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PERICENTRIN KNOCKDOWN BY RNAi DISRUPTS INSULIN SECRETION IN CULTURED MURINE INSULINOMA CELLS

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The centrosome functions in spindle formation, transport of cytoplasmic vesicles, and regulation of cell structure. Pericentrin, a centrosomal protein, was chosen to study for its role in microtubule nucleation and organization, cell cycle progression and ciliogenesis. This project's purpose was to determine if the amount of endogenous pericentrin would affect insulin storage or secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Immunofluorescent staining and electron microscopy revealed that pericentrin co-localizes to the granules of beta cells. After Pericentrin depletion with RNAi, a lower number of mature insulin granules was found, and a high amount of insulin was secreted into the media. This dys-regulation of insulin secretion was also verified by in vivo experiments.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
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  • E-project-010908-142942
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  • 2008
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  • 2008-01-09
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