A Ubiquitin Code Written in Circadian Time: Evaluating Protein Linkages in a Drosophila Model

Abstract

Background: Ubiquitin is a small polypeptide that serves many functions within a cell, including modifying proteins, marking them for degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Circadian rhythms regulate many cellular processes, but its role on the individual linkages of ubiquitin is poorly understood. This project aims to determine whether there is a circadian pattern for the conjugation of ubiquitin. Methods: Wild-type (Oregon R) Drosophila were entrained to a circadian cycle with standard light and dark environments. The whole heads were then frozen and removed at different times and used to quantify protein linkages using western blotting and antibodies to each linkage. Analysis of the samples will allow quantification of the amount of bound protein across the circadian rhythm. Results: This project is currently ongoing, but results are expected before the date of the symposium. We hypothesize that there will be differences in ubiquitin conjugation along a circadian rhythm. This information will identify the role of a circadian rhythm in the ubiquitination pathway and could be used to further evaluate the function of the UPS