The Effect of Rapamycin on Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) Activity and Superoxide Production
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Megan Bestwick
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Subject Area
Biochemistry
Description
Using a chronological lifespan (CLS) assay, the effects of Rapamycin (Sirolimus) were tested on different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to better discover the drug effect on mitochondrial ETC activity and overall longevity. Reduced TOR (Target of Rapamycin) signaling has been shown to increase mitochondrial ETC activity and extend CLS in yeast through an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide production. Superoxide is a reactive oxygen species in yeast cells that is converted to hydrogen peroxide by the superoxide dismutase enzymes (Sod1p in the cytosol and inner membrane space of the mitochondria, and Sod2p in the mitochondrial matrix). Here we show that the superoxide dismutase 1 gene deletion (sod1∆) portrays an increased longevity as compared to wild type (wt) in the presence of Rapamycin. Additional studies are planned to understand these results. Furthermore, a MATLAB image processing program is under alpha-testing. This program will be used to count yeast colony slides using a simple camera picture, eliminating the need of researchers to purchase specialized instruments or spend extended amounts of time manually counting colonies.
Recommended Citation
DeVore, Lauren Madison, "The Effect of Rapamycin on Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) Activity and Superoxide Production" (2015). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 77.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2015/all/77
The Effect of Rapamycin on Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) Activity and Superoxide Production
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Using a chronological lifespan (CLS) assay, the effects of Rapamycin (Sirolimus) were tested on different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to better discover the drug effect on mitochondrial ETC activity and overall longevity. Reduced TOR (Target of Rapamycin) signaling has been shown to increase mitochondrial ETC activity and extend CLS in yeast through an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide production. Superoxide is a reactive oxygen species in yeast cells that is converted to hydrogen peroxide by the superoxide dismutase enzymes (Sod1p in the cytosol and inner membrane space of the mitochondria, and Sod2p in the mitochondrial matrix). Here we show that the superoxide dismutase 1 gene deletion (sod1∆) portrays an increased longevity as compared to wild type (wt) in the presence of Rapamycin. Additional studies are planned to understand these results. Furthermore, a MATLAB image processing program is under alpha-testing. This program will be used to count yeast colony slides using a simple camera picture, eliminating the need of researchers to purchase specialized instruments or spend extended amounts of time manually counting colonies.
