Genetic analysis of ABF-1 in CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

Poster Number

1

Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract/Artist Statement

ABF-lis a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors, expressed in activated B cells, that act to regulate a wide array of developmental processes in many cell types, including cell fate specification, differentiation, and morphogenesis. As a tissue restricted basic helix loop helix protein, ABF-1 acts to bind DNA upon dimerization and pairs with the broadly expressed E2A protein. Our studies employ the small simple and easily manipulated nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which lacks many of the tissues that express abf- 1 in mammals. This organism is especially suited for ABF-1study as it contains both ABF-1 and E2A homo logs. Our investigation utilizes RNA interference, allowing for the manipulation of gene expression. The use of double stranded RNA, created fromABF-1 mRNA and antisense abf-1 RNA, acts to prevent offspring from producing the ABF-1 protein. It has been found that animals fed with bacteria expressing these RNAs produce no result in either the experimental or control groups. However, the microinjection of dsRNA into adults is a more sensitive and reliable method of dsRNA introduction. Subsequently, constructs of the dsRNA have been created and contra Is are currently being tested.

Location

DeRosa University Center

Start Date

1-5-2001 9:00 AM

End Date

1-5-2001 5:00 PM

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May 1st, 9:00 AM May 1st, 5:00 PM

Genetic analysis of ABF-1 in CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

DeRosa University Center

ABF-lis a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors, expressed in activated B cells, that act to regulate a wide array of developmental processes in many cell types, including cell fate specification, differentiation, and morphogenesis. As a tissue restricted basic helix loop helix protein, ABF-1 acts to bind DNA upon dimerization and pairs with the broadly expressed E2A protein. Our studies employ the small simple and easily manipulated nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which lacks many of the tissues that express abf- 1 in mammals. This organism is especially suited for ABF-1study as it contains both ABF-1 and E2A homo logs. Our investigation utilizes RNA interference, allowing for the manipulation of gene expression. The use of double stranded RNA, created fromABF-1 mRNA and antisense abf-1 RNA, acts to prevent offspring from producing the ABF-1 protein. It has been found that animals fed with bacteria expressing these RNAs produce no result in either the experimental or control groups. However, the microinjection of dsRNA into adults is a more sensitive and reliable method of dsRNA introduction. Subsequently, constructs of the dsRNA have been created and contra Is are currently being tested.