Isolation and Expression of Zebrafish Serotonin Receptor Genes
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Document Type
Abstract
Publication Date
10-2-2019
Abstract
Serotonin functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the brain. Cellular signaling mechanisms of serotonin via type 2 serotonin receptors (htr2) have been linked to conditions such as pain, mood, and addiction. Zebrafish represent an excellent model for investigating the development and function of the serotonin neurotransmitter system because of the simple organization of the brain, well characterized behavioral patterns and the availability of tools for studies of genomics. While chemicals that are known to activate serotonin receptor proteins in mammals are used in zebrafish behavioral studies, the pharmacological properties of zebrafish serotonin receptors have not been described. The goal of this project was to develop tools for studying pharmacological properties of zebrafish serotonin receptors such as binding of agonists (activators) and antagonists (inhibitors). Cloning and DNA sequencing of entire coding regions of type 2cl2 and 2b zebrafish serotonin receptor genes was carried out successfully. Deduced amino acid sequence comparison showed a 100% identity with predicted zebrafish serotonin receptors and 55 to 70% identity with mouse and human amino acid sequences. Plasmid DNA (expression vector) that contains cloned coding regions was generated and used to transfect human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293) for the synthesis of zebrafish serotonin receptor proteins. In the future the synthesized type 2cl2 and 2b zebrafish serotonin receptor proteins will be used for radioligand binding studies to determine pharmacological similarities between human, mouse and zebrafish serotonin receptors.
Project Mentor
Prof. H. Schneider, PhD
Recommended Citation
Shemet Pitcher, Aziza, "Isolation and Expression of Zebrafish Serotonin Receptor Genes" (2019). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 179.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/179
Funding and Acknowledgements
Funding: Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Endowment, Faculty Development Program