Presenter(s)

    Glenna M. Knape

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    Description

    The Eastern Newt, Notophthalamus viridescens, has regenerative abilities. This study delved into the ability of the newt to regenerate the lens of its eye from the iris following a lentectomy surgery. To regenerate, the dorsal and ventral regions of the iris dedifferentiate and proliferate, yet only the dorsal iris redifferentes to create a lens, rather than both the dorsal and ventral iris. Several candidate transposons, or sections of viral DNA incorporated into another organismâÂÂs genome, were selected from a transcriptome to study. In order to compare the differences between the dorsal and ventral irises, the candidate genesâ expression levels were monitored in regenerating lens at 0, 4, and 8 day time points following the surgery. The expression levels were compared to determine whether they are correlated with the regenerative ability. A further understanding of the newtâÂÂs regenerative abilities as a model organism could lead to groundbreaking advances in regenerative biology and medicine.

    Publication Date

    4-18-2012

    Project Designation

    Honors Thesis

    Primary Advisor

    Panagiotis A. Tsonis

    Primary Advisor's Department

    Biology

    Keywords

    Stander Symposium project

    Comparison of Notophthalamus viridescens Transposon Expression in the Dorsal and Ventral Iris during Lens Regeneration

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