Date of Award
Spring 5-2020
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biology
Advisor/Committee Chair
Arun Richard Chandrasekaran, Ph.D.
Major
Biology
Committee Member
Ken Halvorsen, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Elise Gervais, Ph.D.
Abstract
Ribonuclease H (RNase H) is a damage-repair protein and ribonuclease that specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of RNA in an RNA/DNA duplex and breaks down RNA/DNA junctions. It plays an important role in a variety of biological processes including DNA replication, DNA repair, and transcription. It is also pivotal in anti-HIV drug development and the analysis of cellular processes and has been shown to be a potential therapeutic target for various neoplastic diseases. This thesis discusses a unique assay based on DNA nanoswitches to detect RNase H levels and activity. The assay is based on conformational changes of DNA nanoswitches in the presence of RNase H. Using gel electrophoresis, we study the kinetics of cleavage, sensitivity and specificity of detection of RNase H. We also show the utility of the assay in screening potential RNase H inhibitors. This novel biosensing platform is low-cost, label-free, and will be a useful tool to detect RNase levels and identify RNase contamination in biological samples.
Recommended Citation
Trivedi, Ruju, "Sensing Ribonuclease H Activity with DNA Nanoswitches" (2020). Biological Sciences. 66.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_biology/66