36th Annual Student Research Conference
Electromagnetic perceptive gene expression and characterization of associated ion channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes
James Moloney* and Sydnie Andell
Dr. Stephen Hudman, Faculty Mentor
The protein product of an electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) derived from catfish has previously been shown to allow wireless control of rat motor neurons. However, little is known about EPG protein’s mechanism of action in single cells. We injected 50nL 0.5% by volume EPG mRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using TEVC electrophysiology, expression of EPG protein was anecdotally confirmed by holding a magnet (50-100 mT) near the oocyte. A 1% concentration of EPG mRNA was sufficient to cause ion leakage across the oocyte membrane. Modified Ringer’s solutions that were missing either Na, K, Ca, or Cl ions were run across the cell membrane to determine which ion is transported via EPG protein. We believe that EPG protein is associated with a sodium channel, but additional experiments and analysis of previously collected data are needed to make a conclusive statement.
Keywords: Electromagnetic perceptive gene, Gene expression, mRNA, Electrophysiology
Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 4-2
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00