Therese Rytz
B.A. in Biology, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University 2009
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My work focuses on the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) in Arabidopsis. SUMO, like ubiquitin, is covalently attached to proteins. However, unlike ubiquitin which targets proteins for degradation, SUMOylation has a range of functions, including altering transcription factor activity and regulating nuclear import. In Arabodipsis thaliana, SUMO has several major functions, including a part in the stress response. A variety of stresses cause a daramatic increase in the amount of SUMOylated proteins. In my work, I am using genetic and biochemical approaches in further determining the role SUMO in Arabidopsis.