MicroRNAs are short strands of RNA that bind to mRNA to prevent them from being translated into proteins. This project involved looking at expression levels of specific microRNAs to identify their functions in mouse lens cells of the eye. These miRNA expression values were compiled in 3 different trials for the 2 different cell types in mice lenses. Epithelial cells are found on the anterior surface of the eye lens while fiber cells make up the majority of the lens. The relationship between these two cell types is that the epithelial cells can differentiate into fiber cells. MicroRNAs contribute to this differentiation of cell types. The data was used to compare to other species such as humans to determine a possible correlation in microRNA expression between species. We hope the comparison between species can help verify the function of these microRNAs. For analysis to be determined from the data, the data first had to be sequenced from RNA-sequencing. The sequencing allowed us to find how much of these miRNAs are being produced for mRNA regulation. We believe continuing this research will contribute to the identification of more miRNAs and their function in the future. This research has given me a well rounded understanding of the purpose of miRNA in our cells.
Author: Ryan Clark
Advisor: Michael Robinson, Biology
Graduate Advisor: Anil Upreti, Biology
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