Section A · Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, September 24, 1997
Genetic treasure discovered during study of sea urchins
By Mike Perryman
Kansan staff writer
A gene discovered in sea urchins resembles a gene found in humans that may be related to Usher's syndrome, a rare disease that affects sight and hearing.
Kathy Suprenant, professor of biological sciences, and Denise Leply, a post-doctoral student in biochemistry cell and molecular biology, discovered one of three genes in sea urchin DNA that resembles human genes. The genes are thought to affect cell functions and cause Usher's syndrome.
Usher's syndrome is a condition where retinal and cochlear cells do not function properly and the result often is deafness or blindness.
The gene is important because it "encodes," or tells the cell to produce a specific protein. It is this protein, called echinoderm microtubule-associated protein in the sea urchin and human EMAP in humans, that Suprenant and a University of Nebraska lab think affects cell function and is related to Usher's syndrome.
"We are not certain yet," Suprenant said. "But it is highly probable that this gene is involved in abnormal cell function and Usher's syndrome."
A lab headed by Janos Sumegi, a
professor of pathology and microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, located the first two of the three genes around the same time Suprenant's lab did. The Nebraska lab focused specifically on the relation of the genes to Usher's syndrome. Suprenant's lab initially was more concerned with the gene's relation to cell functions.
"We are in a way competing to locate and u..derstand these genes," she said. "However, in a way it is important that we work together to better understand the genes and their role."
After the gene was discovered in sea urchin and human DNA, it was determined that EMAP, which the gene encodes, might affect the cytoskeleton of a cell.
If the cell's cytoskeleton is altered or affected, the cell could be negatively affected, Suprenant said.
"Sometimes you get cancer or tumor cells as a result of disrupted cell functions," she said. "It is possible that Usher's syndrome is a result as well."
Leply said the EMAP in sea urchins already had been found, but human EMAP has not yet been located.
"It's not so much a question of whether it exists." she said. "We are
How EMAP is produced
quite confident that it does, but we have to look for it, and that is the next step."
Suprenant said her lab would start looking for the protein in humans and would continue to focus on its effect on cell function.
"We have to understand the biology before we can figure out how to screen for or prevent problems like Usher's." she said.
The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts Ued Center Broadway and Beyond Series and the Lawrence Journal-World present
Lied Center of Kansas
JOURNAL-WORLD STUDENT SENATE ARTS
October 13 & 14, 1/2 PRICE 8:00 p.m.
ALL TICKETS 1/2 PRICE FOR STUDENTS
Tickets on sale at the Lied Center Office Box (846-ARTS); Murphy Hall
Office Box (846-3982); SIA Box office (846-3477) or ticketmaster (785) 234-4545.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
- Entries for Tennis singles close today at 5:00 p.m.
- Officials' meeting at 8:00 on September 28th in room 156 Robinson.
Floor Hockey:
- Managers' meeting at 7:00 on September 28th in room 156 Robinson.
This man is about to sink his teeth into a juicy burger from Molly McGees...
Jealous?
"Lawrence's Best Burgers are 1/2 price on Wednesdays!!!"
*Dine-in only.
Christmas is just around the corner...
See the game-winning play...
reasonable for typographical or pictorial errors
Shop our store and win up to $1,000 playing... Cash for the Holidays
IT'S EASY!
PICK UP YOUR FREE CASH FOR THE HOLIDAYS CARD TODAY!
It's simple, bring your Cash For The Holidays card with you each time you visit our store! Our cashier will validate your purchase and record your visit. When your card is punched full, the STORE MANAGER will remove the seal in the "AWARD SECTION" and you will know instantly how much you've won!
(Please, do not scratch the seal on your Cash For The Holidays Card! The STORE MANAGER must remove the seal when the card is punched full!)
- Yes, you can combine your cards if you have punches on more than one card!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY (See participating store for individual store odds and complete rules)