| Description |
-
Tissue form and function are inextricably connected. Therefore,
deciphering how tissues structures are formed, maintained, remodeled, and repaired
enlightens one about how various tissue functions arise, persist, change, and
reemerge. Here we first examine the broad mechanisms through which animals modify
tissue morphology and function, then the specific methods applied by
pre-metamorphic ... read moreXenopus laevis to self-correct malformed craniofacial and brain
tissues. We have determined some of the cellular and molecular mechanism utilized
by these animals to address developmental defects after organogenesis has been
completed, but before entering metamorphosis. These mechanisms include altered
cell proliferation rates, extracellular tissue remodeling, differential mmp gene
regulation, and endocrine hormone signaling. Furthermore, as part of this
dissertation work we confirmed and characterized a novel X. laevis prolactin
hormone variant and tissue, which regulates mmp1 gene expression and influences
brain cell proliferation and apoptosis. The data presented here confirm X. laevis
larvae can adaptively respond to and resolve certain developmental defects in
craniofacial and brain tissue. Thus, the work in this dissertation serves as a
significant contribution to the understanding of the biological mechanisms that
control tissue morphology and function.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2019.
Submitted to the Dept. of Biology.
Advisor: Kelly McLaughlin.
Committee: Michael Levin, Mitch McVey, Eric Tytell, and Laura
Vandenberg.
Keywords: Biology, Morphology, and Molecular
biology.read less
|
|---|
This object is in collection
