College of Engineering
College of Arts & Sciences
RESCUING NEURONAL DEFECTS AND ANALYZING THE ROLE OF KISMET IN CARDIAC FUNCTION IN A DROSOPHILA MODEL OF CHARGE SYNDROME
Sylvia Shoukri Biological Sciences
Dr. Daniel Marenda Faculty Mentor Biology
36
Drosophila melanogaster, also known as the fruit ly, is an excellent model organism used to analyze the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome. This syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mutations of the Chd7 gene. The homolog of this gene, found in Drosophila, is known as kismet which shares a high degree of protein homology with the human Chd7 gene. Through larvae and adult ly brain dissections and immunohistochemistry, it was found that this transcription factor is essential for proper axonal pruning and neuronal cell migration in speci ic neuronal populations studied thus far. Currently, we are working to rescue the defects seen in these neuronal populations with previously identi ied molecular targets which are the steroid hormone, ecdysone receptor and the proneural gene, atonal. Additionally, we are also analyzing the role of kismet in the regulation of glutamate receptor expression in the heart and its affect on cardiac function. It is shown that with a knock down of kismet, there may also be a decrease in heart size and overall morphology; therefore, indicating the importance of this protein. With this research, we hope to validate the molecular targets studied by rescuing defects seen in our CHARGE model lies. We look to potentially ind novel therapeutic targets to help CHARGE patients and hope to shed light on this disease.
STAR Scholars Summer Showcase 2011
OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR PANEL LAY DOWN
The solar panels are used to power satellites that are in orbit; if the solar panels are not attached properly, the solar panels could break or pop off in space leaving the satellite without power, resulting in a waste of both time and money. The purpose of this project was to come up with ways to optimize the solar panel lay down procedure used for the solar panels on satellites. The methods previously used can be described as quite crude, time consuming, and arduous. To tackle this project I irst tried the original method to put down solar panels and then, later, I took time to come up with inventions and improvements to the process. I created a tool that helps evenly spreads the silicone adhesive which is normally done by hand, leaving air bubbles between the cells and the board. The improvements that I made have both expedited and, simpli ied the process allowing the job to be done with a smooth application of silicone. It is important that this procedure be done quickly because the tasks requires use of a silicone adhesive which is only usable for twenty minutes after it leaves the bottle. The method presented resulted in much smoother and evenly distributed contact points compared to the sample prepared using the previous ‘manual’ method.
STAR Scholars Summer Showcase 2011
Armando Salome Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Jin Kang Faculty Mentor Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
85