Faculty Advisor
Adams, David S.
Sponsor
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Abstract
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.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2008
Major
Biology and Biotechnology
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
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Accessibility
Unrestricted
Advisor Department
Biology and Biotechnology