Abigail Zeamer
Nelson Laboratory
Department of Biology
Brandeis University
Cellular Quantification of Age-Related Transgene Silencing in the Mouse Brain
Poster Abstract
Gene regulation in the brain during sexual maturity is poorly understood. We have observed cell-type specific silencing in a set of tet-enhancer trap lines through loss of GFP expression during sexual maturation. To gain insight into the phenomena observed and potential molecular mechanisms, we identified and measured intensity values of individual cells in the occipital cortex of animals prior to, during and after sexual maturity. We found that cellular intensities and the number of detectable cells decrease with age in a progressive manner. Graded change in GFP expression at the cellular level hints towards the involvement of a dimmer switch-like mechanism in silencing.
Personal Statement
My curiosity has been a driving force since I was a child and would take apart my toys and attempt to rebuild them. In my first year of college, an intro biology class tapped into my curiosity and revealed my true passion, neurobiology. I discovered that complex circuits and pathway logic associated with underlying molecular interactions was incredibly fascinating to me. Throughout the school year, I manage a full-course load, a part-time job and lab work. The M.R. Bauer fellowship has allowed me to dive into my research this summer in a way that would not have been possible without the fellowship. This fellowship has given me the opportunity to explore what it means to truly do research full-time. Through the Bauer Fellowship, I have gained laboratory skills that will aid me in my future scientific pursuits and have been able to conduct research full time.