Changes in Gene Expression and Morphology from ESC’s to Neurons
Location
Guzman 202, Dominican University of California
Start Date
4-20-2017 1:00 PM
End Date
4-20-2017 1:30 PM
Student Type
Undergraduate - Honors
Faculty Mentor(s)
Kiowa Bower, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Embryonic stem cells (ESC’s) are pluripotent cells that can specialize into various cell types. In this study, the pluripotent cells are differentiated into neurons. The ESC’s are capable of undergoing unlimited cell divisions as long as they are sustained under the appropriate conditions. After establishing a stem cell population, the cells were treated with Retinoic Acid to direct the differentiation into neurons. A better understanding of the process of ESC differentiation could give insight to particular areas of therapeutic interest like neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease. Our goal is to examine changes in gene expression during the differentiation process with a focus on neurotransmitter receptors by using different drugs. We also tested the effect that exposure to the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate had on neuronal differentiation.
Changes in Gene Expression and Morphology from ESC’s to Neurons
Guzman 202, Dominican University of California
Embryonic stem cells (ESC’s) are pluripotent cells that can specialize into various cell types. In this study, the pluripotent cells are differentiated into neurons. The ESC’s are capable of undergoing unlimited cell divisions as long as they are sustained under the appropriate conditions. After establishing a stem cell population, the cells were treated with Retinoic Acid to direct the differentiation into neurons. A better understanding of the process of ESC differentiation could give insight to particular areas of therapeutic interest like neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease. Our goal is to examine changes in gene expression during the differentiation process with a focus on neurotransmitter receptors by using different drugs. We also tested the effect that exposure to the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate had on neuronal differentiation.