Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Michael George Kemp, Ph.D. (Advisor); Ravi P. Sahu, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Yong-jie Xu, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Rad51, and its five paralog proteins Rad51B, Rad51C, Rad51D, XRCC2, and XRCC3, are crucial in homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Prior studies have extensively shown the roles of Rad51 in the S/G2 phase, but its role in the G0/G1 phase is still unclear. Our lab focuses on studying the role of Rad51 and its paralogs in quiescent cells. RT-qPCR and western blots helped us understand the expression of Rad51 paralogs in proliferating and quiescent keratinocyte cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor of Rad51, we found that Rad51 promotes quiescent cell survival after exposure to UV radiation. Like Rad51, the paralogs have been studied in the S/G2 phase. To study the role of Rad51 paralogs, we knocked down the genes with siRNAs and then checked the viability of quiescent cells following UV exposure. We conclude that Rad51 and/or one of its paralogs is important for cell viability and double-strand break repairs in quiescent keratinocytes treated with solar–simulated light.
Page Count
55
Department or Program
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Year Degree Awarded
2025
Copyright
Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
