SIR Medicine Investigation Abstract
CLONING OF THE 7.10 PGEMT LIGHT CHAIN
Presenter:
Mickal Haile, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor:
Dr. Anne Rowley, Feinberg School of Medicine
Abstract:
Kawasaki Disease (KD) affects the coronary arteries of young children. KD patients display signs of oral dysfunctions such as dry, punctured lips, an intensely pink tongue, and swelling of lymph nodes. Kawasaki Disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. KD affects children of all races and ethnic groups worldwide, but the greatest number of victims is children of Asian descent. In the landmark study, "Detection of Antigen in Bronchial Epithelium and Macrophages in Acute Kawasaki Disease by use of Synthetic Antibody", Rowley, Baker, and Garcia observed that, in KD patients, IgA plasma cells prominently break into the vascular wall. We are cloning a light chain of the gene sequence 7.10 PGEMT, using several molecular biology techniques such as ligation, transformation, and miniprep, which allow greater isolation of the DNA. The combination of a light and heavy chain makes a complete antibody. These antibodies may be used for various studies in the lab to help us identify the Kawasaki Disease pathogen(s).