36th Annual Student Research Conference
Characterizing Drosophila Cyp1: its protein-folding activity, role in behavior, and effect on mitochondria
Chara Dyavnapalli*, Carol A. Koob, Elizabeth K. Collier, Skylar K. Gaw, Jack B. Scott, Mar Agelet de Saracibar Ariet, and Hunter Madison
Dr. Brett A. Berke, Faculty Mentor
Drosophila Cyclophilin 1 (Cyp1) may have protein-folding activity within mitochondria, where it is hypothesized to influence neuronal death. We hope to examine Cyp1’s protein folding activity in a spectrophotometric assay, so we are isolating Cyp1 from bacteria for purification with a Ni-resin column. This work may support the idea that Cyp1 opens a mitochondrial pore to initiate cell death, similar to its mammalian counterpart. When Cyp1 is knocked down in neurons or glia, synaptic size at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is increased and larval behavior is altered. To explain these effects, we are tracking mitochondrial motility within larval nerves, quantifying mitochondria in presynaptic terminals, and identifying the glial populations that use Cyp1 to regulate behavior. We are also developing MATLAB and FIMTRACK tools to automate data analysis and to help identify Cyp1 mutant effects. Our characterization of Cyp1 may help determine how changes in mitochondrial function influence animal behavior.
Keywords: Biology, Drosophila, Spectrophotometry, Larval Behavior, neuromuscular junction, Cyclophillin 1
Topic(s):Biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 108-1
Location: MG 1000
Time: 8:30