Identification and Classification of Novel Gene Products Involved in Development and Regeneration in Xenopus Laevis

A cornea-lens transdifferentiation-specific cDNA library has been used to characterize new molecular events in lens regeneration. Most of these genes are also expressed during lens development, illustrating the similarity between mechanisms of development and regeneration. A subset of genes; whose expression is up-regulated or initiated early during multiple regenerative processes, may be involved in the initial process of tissue de-differentiation, allowing cells to return to a less mature state, proliferate and restore lost structures. Using a cDNA library screen followed by spatio-temporal expression and functional analyses, I have located candidate genes, whose up-regulated expression is shared during the initial phases of both cornea-lens transdifferentiation and hind limb regeneration and during development of these organs. These candidate genes have been preliminarily classified by sequence identities to known gene products in the national databases. Interestingly, each gene is expressed during late embryonic and early larval development in addition to during both regenerating processes. Furthermore, none of these genes seems to be up-regulated during the simple process of wound healing, making them all candidate regeneration- and development-specific genes. One of these genes is a novel member of the neuronal leucine-rich repeat protein family. Protein knock down assays have shown that this protein acts autonomously during differentiation of lens fiber cells and cells of the neural retina. Through elucidating our understanding of molecular mechanisms behind initial developmental and regenerative processes in Xenopus, we ultimately expect to apply these mechanisms to enable regeneration of similar structures as a treatment for injury or disease in mammals.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Cell and Developmental Biology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Wolfe, Adam Daniel

Contributors dc:contributor

• Henry, Jonathan J.
• Cameron, Jo Ann

• Biology, Physiology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3223752

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/86306