Analysis of the Expression of RNA Helicase A in C. elegans using Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction

Date of Award

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Walstrom, Katherine

Keywords

RNA Helicase A, C. elegans, Real-Time RT-PCR

Area of Concentration

Biochemistry

Abstract

RNA helicase A is a protein found in C. elegans and is conserved in many higher organisms. Several functions have been ascribed to this protein in Drosophila and mammalian systems, but its role in C. elegans is largely undetermined. Prior studies suggest that RNA helicase A is expressed primarily in the gonads of worms and functions in proper development of the germline. We used real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays to determine the expression levels of RNA helicase A (rha-1) in two mutant strains of worms as well as in several developmental stages of the wild type. We also studied the effects of temperature on rha-1 expression and the differential expression in male and hermaphrodite worms. One mutant strain, rha-1(tm329), contains a deletion mutation starting at the third exon of the RNA helicase A gene. The other, glp-4, results in a phenotype which virtually lacks a germline. By comparing the abundance of rha-1 transcripts within the tissues of these strains, we have shown that the worms lacking a germline expressed RNA helicase A at levels significantly lower than in the wild type. This supports the ideas that RNA helicase A is expressed to a large degree in the gonads of C. elegens. In addition, the expression levels of the gene appear to vary temporally in a pattern consistent with that of a maternal effect gene.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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