Mutations in Kinesin 5A effect on Mitochondrial Mobility in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Garcia, Jacqueline Pilar

Student Work

Mutations in Kinesin 5A effect on Mitochondrial Mobility in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Público

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease with no cure. Kinesin 5A (KIF5A), a molecular motor, has been identified as a novel gene associated with ALS, specifically a mutation in the C-terminal cargo binding domain. Mutations in the N-terminus motor head domain of KIF5A cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).\nMitochondria are a common cargo of KIF5A. Mutations involving mitochondria transport are often correlated with neurodegenerative diseases. This project aimed to investigate the effects of different KIF5A mutations on mitochondrial mobility. We found increased motility in ALS mutant motor neurons and reduced motility in HSP mutants compared to KIF5A WT cells, suggesting opposite mechanisms of action for these diseases.

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