRPs and epigenetic regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation. To determine if NLRP-mediated control of DNA methylation required EBP1, we first generated a complete knock-out of EBP1 via CRISPR/Cas9 in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293T) cells. We transfected the knockout cells with NLRP2 and NLRP7 and then measured genomic DNA methylation levels. There was an 0.09% increase in DNA methylation levels in the absence of EBP1 with and without NLRP2 and 7. This study found that NLRP-dependent development relies on EBP1 to regulate DNA methylation. We anticipate this new knowledge to lead the way to more targeted treatments for infertility and other developmental diseases.

Keywords

epigenetics, DNA methylation, EBP1, NLRP, DNMT1, development

Subject Categories

Developmental Biology | Molecular Genetics

Copyright

© Summer Reign Moore

Open Access

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