Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Audrey Litvak

Investigating the DNA sensing abilities of TFIID

I have been working in the Nogales Lab through URAP this past academic year with graduate student Avinash Patel. Previous work within the lab has shown that the general transcription factor TFIID binds promoter DNA at two major points: the downstream and upstream regions. Our research aims to understand how the downstream contacts are formed and to discern what the protein components of TFIID are sensing within the downstream promoter. This summer, we will be continuing our research efforts to answer these questions using a combination of biochemical and structural biology methods.

Message To Sponsor

I appreciate my research experience in the Nogales Lab more than I can put into words. I feel so much excitement and gratitude each day getting to learn from and work with such a diverse, passionate, and loving group of people. The time I have spent in lab, the relationships I have formed, and the balance of autonomy and incredible mentorship I have received have inspired me to continue future research and have been integral in my desire to pursue my MD/PhD.