Revealing Telomerase Expression in Sea Star Embryos: Implications for Regeneration and Anti-Aging Mechanisms

Authors

Uzair Khan, University of the PacificFollow
Rosalie Phan, University of the PacificFollow
Sophie Solomon, University of the PacificFollow
Tara Fresques, University of the PacificFollow

Poster Number

62

Lead Author Affiliation

Pre-Dental

Lead Author Status

Undergraduate - Sophomore

Second Author Affiliation

Public Health

Second Author Status

Undergraduate - Junior

Third Author Affiliation

Pre-Dental

Third Author Status

Undergraduate - Sophomore

Fourth Author Affiliation

Biology

Faculty Mentor Name

Tara Fresques

Research or Creativity Area

Other

Abstract

Telomerase, an enzyme crucial for the maintenance of telomere length and cellular longevity, plays an important role in cellular aging, cancer, and regenerative processes. Cellular aging is a complex biological process that involves the progressive decline in cellular functions and regenerative capacity. This research focuses on in-situ bio staining techniques to investigate telomerase expression in aging tissue. Using targeted colorimetric probes, we were able to detect telomerase mRNA expression in various tissue samples in sea stars. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that sea stars age in a healthy manner and this may be due to widespread telomerase expression. Continued study of telomere biology in sea stars may offer potential therapeutic strategies for age-related disease in humans.

Location

University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center

Start Date

26-4-2025 10:00 AM

End Date

26-4-2025 1:00 PM