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Insertional Mutagenesis for Genes involved in Otic/Vestibular Development and Function in Xenopus TropicalisSensitivity to gravity is essential for spatial orientation. Consequently, the gravity receptor system is one of the phylogenetically oldest sensory systems, and the special adaptations that enhance sensitivity to gravity are highly conserved. The main goal of this project is to use Xenopus (frog) to identify genes expressed during vestibular and auditory development. These studies will lead a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in vestibular and auditory development and function. We are using a gene-trap approach in Xenopus tropicalis with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene as the transgene reporter. GFP expression occurs only when the GFP gene is correctly integrated in actively transcribed genes. Using the GFP as a tag we can easily identify and clone the mutated gene. In addition, we can study the function of the mutated gene by analyzing the defects generated by insertion of the GFP transgene. To date we have tissue specific GFP expression in X. tropicalis including expression in ear, neural tube, kidney, muscle, eyes and nose. Our transgenic animals will soon reach maturity so that we can outcross them and analyze their progeny. Our next goal is to isolate RNA from our transgenics and clone the tagged genes using RACE-PCR. Currently we are optimizing the RACE-PCR method using transgenics with crystallin GFP expression.
Document ID
20020074651
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Torrejon, Marcela
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Li, Erica
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Nguyen, Minh
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Winfree, Seth
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Wang, Esther
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Reinsch, Sigrid
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Dalton, Bonnie
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 9th International Xenopus Conference
Location: Cambridge
Country: United Kingdom
Start Date: August 21, 2002
End Date: August 25, 2002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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