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Publication Date

2024-5

First Advisor

Michael J. F. Barresi

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biochemistry

Keywords

developmental biology, embryogenesis, bioelectricity, morphogens, zebrafish, axis determination

Abstract

The role of morphogens during embryonic development has been well defined in regulating cell guidance and cell fates through differential concentration gradients. It is also known that differentiated cell types can exhibit different and specific states of membrane potentials (Vmem) known as bioelectric signaling. However, it is less known whether bioelectrics and morphogen signaling intersect in their regulation of cell fate determination during embryogenesis. Using Fluorescent Voltage Reporter (FVR) dyes, patterns of bioelectricity have been characterized across the zebrafish gastrula. These patterns predictably change when embryos are treated with depolarizing (4-aminopyridine) or hyperpolarizing compounds (NMDG-Chloride + Ivermectin). By looking at gene expression patterns using Hybridization Chain Reaction experiments on embryos treated with these compounds, the question of whether morphogen gradients across the zebrafish embryo are influenced by manipulating bioelectric patterns has been investigated. The focus is on the morphogen families most relevant to gastrulation: Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Nodal, Wnt and Sonic Hedgehog (shh). Establishing a connection between bioelectric signaling and morphogen pattern formation will demonstrate how membrane potential differences may be able to influence patterns of these key morphogen families.

Rights

©2024 Claire Woppmann. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

45 pages: color illustrations. Includes bibliographical references (pages 38-45).

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