Mckeith Pearson Email & Phone Number

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

West Lafayette, Indiana

Huntington’s disease is one of the several neurodegenerative disorders caused by expansion of the number of glutamines (Q) present in the protein huntingtin. Research has extensively focused on the toxic gain-of-function phenotypes acquired by the Q-expanded huntingtin. However, loss-of-function effects (inability to fulfill biological functions) that also result from Q expansion lead to neurodegeneration. The purpose of this project is to address the question of how the polyQ in huntingtin function to mediate protein-protein interactions. Although yeast does not have a huntingtin homolog, Q-rich regions are present in the endocytic protein epsin and the Ent2 paralog is crucial for the regulation of cell division. Importantly, the yeast homolog of the huntingtin binding partner HIP1 (Huntingtin Interacting Protein 1), known as Sla2, binds epsin. This further supports the idea that epsin’s Q-rich regions may functionally replace huntingtin Q stretches in yeast. Using microscopy and extensive image analysis, here we show that Ent2 dominant negative (E2DN) constructs (lacking C-terminal determinants) induce cell division defects in a Sla2-dependent manner. Conversely, truncations of the C-terminus of Sla2 suppress the E2DN-dependent phenotype. Further, our data suggest that Q-rich regions of Ent2 and the second coiled coil domain (CC2) of Sla2 is necessary for this regulation of cell division. To summarize, we have discovered the first physiological function of Q regions in endocytic proteins. We believe that this research will provide important insights into the function of Q that are disrupted upon expansion.

Hilltop Apartments

The resident assistant position requires a 5 month long interviewing process for students who show great leadership skills, and show that they are very responsible and personable. A resident assistant is given a floor (in my case, 2 apartment buildings) to look after in case any residents have questions, want to hang out, or have problems with the facilities or other residents. This position requires dedication and time management skills.

West Lafayette, Indiana

The Center for Science of Information seeks to unite disciplines in the STEM area. Throughout the year, we hold poster sessions, workshops, and conferences that focusses on the information theory, hoping to utilize processing data to its maximum potential. The Center for Science of Information does not usually take in undergraduates, but since I have joined they are beginning to offer other undergraduates a position.

West Lafayette, Indiana

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is a program for undergraduate student who enjoy research in the STEM fields. A stipend is awarded every semester (summer included) for students to participate.

The Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program is the most recent multicultural program here at Purdue University. It gives incoming freshmen a recurring scholarship for all four years, and it also assigns them a mentor to help guide them through their first academic year.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Cell/Cellular And Molecular Biology

Activities and Societies: Social Chair of Biological Graduate Student Association (BGSA)

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Cell/Cellular And Molecular Biology