Date of Award
12-4-2006
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
W. William Walthall - Chair
Second Advisor
Therese M. Poole
Third Advisor
Malcolm Zellars
Abstract
The over-expression of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecules (DSCAMs) is partially responsible for the mental retardation associated with Down syndrome. Previous work in our lab showed that a DSCAM homolog in C. elegans, Y32G9A.8, is expressed at all developmental stages and appears to be crucial for survival. In an effort to map the expression pattern, I used the Genome Sciences Centre’s primer design program (http://elegans.bcgsc.bc.ca/gfp_primers/) to design a GFP promoter fusion product that was used to monitor gene expression. The results indicate that Y32G9A.8 is expressed in the animal’s gut, suggesting that it may function in the worm’s innate immune response. I also designed a primer set to amplify the Y32G9A.8 transcript. RT-PCR of the entire Y32G9A.8 coding region resulted in a single product; there appears to be no alternative splicing. Although this gene shows homology to other N-CAMS, results indicate that this gene may function in the innate immune system of C. elegans.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/1059203
Recommended Citation
Schlisner, Rebecca Joy, "Isolation and Characterization of the Y32G9A.8 Promoter in C. elegans." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2006.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1059203