Fascinating Images in Biology Studies
The Role of Desmoplakin During
Epidermal Development
Author: Morgan Van Driest
Mentor: Dr. Amanda Dickinson
Experimental Goal
To determine how dysfunctional desmoplakin affects the
developing epidermis, specifically in the organism
Xenopus
laevis.
Xenopus laevis
(African clawed frog)
Project Overview
Background and Significance
Experiment
Expected Outcome
Discussion
Introduction: What is a desmosome?
•
A type of cell junction
•
Involved in maintaining cell
adhesion
•
Loss of function results in
disease
Image by:
http://www.nature.com/nrgastro/journal/v10/n2/fig_tab/nrgastro.2012.221_F1.html
Significance: Skin Diseases associated with the
desmosome
Pemphigus vulgaris
Palmoplantar keratoderma
•
Causes
: Failure in cell adhesion
•
Molecular defect
: dysfunctional
desmosomes
Image by: http://www.dermnetnz.org/immune/pemphigus-vulgaris.html
Image by: Whittock et al (2002)
Experimental Hypothesis
Hypothesis: Desmoplakin is necessary for epidermal
development
Image by:
http://www.nature.com/nrgastro/journal/v10/n2/fig_tab/nrgastro.2012.221_F1.html
Why choose Xenopus?
•
Free living embryos
•
Development can be
monitored at all stages
•
Epidermis is similar to the
epidermis of mammalian
embryos
Image by: Xenbase.org
Experimental Design
Plakin
Rod
Mutant construct
In vitro transcription
mRNA
Microinject into
embryo
Embryo makes
mutant protein
Formation of
epidermis
Look at
epidermal cell
types using EM
Plakin
Rod
Images by: Xenbase.org
Transmission Electron Microscopy
•
Electrons transmitted through specimen
•
Interactions of electrons within the specimen forms image
•
Two part fixation process
1. Glutaraldehyde
2. Osmium tetroxide
•
Plastic embedding
1. Dehydration of sample using ethanol
2. Embedded in epoxy resin
Goblet Cell
Desmosome
Multiciliated Cell
•
Proper cell differentiation
•
Two cell types:
1. Secretory
2. Multiciliated
Characterization of normal cell differentiation in
Xenopus laevis
Visualization of Normal Cell Differentiation
Image by Navaneetha Krishnan Bharathan &
Dickinson Lab, unpublished
Experimental Expectations
•
Cell differentiation will
not occur
Loss of function of desmosomes may cause failure in cell communication
Who am I??
Discussion of Possible Results
•
Understanding cell differentiation may lead to understanding
diseases associated with the desmosome
•
Useful for developing treatment and prevention
Questions?
Good morning, I am interested in the role of Desmoplakin During Epidermal development
Dive into a visual journey through intriguing images related to biological studies. Explore visuals of Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog), palmoplantar keratoderma, rod plakin, desmosomes, goblet cells, and more. From scientific illustrations to cellular structures, these images offer a captivating look into various biological aspects.
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Presentation Transcript
Image by: http://www.nature.com/nrgastro/journal/v10/n2/fig_tab/nrgastro.2012.221_F1.html
Palmoplantar keratoderma Pemphigus vulgaris Image by: Whittock et al (2002) Image by: http://www.dermnetnz.org/immune/pemphigus-vulgaris.html
Image by: http://www.nature.com/nrgastro/journal/v10/n2/fig_tab/nrgastro.2012.221_F1.html
Rod Plakin Plakin Rod Images by: Xenbase.org
Goblet Cell Desmosome Multiciliated Cell Image by Navaneetha Krishnan Bharathan & Dickinson Lab, unpublished
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