Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Gene, xMADML, Involved in Xenopus Laevis Eye Development Using Cornea -Lens Regeneration

One clone was isolated from the cDNA library on the basis of its embryonic expression pattern and its sequence similarity to human NRBP and mouse MADM genes. This gene, xMADML, was characterized through molecular analysis, which showed both similarity and important differences to MADM, and protein knock-down, which showed that xMADML is necessary in both the developing retina and lens. Analysis of the expression patterns of known genes in the xMADML-knockdown background showed that expression of some genes, particularly Pax6, were altered, whereas the expression patterns of other genes were not. This suggests that xMADML is involved in the signaling cascades necessary to control retina and lens development. Further understanding of the genetic controls of eye development will allow for increased understanding of the general process of development.

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

• Elkins, Matthew Brian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jonathan Joseph Henry

• Biology, Cell

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3250236

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/86308