22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of ADF Knockdown on Growth Cone Dynamics
Chelle King Porter
Dr. Peter Meberg (University of North Dakota at Grand Forks) and Dr. Jason E. Miller, Faculty Mentors
Neuronal axons terminate in a sensory and motor structure called a growth cone. Actin dynamics play an integral role in the motility of growth cones. The cofilin family of proteins, including actin depolymerizing factor (ADF), promotes actin dynamics, such as cell motility and neurite outgrowth. We believe that the phosphorylated form of ADF inhibits cell migration because it prevents the cytoskeleton from extending. In order to test this hypothesis, siRNA targeting the ADF gene was used to transfect healthy cortical neuronal cells. The ADF knockdown neurons were then examined against control neurons and their growth cones compared qualitatively using live imaging techniques. Preliminary data from this study suggest that knockdown of ADF limits growth cone motility in cortical neurons.
Keywords: growth cone, ADF, cofilin, neuron, motility, siRNA
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 10-1
Location: PML
Time: 4:15