Brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) is a key positive regulatory element in the transcription-translation negative feedback loop (TTFL) responsible for circadian rhythms. BMAL1 is the only single clock gene deletion that results in the complete removal of all rhythms. Previous research indicates that hypo-osmotic stress causes caveolae deformation which in turn disrupts the cell circadian rhythm though the exact mechanism is not known. A follow-up experiment showed that hypo-osmotic stress disrupts cell growth and the TTFL through cytosolic localization of BMAL1. To further explore the effects of hypo-osmotic stress on the cell cycle and circadian rhythm pathway, BMAL1 localization was compared between undifferentiated PC12 cells under both osmotic stress and control conditions. PC12 cells were chosen due to their lack of caveolae. Additionally, the impact of hypo-osmotic stress on cell growth and its potential use for cell synchronization was tested using FUCCI cell growth stage fluorescence. The PC12 experiment indicated that cells not containing caveolae maintain their circadian rhythm cycle even when osmotically stressed, further supporting previous theories connecting caveolae deformation to circadian rhythm disruption. The FUCCI experiment indicated that osmotic stress is not effective for cell synchronization.

• 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

• Lockwood, Tovah

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 108591
• E-project-050323-165014

Keyword

• circadian rhythm
• cell cycle
• biochemistry
• osmotic stress

Advisor

• Scarlata, Suzanne Frances

Year

• 2023

Date created

• 2023-05-03

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Source

• E-project-050323-165014

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-06-13