32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Investigation of the function of DHP-1 and TBCE-1 in embryonic development of Caenorhabditis elegans
Megan D. Ringling* and Adam F. Weinmann
Dr. Stephanie Maiden, Faculty Mentor
Past studies have shown that microtubules play a crucial role in embryonic epithelial development in C. elegans, yet less is known about the specific proteins which are involved in the process. Investigation of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) provides a better understanding of the functions of microtubules during development. Two particular MAPs of interest in C. elegans are DHP-1 and TBCE-1. Our hypothesis is that the individual knockdown of the dhp-1 and tbce-1 transcripts may result in morphological defects in embryonic development, suggesting involvement with microtubules in the epithelium. The knockdown is accomplished using feeding RNA interference. Phenotypic effects on the C. elegans are observed using microscopy, these effects aid in the deduction the function of DHP-1 and TBCE-1. Future studies will include confocal microscopy that uses fluorescent proteins to see individual microtubule differences in the epithelium during DHP-1 and TBCE-1 knockdown compared to wild type.
Keywords: C. elegans, RNAi, embryogenesis , Microtubules, microtubule associated proteins
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 8-10
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00