Event Title
Screening the Effects of Gene Overexpression on Markers of Neural Progenitor Differentiation in the Developing Chick Spinal Cord
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Cell and Molecular Biology
Mentor Information
Merritt Taylor
Department
Biomedical Sciences
Location
Kirkhof Center KC 82
Start Date
10-4-2013 10:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 11:00 AM
Keywords
Health, Life Science
Abstract
An obstacle in stem cell biology is revealing signaling pathways that drive stem cells to mature into differentiated daughter cells or proliferate into more stem cells (self renewal). Some genes that promote self-renewal also promote some forms of cancer. A subpopulation of cells within solid tumors exhibit stem cell-like properties, including resistance to cell death and exhibiting self-renewal. Reviewing published databases of gene expression profiles for glioblastomas and neural stem cells (NSC), we identified the gene ZSCAN21 is shared in both populations. The sufficiency of ZSCAN21 to promote self-renewal can be monitored using in ovo electroporation of the chick embryonic spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry and anatomical analysis is then used to screen for markers in neurons, glia, and progenitor cells. If ZSCAN21 sufficiently promotes self-renewal, overexpression of the gene should elevate markers for progenitor cells, possibly at the expense of markers for differentiated cells.
Screening the Effects of Gene Overexpression on Markers of Neural Progenitor Differentiation in the Developing Chick Spinal Cord
Kirkhof Center KC 82
An obstacle in stem cell biology is revealing signaling pathways that drive stem cells to mature into differentiated daughter cells or proliferate into more stem cells (self renewal). Some genes that promote self-renewal also promote some forms of cancer. A subpopulation of cells within solid tumors exhibit stem cell-like properties, including resistance to cell death and exhibiting self-renewal. Reviewing published databases of gene expression profiles for glioblastomas and neural stem cells (NSC), we identified the gene ZSCAN21 is shared in both populations. The sufficiency of ZSCAN21 to promote self-renewal can be monitored using in ovo electroporation of the chick embryonic spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry and anatomical analysis is then used to screen for markers in neurons, glia, and progenitor cells. If ZSCAN21 sufficiently promotes self-renewal, overexpression of the gene should elevate markers for progenitor cells, possibly at the expense of markers for differentiated cells.