In C. elegans, the gene bli-3 codes for Duox1, a protein in the NADPH oxidase (Nox) family responsible for cuticle cross-linking. In order to determine if Duox is important in C. elegans host defense, both available bli-3 mutants and C. elegans subjected to RNAi knockdown of bli-3 were exposed to yeast pathogens, and survival assays were performed. One of the bli-3 mutants and the whole body bli-3 RNAi knockout worms showed a significant decrease in survival when exposed to Candida. This indicates that bli-3 does play an immune role in C. albicans infections. Tissue-specific RNAi knockdown was performed in order to determine where this immune function is localized, and knockdowns had similar effects regardless of the tissue.

• 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

• Rastad, Jessica Lynn

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042711-162931

Advisor

• Politz, Samuel M.

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright