Document Type

Honors Thesis

Publication Date

5-2012

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor 2 (Traf2) is suspected to be involved in the anti-apoptotic pathways of the innate immune system in the zebrafish. The expression of three different forms of Traf2, 2a1, 2a2, and 2b, was knocked down in pairs using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides in zebrafish embryos. A rescue was attempted by knocking down a potential receptor for the Traf2 to pathway. After infection with snakehead rhabdovirus (SHRV), mortality was quantified and the apoptotic effects of each of the Traf2 genes was assessed. Cell death was quantified using the TUNEL technique. The findings indicated that at least two zebrafish Traf2 proteins were necessary for function. Increased mortality due to infection was not caused by an increased amount of virus in the Traf2 morphants or increased amount of apoptosis.

Download

Included in

Biochemistry Commons

Share