The Eukaryotic Core

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

Boston University is awarded a grant to continue research to better understand the basic building principles of the major functional complexes in eukaryotic cells, the Eukaryotic Core. This project has three major aims: (1) To continue research started under NSF grant DBI-0205512 on the comparative and phylogenetic investigation of eukaryotic sub-cellular systems, whose protein components are unique to the eukaryotic phyla, have incorporated unique features, or have taken on new eukaryotic functions; (2) To increase our understanding of the origins of the various and diverse systems that make up the eukaryotic cell. This will build on our recent success in dissecting the prokaryotic probable origins of the various components of the eukaryotic translational systems; and (3) To continue the development and integration of protein domain identification and dissection algorithms. This will build on past success in identification of relatively small phyla-unique, specific protein subdomains in the ribosomal proteins and the identification of small protein distant homologs. A clear understanding of origin and evolution of the complexes of eukaryotic cells will have broad impact on comparative genomics and provide excellent opportunities for students and postdocs.