Poster abstracts

Poster number 59 submitted by Melissa Kelley

The effects of peroxide exposure on the RNA of radiotrophic C. neoformans

Melissa Kelley (Chemistry; University of Cincinnati), Lauren Schultz (Chemistry; University of Cincinnati), Ryan Myers (Biology; University of Cincinnati), Patrick A. Limbach (Chemistry; University of Cincinnati)

Abstract:
Cryptococcus neoformans is a radiotrophic fungi capable at surviving in extreme environments. Understanding post-transcriptional RNA modifications may lead to insight on translational regulation and protein synthesis. Here, the impact of peroxide exposure on C. neoformans transfer RNA is investigated through liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Peroxide dosage that causes cytotoxicity in S. cerevisiae does not appear to induce changes in C. neoformans modifications or oxidation products in tRNA. However, cytotoxic concentrations in this organism and the tRNA effects will be investigated.

References:
Chan, C et al. A quantitative systems approach reveals dynamic control of tRNA modifications during cellular stress response. PLoS Gen. 6. 2010.
Davachova, E. et al. Ionizing radiation changes the electronic properties of melanin and enhances the growth of melanized fungi. PLoS ONE. 2(5): e457. 2007
Gu, C et al. tRNA modifications regulate translation during cellular stress. FEBS letters. 588(23): 4287-4296. 2015.
Robinson, K et al. Adaptation of the black yeast Wangiella dermatitidis to ionizing radiation. PLoS ONE. 7(11): e48674. 2012.

Keywords: fungi, tRNA, radiotrophism