Hannah’s Project:

Chromatin remodeling complexes catalyze the structural alteration of nucleosomes to facilitate or inhibit invasion by DNA binding proteins.  The imitation switch protein (ISWI) catalyzes the movement of nucleosomes both on its own and as a part of larger complexes.  Chromatin remodeling is a major means of gene regulation, and is responsible for changing gene expression profiles with time.  Several classes of remodelers have been defined, but I will focus my studies on Drosophila ISWI, which is the motor unit of one class of nucleosome moving complexes.  Although ISWI has been extensively studied, many critical questions remain unanswered. My thesis project will focus on these questions: What are the enzymatic characteristics of ISWI? Is ISWI processive?  What is the step-size of ISWI induced nucleosome movement?  What is the detailed series of nucleosome conformation changes induced by ISWI during the hydrolysis of one ATP?  To answer these questions I will use classic enzymatic studies, novel nucleosome mapping techniques, and several FRET systems.

Who is Hannah?

I was born in the ‘heart of the lakes’ in northwestern Minnesota. I attened and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School, home of the Vikings. I earned a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Bethel College in Saint Paul, MN. Since leaving the beauty of Minnesota for Evanston, I have been greatly comforted by the large lake and tall tress that allow me to imagine that I am still at home. When I am not in lab, I enjoy running, eating, speding time with my friends in the Graduate Christian Fellowship, or spoiling my six nephews and one niece (if you ask I’d be happy to show you pictures any time).

For a good time, go to:

http://www.phdcomics.com/comics.php