Date of Award
Spring 5-19-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience
Department
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor
Dr. Jessica Bell
Abstract
Suppressor of IKK epsilon (SIKE) is a protein that is implicated in immune response signaling pathways. SIKE interaction networks suggest roles in cell motility and macromolecular complexes mediating kinase/phosphatase activity. In this project, we aim to better understand the function of SIKE by analyzing amino acid sequences across different species. In human SIKE, viral infection leads to phosphorylation of SIKE at defined serine residues. Comparing SIKE sequences, and specifically these phosphorylation sites, allows us to discover its ancestral connections to innate immune function. This has particular applications in bridging the evolutionary gap between fungi and metazoa SIKE sequences. Multiple sequence alignment and WebLogo graphical representation, web-based computational tools, will be used to analyze SIKE sequences. Five key phosphorylation sites in the Human SIKE sequence, serine residues at HsSIKE positions 185, 187, 188, 190, and 198 are the current focus. Identifying conserved and/or variable phosphorylation sites across species will provide insight into the evolution of the SIKE: innate immunity connection. Ultimately, this research may reveal how SIKE has adapted over time to a role in the viral immune response.
Digital USD Citation
Isaacs, Kaydence M., "Sequence Conservation of Suppressor of IKK Epsilon Phosphorylation Sites" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 136.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/honors_theses/136
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
