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 […]
B40: Genome Wide Identification of Active Promoters in Neonatal Mouse Lens Chromatin
Gene expression is controlled and maintained by a variety of regulatory elements, including histones, which are what was researched for this study. Trimethylation of lysine 4 of histone 3 (H3K4me3) is a characteristic of the promoter regions of actively expressed genes. This means that wherever H3K4me3 is expressed highly, it indicates a portion of the […]
C55: Mice Behavior: Altering Purkinje Neurons Within the Cerebellum
Intracellular fibroblast growth factor 12 (Fgf12) is expressed throughout the central nervous system and is known to bind and regulate voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium channels are critical for the formation and propagation of neuronal action potentials. Fgf12 has also been identified as a locus of mutations underlying epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) and sudden unexpected death in […]
C58: Gene Networks Leading to Lens Fiber Cell Differentiation
The ocular lens is composed of two cell types; epithelial cells and fiber cells. Lens epithelial cells are the undifferentiated precursor to lens fiber cells which arise from epithelial cells. As these cuboidal cells go through differentiation into fiber cells, they go through major gene expression changes that elongate the cells and promote transparency. Cell […]
A28-P: Characterizing the Role of NHE10 and NHE11 in Mammalian Sperm, A Transgenic Mouse Study
The James’ lab is focused on identifying and characterizing different proteins that are essential for male fertility. A specific family of proteins called Na+/H+ Exchangers (NHEs) are present in cells, and are known to regulate the internal pH of a cell. NHE10 is one Na+/H+ exchanger known to be expressed exclusively in sperm. Of particular […]
A29-P: Characterizing The Role of NHE1 Protein in Mice Sperm Physiology Using CRISPR/Cas9
Sodium/hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) are a family of vital transmembrane proteins responsible for facilitating ion transport and thus regulating intracellular pH as well as cell volume. Certain NHEs have been shown to be necessary for sperm motility and thus fertility, and there are many different isoforms expressed in sperm cells. However, the specific physiological role of […]
B19-P: The Population Genetics of a Stream Breeding Ambystomatid: Evidence of Recent Range Expansion
A. barbouri is a stream-breeding salamander that is endemic to two small geographic regions in the Midwest and Central Tennessee, and its sister species, Ambystoma texanum is a common related species distributed throughout the Midwest. In this study, we analyzed the distribution and population genetics of these two species in the Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio tri-state […]
A02: Quantitative Genetics and Plasticity of Brassica Phenology
Soil salinity is a major challenge to agriculture, causing an estimated $27.3 billion in economic losses globally each year. Over 20% of irrigated land suffers from soil salinity, and changing precipitation patterns as well as rising sea levels associated with climate change are predicted to exacerbate these problems. Yet, in Brassica rapa, an economically important […]
A01: Genetic architecture underlying Brassica rapa morphology during salt stress
With global climate change, temperatures are expected to increase and precipitation is expected to decrease in some agricultural areas. Consequently, crops in these areas will need irrigation, but irrigation can cause higher soil salinity. As a first step towards engineering crops that are resistant to salt stress, we are studying the genetic architecture underlying salt […]