Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Identifying molecular components of a fertility pathway
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Biomedical Science
Minor
Chemistry
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Chris Trzepacz, PhD.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Reproductive failure is a common problem which deeply impacts those affected. Many will, unfortunately, never learn any potential cause for this issue. Treatment for reproductive complications are limited due to the lack of understanding of the molecular pathways associated with fertility, especially due to the limitations placed on studies focusing on reproductive health. Model organisms can thus be used in order to gain a better understanding of the pathways that modulate fertility in multicellular organisms. C. elegans are a common model organism notable for their large brood size, short lifespan, and affordable maintenance. They also share much of their genetic makeup with humans, notably the pam-1 gene which codes for the PAM-1 enzyme. Mutations in the pam-1 gene have been found to be detrimental to embryogenesis and fertility within C. elegans. Despite the knowledge that this highly conserved gene has these major impacts on fertility, little research has been done to uncover the molecular pathways associated with this gene. This project aims to utilize biochemical coimmunoprecipitation techniques in order to isolate novel proteins associated with the PAM-1 enzyme, with the ultimate goal to identify the specific pathways through which PAM-1 governs fertility.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Identifying molecular components of a fertility pathway
Reproductive failure is a common problem which deeply impacts those affected. Many will, unfortunately, never learn any potential cause for this issue. Treatment for reproductive complications are limited due to the lack of understanding of the molecular pathways associated with fertility, especially due to the limitations placed on studies focusing on reproductive health. Model organisms can thus be used in order to gain a better understanding of the pathways that modulate fertility in multicellular organisms. C. elegans are a common model organism notable for their large brood size, short lifespan, and affordable maintenance. They also share much of their genetic makeup with humans, notably the pam-1 gene which codes for the PAM-1 enzyme. Mutations in the pam-1 gene have been found to be detrimental to embryogenesis and fertility within C. elegans. Despite the knowledge that this highly conserved gene has these major impacts on fertility, little research has been done to uncover the molecular pathways associated with this gene. This project aims to utilize biochemical coimmunoprecipitation techniques in order to isolate novel proteins associated with the PAM-1 enzyme, with the ultimate goal to identify the specific pathways through which PAM-1 governs fertility.