38th Annual Student Research Conference
The genetic interaction between unc-33 and hmp-2 in embryonic epidermal morphogenesis of Caenorhabditis elegans.
Hannah C. Nardi*, Gracie D. LaFoe, and Grace Gottschamer
Dr. Stephanie Maiden, Faculty Mentor
Caenorhabditis elegans is a simple genetic model to understand embryonic epithelial cell structure and movement during development. Epidermal morphogenesis relies on the cadherin-catenin complex for maintenance of cell-cell contact and tissue integrity. Previously, we showed knockdown of hmp-2/β-catenin through feeding RNA interference (RNAi) in homozygous unc-33(e204) animals increased embryonic lethality compared to wildtype. The unc-33 gene encodes a microtubule regulator which is known for its role in neuronal development, but is not defined in the epidermis. We analyzed multiple unc-33 alleles using differential interference contrast microscopy and found hmp-2(RNAi) resulted in a higher percentage of epidermal ruptures. Using fluorescent confocal microscopy, we aim to analyze microtubule structure and localization of unc-33 in the epidermis in both wildtype and unc-33 mutant animals upon hmp-2 knockdown. We hope this work will shed light on the interaction between unc-33, microtubules, and cell-cell contacts during epidermal morphogenesis.
Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans, genetics, epidermis, embryonic morphogenesis, RNA interference, microtubules
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 400-20
Location: SUB Activities Room
Time: 7:15