First Advisor

Dr. Gregory DeKrey

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

12-1-2021

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Student Work

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine what blood cell types express the B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (BLIMP-1) gene. Such findings would be instrumental in research regarding the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) which is important in immune responses. The experimental model was a transgenic mouse that expresses the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) under the control of the BLIMP-1 promoter. Testing was carried out in two parts; (1) testing mice for eYFP presence and (2) testing mice for phenotypic cell markers. Cell samples were tested via flow cytometry. During phase one of testing it was found that positive mice showed an average of 0.972% eYFP positive cells, and negative mice showed an average of 0.138% eYFP positive cells. In the second phase it was found that the eYFP+ cells express several different markers, including CD3, CD4, CD8, and, CD11b. Additional testing needs to be completed to further understand what these cells express, but this preliminary data is promising for the future of the AhR and cell trafficking.

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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