Using chemical compounds to alter gene expression and levels of fluorescent proteins.
Aim: In our lab meeting we discussed using chemical drugs to alter the epigenetic marks in my cells. This might result in increased expression of our collagen gene.
Drug to test: 5-Azacytidine
This drug inhibits DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that can stop genes being expressed. It is also used as a treatment in the clinic for various cancers.
This is a diagram of a cell showing how the DNA in the nucleus looks before and after the drug
Method: I will treat my cells with different doses of 5-Azacytidine and pick the dose that causes the cells to produce the greatest level of fluorescent protein. It should only take a small amount of the drug so I will use micromolar amounts.
Molar = the concentration of the drug
A micromolar is 1 millionth of a molar!
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