Literature Learning Module

Transcription factor Ikaros Represses Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) Expression through an Intronic Binding Site

Assessment of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (BMB) Foundational Concepts

Henry Jakubowski, Ph.D., Professor, Chemistry Department, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

 
05/30/2014

The questions below are based on data, graphs, and figures from the following article:

Transcription factor Ikaros Represses Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) Expression through an Intronic Binding Site . Kamalpreet Nagpal, Katsue Sunahori Watanabe, Betty P. Tsao and George C. Tsokos. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 289, 13751-13757 (2014).. 

These guidelines apply to the reuse of articles, figures, charts and photos in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, Molecular & Cellular Proteomics and the Journal of Lipid Research.

These questions may be used to help assess student mastery of key foundational concepts in BMB developed by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and tested in the new MCAT2015 developed by the American Association of Medical Colleges.  The particular foundational concepts and learning objectives relevant for this particular assessment are listed below.

ASBMB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Foundational Concepts  -   Detailed Learning Objectives (Excel)

Foundational Concept 2:  Macromolecular structure determines function and regulation.

  • 2. Given a list of macromolecules, students should be able to devise an experiment on how they interact or interpret results of experiments on their interactions
  • 3.  Given structural changes of a macromolecule (or ligand), students should be able to predict the impact of structural substitution would have on macromolecule structure and function

Foundational Concept 3:  Information storage and flow are dynamic and interactive

  • 2. Given an understanding of common mechanisms of gene regulation, students will be able to explain or predict changes in transcription in response to biologic variables
  • 3. Given an understanding of genetic information transfer, students should be able to explain the role of RNA in the flow of genetic information 

Foundational Concept 4: . Discovery requires objective measurement, quantitative analysis, and clear communication. 

  •  2. Given a fundamental understanding of BMB concepts, students should be able to formulate experiments and assess the quality of experiments addressing molecular structure, assays of biological function, and isolation / separation of biomolecules.

MCAT 2015:  Foundational Concepts, Detailed Content and Topics (Excel)

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

Foundational Concept 1 : Biomolecules have unique properties that determine how they contribute to the structure and function of cells, and how they participate in the processes necessary to maintain life

  • 1A. Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids

  • 1B. Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

Foundational Concept 5: The principles that govern chemical interactions and reactions form the basis for a broader understanding of the molecular dynamics of living systems.

  • 5B. Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions

  • 5D. Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically - relevant molecules

Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills

  • 1.  Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles; 

  • 2.  Scientific Reasoning and Problem;

  • 3.  Reasoning about the Design and Execution of Research;

  • 4.  Data-based and Statistical Reasoning

Background Reading:

Background Videos:

Background and Review

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease that primarily affects women in their reproductive years. Immune system irregularities, especially in T cells, are one of the contributing factors toward the pathology of this disease. In T cells isolated from SLE patients, aberrant signaling leads to atypical characteristics, such as enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation.

One of the key components contributing to the signaling defects in SLE pathogenesis is the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). PP2A is a ubiquitously expressed, highly conserved serine/threonine phosphatase that plays a key role in a number of cellular processes like cell division, motility, cytoskeletal dynamics, etc.  PP2A has a tripartite structure consisting of the scaffold subunit A and the catalytic subunit C forming the core enzyme and one of the many regulatory subunits binding to the core enzyme to form a functional holoenzyme. PP2A protein and mRNA levels as well as the enzymatic activity of the catalytic subunit are increased in T cells from SLE patients compared with healthy individuals. 

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