Event Title
Gene Expression in the Developing Patagium of Embryonic Glaucomys volans
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biology
Mentor Information
Bruce Ostrow, ostrowb@gvsu.edu
Department
Biology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 23
Start Date
13-4-2011 1:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 2:00 PM
Keywords
Life Science
Abstract
A number of animals develop a thin flap of skin between their forelimbs and hindlimbs called a patagium. The patagium functions in the ability of these animals to glide, and little is known about the development of this unique structure. This research involved efforts to identify genes involved in the development of the patagium in the southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans. G. volans embryos were obtained and total RNA was extracted. RT-PCR indicated that dHand and Sonic Hedgehog are expressed in the embryo, and specifically in the developing patagium. Three distinct bands were observed upon electrophoresis of Sonic Hedgehog PCR products. To determine which of these was the squirrel Sonic Hedgehog, cDNA from each band was ligated into plasmids. Bacterial cells were made to uptake these plasmids, and were then used for cloning and sequencing of the Sonic Hedgehog gene product. Data will be presented on a comparison of the G. volans Sonic Hedgehog gene to homologous mouse DNA.
Gene Expression in the Developing Patagium of Embryonic Glaucomys volans
Henry Hall Atrium 23
A number of animals develop a thin flap of skin between their forelimbs and hindlimbs called a patagium. The patagium functions in the ability of these animals to glide, and little is known about the development of this unique structure. This research involved efforts to identify genes involved in the development of the patagium in the southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans. G. volans embryos were obtained and total RNA was extracted. RT-PCR indicated that dHand and Sonic Hedgehog are expressed in the embryo, and specifically in the developing patagium. Three distinct bands were observed upon electrophoresis of Sonic Hedgehog PCR products. To determine which of these was the squirrel Sonic Hedgehog, cDNA from each band was ligated into plasmids. Bacterial cells were made to uptake these plasmids, and were then used for cloning and sequencing of the Sonic Hedgehog gene product. Data will be presented on a comparison of the G. volans Sonic Hedgehog gene to homologous mouse DNA.