IMP2 Expression in the Mouse Nervous System

Date of Award

7-2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

First Advisor

Mei Xu, MD, PhD

Second Advisor

Brian Balin, PhD

Third Advisor

Marina D'Angelo, PhD

Fourth Advisor

Marcus Bell, PhD

Abstract

The three homologs of insulin like growth factor- II (IGF-II) mRNA binding protein (IMP) play an essential role in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in nervous tissue. IMP1/ZBP1 (zipcode binding protein) regulates the localization and translation of specific mRNAs allowing for axon guidance and regeneration. Of the three homologs, IMP2 is least understood and therefore we wanted to investigate its role in axon regeneration. Using a custom made IMP2-specific antibody, along with immunohistochemistry, Western Blot, and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) culture we examined the expression of IMP2 in the mouse nervous system. We have found that IMP2 expression is present in both the central and peripheral neural tissues through all developmental stages of life. Ongoing experiments are focused on the further understanding of IMP2 expression patterns during injury to the nervous system.

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