Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Lemanski, Larry F.

Abstract

The Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, possesses a naturally-occurring lethal mutation, designated gene "c", for cardiac non-function. Hearts form but fail to beat, lack organized myofibrils, and are deficient in tropomyosin. Treatment with a noncoding RNA MIR (Myofibril-Inducing RNA) rescues this defect in organ culture. Rescued mutant hearts have restored tropomyosin, form organized myofibrils, and beat vigorously. Studies to elucidate the mechanism of MIR heart rescue are underway. Current evidence suggests that MIR acts by binding with at least two proteins. The yeast three-hybrid system is being used to screen an axolotl eDNA library for these two proteins and other possible MIR-binding candidates. This is a method utilizing two hybrid proteins and a hybrid RNA. An interaction between these three components will activate the expression of reporter genes, whose activity is assayed through phenotypical and biochemical methods. In this study, the protocol for yeast three-hybrid technology is being established for analyzing the MIR in the Mexican axolotl, cardiac mutant animal model.

Extent

50 p.

Comments

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.

Identifier

FA00000793

Format

pdf

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