Roles Of eIF4A And eIF4G In Drosophila Nociception
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Gita Gajjar (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Andrew Bellemer
Abstract: Nociception refers to the detection of noxious mechanical, chemical, or thermal stimuli by specialized neurons called nociceptors. Sensitization of these nociceptor neurons in response to tissue damage or inflammation is a root cause of chronic pain. Protein synthesis is a major regulator of neuronal plasticity, and is thus required for changes in nociceptor sensitivity during the development of chronic pain. The goal of this study was to characterize the components of the eukaryotic initiation complex (eIF4F) that regulate protein translational initiation mechanism in the nociceptors. Drosophila was used as a model organism to study nociceptor function following manipulation of eIF4A, eIF4G1, and eIF4G2 function. Results show that eIF4A is required for normal thermal and mechanical nociception sensitivity as well as sensitization of the nociceptors following tissue damage. eIF4A knockdown larvae showed defects in dendrite morphogenesis, suggesting eIF4A-dependent mRNAs are involved in dendrite morphogenesis. eIF4G1 and eIF4G2 are required for normal thermal and mechanical sensitivity, but eIF4G1 is not required for hypersensitization, while eIF4G2 is required following tissue damage. There were no major defects in morphology following eIF4G1 or eIF4G2 knockdown, suggesting eIF4G does not function in morphogenesis.
Roles Of eIF4A And eIF4G In Drosophila Nociception
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Created on 9/10/2019
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Gajjar, G. (2019). Roles Of eIF4A And eIF4G In Drosophila Nociception. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2019
- Keywords
- eIF4A, eIF4G, eIF4E-BP, Drosophila, Nociception