Publication Date
1-1-2009
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Johnson-Wint, Barbara
Degree Name
B.S. (Bachelor of Science)
Legacy Department
Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract
In preparation to quantify beta-actin and alpha-smooth muscle actin content in loaded and unloaded native rat tail tendon organ culture models, several methodologies were developed in the present paper. Since alpha-smooth muscle actin has not been monitored in tendon in vitro, developing the methods to culture and quantitatively detect alpha-smooth muscle actin, the protein marker for fibroblast to myofibroblast transition were developed. In addition, quantifying the amount of alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNA, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays was investigated and novel oligonucleotide primers were developed. A method to identify four highly conserved actin isoforms; beta cytoplasmic, gamma cytoplasmic, alpha- smooth muscle and gamma smooth muscle actin, in a tissue environment was created.
Recommended Citation
Gwillim, Eran C., "Dense connective tissue repair : the intricacies of monitoring actin isoforms in native tissue models in vitro" (2009). Honors Capstones. 384.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/studentengagement-honorscapstones/384
Extent
23 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
Comments
Includes bibliographical references.