The protein FMRP is missing in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) patients. Stress Granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic bodies where mRNAs are stored during cellular stress to inhibit their translation. FMRP localizes to SGs and regulates mRNA translation; therefore we hypothesized that SGs may differ in FXS and unaffected cells. We used fluorescence microscopy to quantify SG formation in wild type and FXS mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human B lymphocytes. Our results suggest altered stress responses may contribute to the pathophysiology of FXS.

• 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

• Merrill, Lindsey Jane
• de Ayreflor Reyes, Solimar Ramis
• Leclaire, Renee Danielle

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042419-102226

Advisor

• Farny, Natalie

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright