Senior Theses
Publication Date
5-2020
Document Type
Thesis (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
Faculty Advisor(s)
Catherine Reinke
Subject Categories
Biochemistry | Biology | Cell Biology | Dermatology | Genetics and Genomics | Molecular Biology | Oncology
Abstract
Within pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes, the transcription factor MITF is intimately involved in regulating genes associated with cell cycle maintenance and melanocyte differentiation. Research, however, has provided conflicting results on the relationship between the expression levels of MITF and melanocyte cell fate. To complicate matters, two splice variants of MITF exist, differing by only 18 base pairs. These variants have been observed at variable levels of expression in melanocyte and melanoma cells, raising the question as to their functional purpose. Building upon previous research by the Leachman/Cassidy lab that identified the redox sensitivity of MITF while additionally establishing a novel relationship between the antioxidant selenoprotein Thioredoxin Reductase 1 (TR1) and pigment synthesis, this work seeks to examine the redox sensitivity and function of the MITF splice variants.
Recommended Citation
Berryman, Rachel, "Investigating the Redox Sensitivity of MITF Splice Variants" (2020). Senior Theses. 2.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/biolstud_theses/2
Included in
Biochemistry Commons, Biology Commons, Cell Biology Commons, Dermatology Commons, Genetics and Genomics Commons, Molecular Biology Commons, Oncology Commons
