Expression Profile of the Orphan CRLF3 Receptor Throughout the Rat Brain

Alexis B. Graber
Dr. Daniela Ostrowski (KCOM, A.T. Still University) and Dr. Timothy Walston, Faculty Mentors

Beyond its primary role in the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis), erythropoietin (Epo) shows neuroprotective function. After hypoxic insults, Epo protects neurons from cell death through anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Clinical studies have not been successful in using Epo, due to its effect on erythropoiesis leading to the risk of blood clot formation. There is a need to identify the specific signaling pathway of Epo in the brain to target tissue-specific effects. The cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3) receptor has been identified to mediate Epo’s neuroprotective effect in cultured insect neurons, however, its function in vertebrates is unknown. This pioneering study utilizes Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot Analysis to characterize the expression profile of CRLF3 across different brain regions in rats, identifies the cell types with which it colocalizes, and evaluates expression changes following hypoxia (8% O2 for 2 hours).

Keywords: Neuroprotection, Orphan Receptor, Erythropoietin, Hypoxia, Immunohistochemistry, Western Blot, Physiology, Molecular Biology

Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA