Fragile X Syndrome is characterized by loss of function of FMRP, which causes autism spectrum disorders and mental retardation. Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic aggregations of stalled mRNA and protein formed during the cellular stress response to halt their translation and promote cell survival. FMRP reversibly halts translation in cells, and loss of function may result in upregulated translation in FXS-affected cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that FXS cells would form SGs at a faster rate, and/or at a lower level of environmental stressor, than wild type cells. We used fluorescent microscopy to quantify SG formation in wild type and FXS-affected human B lymphocytes. Our results suggest that loss of FMRP does not contribute to higher stress sensitivity in FXS-affected cells.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Southan, Kirsten L.
• Sairs, Chloe

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-051620-224912

Advisor

• Farny, Natalie
• Roberts, Louis Anthony

Year

• 2020

Date created

• 2020-05-16

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright