The Over expression of the RNA “Goldilocks” and its effects on the bacteria, Escherichia Coli

Abstract

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are important molecules for translation and gene regulation in bacteria which make them key players in understanding their life cycles and pathogenesis. Furthermore they may lead to potential drug targets and therapeutics in the future. The sRNA Goldilocks, which is produced in Escherichia Coli (E.coli) during periods of cell stress and starvation, is one such target. It is hypothesized that Goldilocks interacts with the protein Hu and is involved in the repression of the gal operon. To test this, Goldilocks will be cloned into E.coli, so that it is over expressed during normal conditions. A northern blot will be performed to test whether Goldilocks truly is produced. Experiments testing the robustness of the northern blot produced a weak signal. Once the sRNA Goldilocks is properly expressed in E.Coli a screen for various phenotypes will be performed. We are particularly interested in the effects that over expressing Goldilocks has on galactose metabolism.