Effect of 1-Azk on Regeneration of Tentacular Neurons

Presenter: Cheryl Chisom Nwaeze

Group Members: Mashaal Virk, Tejpravin Ravikumar, Charuvi Prabha Singh, Ashlyn Standlee, Vivian Liu, Danielle N. Ndegwa, Ivy Lin, Benjamin Rubin Walker, Alana Michelle Canedy-Kosmoski

Faculty Sponsor: Akiko Okusu

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Biology

Session: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM, 163, C4

ABSTRACT

Cnidarians are known for their strong regenerative abilities, including the capacity to regenerate nervous tissue. More specifically, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying body axis formation during regeneration in Nematostella provides valuable insights into the evolution of developmental pathways in metazoans. 1-Azakenpaullone (1-Azk), a small-molecule inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), has been shown to modulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a pathway critical for axis specification and patterning across diverse species. This study examines the effect of the compound 1-AZK on the regeneration of tentacular neurons following injury in Nematostella vectensis. Adult Nematostella vectensis individuals underwent tentacle amputation and were then exposed to 1-AZK, while control animals regenerated without treatment. Regeneration was monitored over time using fluorescent neuronal markers to visualize and count regenerated neurons. By examining how chemical inhibitors impact regeneration, this study helps identify biological processes involved in nervous system repair.

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