Microglia represent an emerging enigma in the field of neurobiology. While the study of these cells previously focused on their actions in an immune response, it is becoming evident that they must play a significant role in the development and maintenance of a healthy brain. In order to study these phenomena, it is necessary to test new techniques in order to study these systems. One such technique is the cre-lox system. Using cre recombinase, it may be possible to selectively eliminate microglia in the brain through the excision of the CSF1R gene, while simultaneously preserving tissue macrophage populations. In this experiment, microglia were successfully depleted without causing any significant disruption to tissue macrophages located in the liver.

• 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

• Bessette, Kyle Alfred

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042717-030548

Advisor

• Gericke, Arne

Year

• 2017

Sponsor

• Umass Medical Neurobiology

Date created

• 2017-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright