This project will focus on using channelrhodopsin-2, a light activated ion channel, to induce apoptosis, programmed cell death. It will begin with the transformation of a plasmid containing a fusion protein including channelrhodopsin-2 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) along with a signal sequence to direct the fusion protein to the mitochondria of HEK-293 cells. Next it will be necessary to check the cells to make sure the fusion protein is in the mitochondria by comparing it to known probes, such as MitoTracker Deep Red FM using confocal microscopy. Following this, a blue light will be applied to the sample to check for calcium influx which will indicate that cytochrome C has been released from the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

• 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

• Sargent, Amanda Rose

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042711-143908

Advisor

• Dempski, Robert E.

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary

Rights statement

• In Copyright