35th Annual Student Research Conference
Expression of KCNJ5 with KCNJ3 and OPRM1 in Xenopus Oocytes
Meghan C. Novotny* and Audrey Heathcote
Dr. Yohei Norimatsu (A.T. Still University) and Dr. Stephen Hudman, Faculty Mentors
Opioid addiction is a rising crisis across the United States. Substance use disorder (SUD) and respiratory suppression are the most destructive side effects of opioids. The long term goal of this project is to understand the activation of OPRM1 (Mu Opioid Receptor) and design a new class of analgesics with reduced side effects. To achieve this, the KCNJ5 (potassium inwardly-rectifying channel subfamily J) gene product was expressed. This required DNA plasmid extraction and purification, followed by mRNA synthesis. The mRNA encoding KCNJ5 will be injected with mRNAs encoding KCNJ3 and OPRM1 into Xenopus laevis oocytes to test the activation of OPRM1 by Mitragynine, a partial agonist, through two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology.
Keywords: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, opioids, KCNJ5, oocytes, electrophysiology
Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 2-6
Location: SUB Activities Room
Time: 3:00