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Understanding the role of transgenic catalase in T-cell development in murine-based studies

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Date Issued:
2012
Summary:
The thymus provides a unique microenvironment that facilitates T lymphocytes differentiation and maturation. However, the thymus atrophies after puberty which leads to an overall expression of metabolism gene pathways and low gene expression of certain peroxide scavenger enzymes such as catalase in thymic stromal compartments. From this data, we postulate that thymic stromal cells are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. We utilized a transgenic mice model overexpressing human catalase targeted to the mitochondria (mCat) to test our hypothesis that gerater oxidative protection should lower the degree of thymus atrophy. Our experiment focused on a direct comparison of organ weights (thymus, kidney, lymph nodes, spleen and heart), cellularity and histology between transgenic and wildtype mice. We found that mCat had selective increases in thymus size.
Title: Understanding the role of transgenic catalase in T-cell development in murine-based studies.
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Name(s): Smith, Richard M.
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Issuance: multipart monograph
Date Issued: 2012
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Physical Form: electronic
electronic resource
Extent: vii, 34 p.: ill.
Language(s): English
Summary: The thymus provides a unique microenvironment that facilitates T lymphocytes differentiation and maturation. However, the thymus atrophies after puberty which leads to an overall expression of metabolism gene pathways and low gene expression of certain peroxide scavenger enzymes such as catalase in thymic stromal compartments. From this data, we postulate that thymic stromal cells are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. We utilized a transgenic mice model overexpressing human catalase targeted to the mitochondria (mCat) to test our hypothesis that gerater oxidative protection should lower the degree of thymus atrophy. Our experiment focused on a direct comparison of organ weights (thymus, kidney, lymph nodes, spleen and heart), cellularity and histology between transgenic and wildtype mice. We found that mCat had selective increases in thymus size.
Identifier: 820003717 (oclc), 3359325 (digitool), FADT3359325 (IID), fau:1453 (fedora)
Note(s): by Richard M. Smith.
Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Honors College, 2012.
Includes bibliography.
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
System requirements: Adobe Reader.
Subject(s): T cells -- Differentiation
Developmental genetics
Gene expression
Human cell culture
Thymus -- Physiology
Held by: FBoU FAUER
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359325
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Host Institution: FAU

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