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Determining the DNA Binding Preference of the Transcription Factor Optix in Heliconius Butterflies
Author(s) -
Barreto Anthony Rafael Rivera,
Martínez José Arcadio Rodríguez
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.04466
Subject(s) - transcription factor , heliconius , biology , decipher , dna binding site , dna , computational biology , evolutionary biology , genetics , gene , gene expression , promoter
Transcription factors (TFs) are sequence‐specific DNA binding proteins that determine cell state and have been shown to control cell differentiation. Evaluating comprehensive DNA specificity profiles of DNA binding proteins is a nontrivial challenge that hinders our ability to decipher gene regulatory networks. Optix is a homeodomain transcription factor that has been identified as a master regulator of red color patterning in the wings of Heliconius butterflies. However, the direct gene targets of optix and its role in final wing coloration remains to be determined. Because of this, we want to determine the intrinsic DNA‐binding preferences of optix. We have over‐expressed and purified full‐length Heliconius optix. To achieve our goal, we have used Cognate Site Identification by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment with Parallel sequencing (SELEX‐seq). We are currently predicting optix possible binding sites, by using computational analysis. Our results will enable us to bioinformatically predict the genomic targets of optix and decipher its role in wing color patterning and development. Support or Funding Information NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure grant award 1736026 Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) 5R25GM061151‐18