Drosophila Dunc-115 Mediates Axon Projection Through Actin Binding
Item
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Title
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Drosophila Dunc-115 Mediates Axon Projection Through Actin Binding
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:223ac3ff895b:10782
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identifier
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11023
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Creator
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Roblodowski, Christopher,
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Contributor
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He Qi
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Date
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2011
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology | Neurosciences
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Abstract
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Axon pathfinding, the process of how neurons reach their correct targets during early neural development, is a critical area in neuroscience research. Though significant progress has been made in identifying the extracellular guidance cues and their membrane receptors, and possible downstream effectors including the Rho GTPases family, little is known regarding how guidance signals are relayed to the actin filaments that are central to the mobility of the growth cone. Our laboratory has identified and characterized Drosophila gene dunc-115 as a possible downstream target in relaying guidance cues further down to the cytoskeleton. Specifically, we have shown that Dunc- 115 regulates neural connections in both the eye and the central nervous system in Drosophila. In this thesis, I have identified that (1) the surface receptor Roundabout (Robo) is an upstream regulator of guidance signals relayed through Dunc-115, (2) Dunc-115 receives signals from the Rho GTPases, and (3) Dunc-115 binds to actin via its VHD (Villin Head Piece) domain, suggesting a mechanism for Dunc115 to relay guidance signals. Finally, I have analyzed the genomic structure of the dunc-115 gene in 12 Drosophila genomes, which has generated further insights into how this gene has evolved.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Biology
