|
Search the site
|
|
Saori Haigo (Molecular and Cell Biology and Integrative Biology Major)
"An Analysis of Candidate Genes Involved in Neural Tube Closure during Xenopus Development”
Sponsor: Professor Richard Harland, Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Description
The coordination of cell movement is an integral process in development, affecting morphological shape as well as cell fate specification. While the importance of this process has been long realized, the molecular regulation of cell movement remains poorly understood. Saori plans to investigate the roles of two genes, fuzzy (fy) and inturned (in), in establishing cell polarity during convergent extension movements in the early frog embryo. Convergent extension is the process by which a population of cells redistributes itself by converging along one axis, thereby elongating along the perpendicular axis. In cloning and characterizing these genes through loss and gain of function analyses, Saori aims to integrate the results she collects to build upon a developing signal transduction pathway that triggers this intricate array of movements for her seniors honors thesis in Molecular and Cell Biology.
Scholar's Photo
 |
|
Saori in front of the microscope with her mentor, Richard Harland, and another researcher
|
Scholar's Journal
Six months of twists and turns in search of fuzzy and inturned, but I must sadly report that fuzzy and inturned remain lost in the frog genome…well, at least for now. But don't despair readers! It turns out that in my quest to find these elusive genes, I expanded my search for interesting candidate genes regulating a broader aspect of animal development, of which convergent extension is only a part. An important step in achieving final body form is neurulation, during which the progenitor of the central nervous system -- the neural tube -- is formed. I isolated four candidate genes this summer, so it's been very exciting! So far, I've collected genetic sequence information and characterized their gene expression patterns, and I'm just beginning a series of functional tests to determine whether they contribute to the regulation of neurulation. Things are moving so quickly now that John, my post-doc mentor, has already had a discussion with me regarding publications in the near future!
So enough about the science. Many of you may wonder what it's like being an undergraduate researcher in the sciences. It's true that a lot of time is spent in the lab, including evenings and weekends, but when you love what you do, time flies. It also helps to work in an awesome environment. The Harland lab is a great lab to be part of -- it's quite a social scene in our lab. Conversations about the most random things with an eclectic range of music in the background -- from Goth to rock to country -- as we all go about our labwork typifies the average day. We relax at the local bar (well, those of us older than 21), go out for dinner parties, and have other social gatherings; we're just one big family!
Outside of the lab setting, I was able to explore our beautiful Bay Area this summer, something I rarely get to do during the school year. My favorite place was Point Reyes National Seashore -- it's so serene out there. But I must say, watch out for the deer, and bring a jacket -- it's chilly out on the peninsula!
Just a little taste of my summer. I hope the fall and spring will be just as productive (knock on wood!).
Click to see Saori's articles:
"Single Gene Plays Key Role in Neural Tube Defects "
"Researcher Pinpoints Gene Culpable for Neural Defects"
"Shroom Induces Apical Constriction and Is Required for Hingepoint Formation during Neural Tube Closure"
|
