This semester has brought some advances in the research project but also some setbacks that have slowed down the research. I have been involved in using a new technique for the creation of truncated proteins for the expression of recombinant proteins. Some problems with ligation reactions slowed down the process of design of a new construct that would allow the expression of the truncated molecule. However, lately, the ligation turned out to be more successful when different enzymes were used, longer incubation time were utilized, and new transformation techniques, like electroporation, were used. I was able to gather more experience in the process of construct design, transformation techniques, ligase manipulation, and troubleshooting negative results. Also, presentation skills were used and reinforced during this semester. For next semester we expect to continue with the expression assays now that we may have a functional construct.
