1. MLL Studies at Minot State University Progress report for North Dakota INBRE

2. Projects MLL translocation mechanism. What is the role of DNA topoisomerase II in MLL translocations? In vitro cleavage assays DNA binding assays (ChIP) Targeting the MLL-fusion messages by RNA interference

3. INBRE GOALS Establishing a sustainable research program Creating networks with UND, NDSU, baccalaureate institutions and tribal colleges Preparing undergraduates for post graduate studies and careers in biomedical science

4. Establishing a sustainable research program State of the art cell and molecular biology lab at MiSU Cell culture facility Fluorescence microscope Plate reader DNA analysis facility Researchers/Staff Cheryl Lepp and Karen Pocha-Melby 7 former/current research students/3 summer students

8. Networks Proteomics Core –Consultation on identification of DNA binding protein (spring 2005) InSu Hahn Biology Core Consultation with the sequencing facility (spring 2005) Real-time PCR analysis of RNA interference samples (January 2006) Sheri Dorsam

9. Networks Tribal colleges Turtle Mountain Community College Visit to Minot State University, February 2006 TMCC research conference, April 2006 Lyle Best /Melanaie Nadeau-- research discussions Fort Berthold Community College Kerry Hartman

10. Non-INBRE colleagues MLL research group at University of Chicago Cytogenetic analysis of cell line Consultation MLL research group at Loyola University Methods and research consultation Grant proposal consultation Topoisomerase II expert at University of Central Florida and consultant for Topogen Inc.

11. The students Involving 3-4 students /semester in independent research projects Total of 10 since BRIN/INBRE initiated Complete experience –Literature –Experimental design –Analysis –Dissemination (meetings, presentations, posters)

17. Presentations In vitro cleavage of the MLL breakpoint cluster region by topoisomerase II. 2005 ND Academy of Science Undergraduate Research prestentation. Shelly Reinholdt. Studies of topo II binding in the MLL translocation breakpoint region. INBRE poster session 2005 Stephanie Mueller Does DNA topoisomerase II bind in the MLL translocation breakpoint region. Undergraduate Research prestentation. Stephanie Mueller

18. Where are they now? Jessical Townsend –University of Wisconsin Madison –Ph.D. program in molecular pharmacology Jessica Hamilton University of North Carolina Vet school Tonia Sundlov University of Wisconsin, Madison --Ph.D. in Cancer genetics

19. Plans for the Future Stay the course… Reinforce collaborations—Sheri Dorsam, MLL research collaborators Establish new partnerships, especially with tribal college faculty and students Grant proposal