Regeneration has been a topic of research since the 18th century. Researchers have sought to understand and manipulate the mechanisms of regeneration, in the hopes of, applying these to humans. Human regenerative abilities are vastly different from those of salamanders. Interestingly, salamanders such as the newt possess high regenerative abilities and will, therefore, be used in this study as a model organism. Surprisingly, newts can regenerate their lens after its complete removal (lentectomy). This process occurs through a series of cellular reprogramming steps in which iris pigmented epithelial cells (iPECs) are altered to become fully functioning lens cells. Despite outward similarities between the dorsal and ventral iPECs, lens regeneration is only observed from dorsal iPECs. We hope to understand why regeneration is only observed from dorsal iPECs through the induction of regeneration from the ventral iris. We will create tools to insert specific genes into the newt genome. The goal of these genome editing tools is to over-express specific genes in the newt iris believed to be dorso-ventral axis determinants for lens regeneration in adult newts. We expect the creation of genetically modified newts to produce a lens originating from the ventral iris. If successful, this project will enhance the study of regeneration as researchers will gain a better understanding of how to utilize genome editing tools in the context of regeneration. For my own studies, this project provides opportunities to understand and appreciate medical science and enhance skills, such as the ability to decipher research papers and findings. I will carry these skills into my future career in the medical field.
Author: Katherine Schuckmann, Biology and Premedical Studies
Advisor: Katia Del Rio-Tsonis, Biology
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