The Effects of Mitochondrial DNA Depletion on Mitochondrial and Immune Function in Aging
Research Mentor(s)
Dr. Adrienne Wang
Description
Mitochondrial dysregulation has long been implicated in the process of aging. More recently, findings point to the innate immune system as playing an important role in neurodegeneration. Depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been observed with age and neurodegeneration (Wallace, 2018). Understanding the effects of mtDNA depletion on mitochondrial function and innate immune signaling will further our understanding of the age driven changes conserved across organisms. To understand the effects of mtDNA depletion on function and innate immune signaling, we will use a Drosophila melanogaster model of mtDNA depletion. These flies express a nuclease, UL12.5, that depletes mtDNA, and data from our laboratory shows these flies have higher levels of immune signaling. We will conduct a bacterial challenge and subsequent lifespan analysis assay to determine differences in lifespan between the UL12.5 fly model and controls. Additionally, imaging analysis should demonstrate differences in mitochondrial morphology that occur when mtDNA is depleted. Our goal is to explore the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and innate immune activation to understand the effects of mitochondrial stress on aging.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CSE - Biology
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
The Effects of Mitochondrial DNA Depletion on Mitochondrial and Immune Function in Aging
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Mitochondrial dysregulation has long been implicated in the process of aging. More recently, findings point to the innate immune system as playing an important role in neurodegeneration. Depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been observed with age and neurodegeneration (Wallace, 2018). Understanding the effects of mtDNA depletion on mitochondrial function and innate immune signaling will further our understanding of the age driven changes conserved across organisms. To understand the effects of mtDNA depletion on function and innate immune signaling, we will use a Drosophila melanogaster model of mtDNA depletion. These flies express a nuclease, UL12.5, that depletes mtDNA, and data from our laboratory shows these flies have higher levels of immune signaling. We will conduct a bacterial challenge and subsequent lifespan analysis assay to determine differences in lifespan between the UL12.5 fly model and controls. Additionally, imaging analysis should demonstrate differences in mitochondrial morphology that occur when mtDNA is depleted. Our goal is to explore the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and innate immune activation to understand the effects of mitochondrial stress on aging.