Celebration of Scholars
Using CRISPR to Understand the Role of YAP/TAZ in Retinal Development
Name:
Samantha Ardery
Major: Biology
Hometown: Indianapolis
Faculty Sponsor: Steven Henle
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Name:
John Nykyforuk
Major: Biology
Hometown: Calgary
Faculty Sponsor: Steven Henle
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Name:
Guillermo Trujillo
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Oak Creek
Faculty Sponsor: Steven Henle
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) eye closely models the human eye in anatomy and developmental process, however, zebrafish have the capability to regenerate their optic nerve after injury. Understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms that allow zebrafish to regenerate their optic nerve will assist development of therapies to treat optic nerve damage in humans. YAP and TAZ have previously been shown to be involved in the process of eye development and tissue regeneration. Understanding the role of YAP and TAZ in development can improve the comprehension of the regeneration pathway as well. In order to study the role of YAP and TAZ in development and regeneration, a CRISPR experiment was designed in order to label the natural YAP with green fluorescent protein (GFP). The CRISPRs designed allow for the introduction of GFP to the beginning or end of the YAP or TAZ gene and were injected into single cell embryonic wild type zebrafish. Current results are inconclusive but further research will be done in order to determine the efficiency of this CRISPR experiment. Once the YAP gene is effectively labeled, the embryonic fish will be imaged to determine the location of YAP and TAZ during optic development and regeneration.
Submit date: Feb. 26, 2021, 12:20 p.m.