Semester Award Granted
Spring 2025
Submission Date
May 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
E (Sarah) Du
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) has an impact on brain tissues and can alter the biochemical properties of the peripheral blood. Evidence in existing literature suggests that peripheral mutant Huntingtin protein may be involved and deteriorate HD. Red blood cells (RBCs), being the most abundant type of cells in the peripheral blood, can show detectable changes in their biophysical properties due to subtle changes in cell membranes. These changes can offer a minimally invasive means to track the progression of the disease. The transgenic line R6/2 is used as the disease model. Utilizing the electro-deformation spectroscopy, we measured membrane permittivity, cytoplasm conductivity, and membrane shear modulus of RBCs. This allowed us to track changes in these mechanical and electrical properties due to the aging of the organisms and the progression of HD. Comparison between the wild-type and HD groups verified the impact of the disease, including the impaired weight gain in mice, reduced RBC deformability (higher membrane shear modulus), and increased cytoplasm conductivity. These properties can serve as potential biomarkers to track the progression of the disease.
Recommended Citation
Ponkratova, Liliana, "THE EFFECT OF HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE ON THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF RED BLOOD CELLS" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 39.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/39