Identification and Characterization of the Neurotrophic Properties of Dopamine -Releasing Protein (Darp)

In a third set of experiments, I assessed the effects of DARP-36aa on the survival of mesencephalic neurons in vitro. Treatment of mesencephalic cultures with DARP36aa resulted in a significant increase in neuron survival and morphological development. Mesencephalic cultures were also incubated with antibodies against DARP-36aa (antiDARP-36aa) in order to assess the effect of immunoneutralization of endogenous DARP on these cells. Mesencephalic cultures treated with anti-DARP-36aa contained significantly fewer neurons, and the number of branching points per neuron was markedly decreased compared to controls. DARP-36aa treatments significantly increased the number of catecholaminergic neurons in mesencephalic cultures while immunoneutralization of endogenous DARP significantly decreased catecholaminergic neuron number and morphological development. Importantly, DARP-36aa-mediated increases in neuron survival and development were completely attenuated by coincubation with genistein. In conclusion, findings from the aforementioned studies suggest that DARP-36aa is a novel neurotrophic factor that promotes survival and development of mesencephalic neurons.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Sean Michael

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ramirez, Victor D.

• Biology, Neuroscience

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3070441

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/82493