Presenter: Maximus Lee Ball

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Kilpatrick

School: Fitchburg State University

Research Area: Biology

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Concourse, B6

ABSTRACT

         The primary goal of this study is to understand the expression of the protein dysferlin in THP-1 macrophages during phagocytosis. Macrophages are white blood cells that play an essential role in immune defense by recognizing and engulfing foreign bodies. This process requires coordinated changes in the cell membrane. Dysferlin is a membrane-associated protein best known for its role in muscle cell membrane repair. Mutations in dysferlin can cause certain forms of muscular dystrophy. More recently, dysferlin has been detected in macrophages, where it may contribute to membrane remodeling during bacterial engulfment. However, its role in immune function is not well understood, so we aim to determine whether dysferlin expression and its localization change during phagocytosis. 
          To address this question, we use a human-derived monocyte cell line (THP-1), which can be induced to differentiate into macrophage-like cells using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We will optimize the concentration and exposure conditions with PMA to establish reproducible protocols. Differentiated cells will then be co-cultured with E. coli that express green fluorescent protein, allowing us to measure bacterial uptake using fluorescence microscopy. Next, we will use fluorescently labeled antibodies to dysferlin to assess the expression and localization of the protein. We can then compare dysferlin expression and location in macrophages that have/have not undergone bacterial engulfment. These experiments serve to expand our knowledge about the mechanism of phagocytosis and the possible role of dysferlin in this process.