Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2020
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Bradley Jones
Second Advisor
Josh Bloomekatz
Third Advisor
Gregg Roman
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. Increasing knowledge of this biological process can lead to understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer alike. In mammals, this process occurs through mechanisms that are localized to the mitochondria. The release of cytochrome c is from the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) is regulated by pro and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. If the latter are successful, then cytochrome c’s release into the cytosol activates a caspase cascade, resulting in apoptosis of the cell. Pro-apoptotic Bax is present in complexes that contain voltage dependent anion channels (VDACs). We hypothesized that in healthy cells, VDACs act as a restraint by creating a complex in the MOM that interferes with Bax’s ability to form pores with Bak.
Drosophila Melanogaster was used as the genetic platform to create and induce mutations in the porin gene. The UAS/GAL4 system is used to target gene expression within any tissue of the Drosophila organism. We used transgenic flies using this system to enhance the expression of Bax in the eye or wing tissues of the fly. When Bax is expressed it induces apoptosis. We also used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce point mutations within the BH3 domain of the Drosophila form of VDAC (Porin) to investigate the Bax-Porin relationship.
We then used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis to determine the presence of the mutation.
Recommended Citation
Merrell, Marie, "Investigation of Bax-VDAC Interactions and Their Role in Apoptosis" (2020). Honors Theses. 1586.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1586
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