Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-15-2016

Abstract

Post-transcriptional regulation plays a critical role in the function and development of the nervous system; especially in the control of specific subsets of mRNAs localized to dendrites and axons. One such regulatory mechanism is the stabilization or disruption of mRNA through association of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) such as the KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP). We have previously shown that loss of KSRP results in dysregulation of GAP-43 and increased growth of hippocampal neurons in vitro. Therefore, KSRP-/- and KSRP+/- animals were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests including Novel Object Recognition and Trace Fear Conditioning to assess hippocampal function as well as the Attentional Set Shifting Task to determine executive control capabilities. KSRP-/- animals have significantly greater recognition of the novel object, but are impaired in trace conditioning compared to age and sex matched WT controls. They also exhibit deficits in set-shifting of species-specific stimulus domains within the ASST task. KSRP-/- mice also display novelty induced hyperactivity that is present in several tests including novel open field, zero maze, and novel object recognition. We conclude that loss of KSRP leads to abnormalities in both hippocampal dependent and independent learning and memory as well as hyperactivity.

Keywords

post transcriptional regulation, mRNA, KSRP, learning and memory

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Andrea Allan, PhD

Second Committee Member

Nora Perrrone-Bizzozero, PhD

Third Committee Member

Jonathan Brigman, PhD

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