Using Immunohistochemistry to Determine FAM171B Expression in the Brain
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
18-4-2016 10:00 AM
End Date
18-4-2016 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Geoffrey Goellner
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
A number of severe neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s disease (HD), are caused by a similar type of mutation in each of their respective underlying genes. This mutational mechanism somehow causes expansion of a CAG repeat sequence (that codes for the amino acid glutamine-Q) well beyond its normal size. Thus, expansion mutations in a number of poly-glutamine (polyQ) proteins has been linked to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, sequencing of the human genome has led to the discovery of a number of completely uncharacterized polyQ genes. Whether these new genes will also be linked to neurodegeneration remains to be determined. One such novel protein, denominated FAM171B, is a protein that contains a polyQ stretch. Very little else is known about it in terms of expression pattern and cellular function. In this study, we hope to gain a better understanding of the normal tissue localization of FAM171B. In this regard, immunohistochemistry was utilized to determine the expression pattern of FAM171B in mouse brain tissue. Initial data suggests that FAM171B is indeed expressed in the brain, and further experiments are in progress to determine specific localization patterns.
Using Immunohistochemistry to Determine FAM171B Expression in the Brain
CSU Ballroom
A number of severe neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s disease (HD), are caused by a similar type of mutation in each of their respective underlying genes. This mutational mechanism somehow causes expansion of a CAG repeat sequence (that codes for the amino acid glutamine-Q) well beyond its normal size. Thus, expansion mutations in a number of poly-glutamine (polyQ) proteins has been linked to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, sequencing of the human genome has led to the discovery of a number of completely uncharacterized polyQ genes. Whether these new genes will also be linked to neurodegeneration remains to be determined. One such novel protein, denominated FAM171B, is a protein that contains a polyQ stretch. Very little else is known about it in terms of expression pattern and cellular function. In this study, we hope to gain a better understanding of the normal tissue localization of FAM171B. In this regard, immunohistochemistry was utilized to determine the expression pattern of FAM171B in mouse brain tissue. Initial data suggests that FAM171B is indeed expressed in the brain, and further experiments are in progress to determine specific localization patterns.
Recommended Citation
Xiong, Ka; Kayla Kermode; and Natalie Klein. "Using Immunohistochemistry to Determine FAM171B Expression in the Brain." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 18, 2016.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2016/poster-session-A/11
