31st Annual Student Research Conference
Determining Genetic Interactions Between the Transcription Factor Genes T20H4.2, ZK686.5, and F40G9.14 and their Biological Role within C. elegans using RNAi
Weston M. Reidt
Dr. Stephanie Maiden, Faculty Mentor
C. elegans share many biological pathways with humans and have over 7,633 orthologs in common, making them one of the best genetic models to test drugs and other experimentations found to be too unethical for human testing. However, an aspect of their genome which has not been fully understood are genes that have increased expression in males compared to hermaphrodites. T20H4.2, ZK686.5, and F40G9.14 are transcription factor genes found to be upregulated in males. In this experiment the process of RNAi feeding will be carried out, which has the unique ability to disrupt the functionality of genes within an organism. Applying this method to the three aforementioned genes,we will use microscopy to observe and report visual findings of genetic functionality and interaction. Through this process we hope to gain a better understanding of the tested genes’ overarching role in reproduction and general biological pathways within the C. elegans species.
Keywords: Biology, Genetics, C. elegans, RNAi
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 405-2
Location: MG 2050
Time: 2:45