Jude Alexis Rose Hills
MamA-Mediated Organelle Coordination in Magnetotactic Bacteria
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a leading model organism for the study of bacterial organelles. While they are characteristically known for their magnetosomes, lipid-bilayer enclosed magnetic crystals that function as an internal compass, some MTB also produce polyhydroxybutyrate granules (PHBGs), protein enclosed reserves of carbon. Evidence from the model MTB, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1, suggests a link between these two organelles mediated by the magnetosome associated protein MamA. If this is the case, then it could mean that magnetosomes and PHBGs engage in organelle crosstalk, akin to what is seen in eukaryotic systems. Because both magnetosomes and PHBGs have wide applicability in environmental remediation, metallurgy, bioplastics synthesis, and medicine, understanding the molecular nature of this organelle interaction is essential to future bioengineering applications. To this end, this project will test whether MamA uses distinct protein domains to interact with potential magnetosome and PHBG protein partners.
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Thank you for your kindness! Your support means that I will be able to spend this summer focused on a truly underappreciated area of biology. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to develop my skills as a researcher and contribute to science!