Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Maxellende Ezin
Abstract
Signaling from neurotransmitters control functions throughout the body, both during embryonic development and throughout adulthood. This thesis explores the influence of various neurotransmitter receptors on embryonic development, and the spatiotemporal gene expression of certain receptors and associated synthesizing enzymes. Chapter 1 reviews the background information behind the serotoninergic system, the endocannabinoid system, cardiac morphogenesis, and the neural crest cell population.
In Chapter 2, the spatiotemporal gene expression of serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine or 5-HT) receptors 1A, 1B, and 2A is investigated. A fairly consistent expression pattern was found across the receptors, providing insight into the early serotonergic system. Additionally, these assays further our understanding of the gene expression patterns of neuronal, nervous, and gastrointestinal progenitor cell populations.
In Chapter 3, 1-methypsylocin (1-MP) is used to disrupt the activity of serotonin receptors 2B and 2C in early chicken embryonic development. This disruption led to improper formation of the membranous interventricular septum and valvular cushions at embryonic day 10 (E10), caused by improper cardiac neural crest (caNC) migration.
In Chapter 4 the spatiotemporal gene expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and diacylglycerol lipase-a (DAGLa) in early embryogenesis of the chicken embryo is investigated. In this project, we focused primarily on the expression of CB1R and DAGLa in neural crest cell populations. The expression patterns of CB1R and DAGLa do not exhibit significant overlap during gastrulation and neurulation, suggesting a long-distance signaling pathway during this stage of development.
In Chapter 5, I will begin by discussing how the expression patterns of the receptors exhibit similarities and/or differences, before moving into the implications of the expression for teratogenesis and organogenesis, as in neural crest migration and caNC derivative structures. Finally, I will discuss adult versus embryonic signaling pathways and how the transition from a morphogen-based pathway to neurotransmitter- and hormone-based pathway can be observed, structurally, in vertebrate development.
Recommended Citation
Garramone, Gwyneth K., "Neurotransmitter receptor expression and activity in gastrulation and neurulation in the chicken model system" (2024). Biology Theses. 2.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/bio_thesis/2
