Effects of Sertraline on Replication-Associated Template-Switching Mutations in Escherichia coli 

Presenter: Arianny Grullon Rojas

Faculty Sponsor: Laura T. Laranjo

School: Salem State University

Research Area: Biology

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Concourse, B7

ABSTRACT

DNA replication is an error-prone process that generates mutations contributing to genetic variation and genome instability. One specific class of mutation occurs at quasipalindromic (QP) sequences. These sequences can form secondary DNA structures that promote template-switching events during replication. Our research examines factors that influence the frequency of QP mutations. As part of a screen of commonly used drugs, sertraline was selected for further analysis. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that functions by blocking serotonin transport in eukaryotic cells. However, its effects on DNA replication fidelity in bacteria are not well understood. To test whether sertraline affects QP mutation frequency, we used an Escherichia coli lacZ reporter system containing a quasipalindromic sequence that allows detection of template-switching mutations. Cultures were exposed to increasing concentrations of sertraline and plated on LB agar to measure total cell viability and lactose minimal agar to select for mutations that restore lacZ function. Mutation frequency was determined by comparing colony formation on selective versus nonselective media. Our results show that sertraline alters the frequency of QP-mediated template-switching mutations in E. coli, suggesting that this compound can influence replication-associated mutagenesis.