Department or Program

Neuroscience

Abstract

Humans rely on visual input as the principal sense that informs them of their surroundings. Visual disorders, including glaucoma and optic neuropathies, lead to loss of cellular function. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) play a key role in communication between the eye and the brain, and their loss is an important focus of regenerative research. In previous work from our group, we have investigated the regeneration of RGCs from endogenous precursors to reestablish visual function. Currently, we are investigating differences in gene expression of these regenerated RGCs in comparison with endogenous RGCs. In order to assess gene expression, regenerated cells must be extracted from tissue and separated from endogenous retinal neurons. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) is the preferred method for this extraction technique but is inaccessible for smaller institutions due to equipment and cost barriers. Here, we adapt a traditional immunopanning protocol to extract regenerated cells. We investigated marker candidates from non-rodent sources and selected bacterial OmpF from E. coli as our marker of choice. We demonstrate that OmpF can be utilized as a non-endogenous marker on regenerated retinal ganglion cells in order to achieve extraction by adapted immunopanning protocols.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

First Advisor

Woodworth, Mollie

Date of Graduation

5-2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Number of Pages

57

Components of Thesis

1 pdf file

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