Neurodegeneration encompasses the loss of
structure and function of neurons and eventual neuronal cell death. Currently
the most common type of neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Neuronal
damage and associated gene misregulation have strong effects on cognitive
function. To maintain proper cognitive functions epigenetic modifiers such as histone
acetyltransferases (HATs) play a significant role. HATs acetylate lysine amino
acids on histone proteins, which leads to the transcriptional activation of
genes. Tip60 is one such important HAT that has been extensively studied by our
lab. It has been associated with various neurodegenerative disorders, including
AD. Tip60 has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating expression of
essential cognition-associated genes, which are misregulated in AD brain. One
such gene is Discs Large (DLG), a synapse-associated scaffolding protein.
Misregulation of this gene has been associated with defects in cognitive functions. This project investigates the presence of DLG in drosophila brains through the utilization of immunostaining, an antibody-based process that allows for the detection of a specific protein. We will test the changes in expression of DLG in our APP fly brain as well as APP flies with excess Tip60. This research can provide a better understanding of how alterations in gene expression contribute to neurodegenerative disorders and the neuroprotective role of excess Tip60 under such conditions.
Misregulation of this gene has been associated with defects in cognitive functions. This project investigates the presence of DLG in drosophila brains through the utilization of immunostaining, an antibody-based process that allows for the detection of a specific protein. We will test the changes in expression of DLG in our APP fly brain as well as APP flies with excess Tip60. This research can provide a better understanding of how alterations in gene expression contribute to neurodegenerative disorders and the neuroprotective role of excess Tip60 under such conditions.