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Utah's Foremost Platform for Undergraduate Research Presentation
2021 Abstracts

Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Role in Retinal Regeneration

Presenters: Landry Batis, College of Science, Zoology
Authors: L. Batis, J. Wilkinson, K. Payne, B. Tonks, K. Friedel, K. Whitmore, J. Saavedra, P. Garrett, J. Morales, E. Sandquist
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Sandquist, College of Science, Zoology
Institution: Weber State University

Retinal degenerative disorders are currently incurable afflictions. Treatments involving stem cell transplantation are being developed for humans. These treatments currently present low survival rates of functional stem cells. Though mammals are unable to combat retinal degeneration, research has begun examining the zebrafish, a model organism able to regenerate a functional retina within 14 weeks post-injury. Zebrafish produce retinal stem cells which migrate and successfully integrate into their appropriate retinal layers. We hypothesize that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) supports stem cell migration. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine if MMP2 expression is altered in response to retinal injury. We also used immunohistochemistry to determine the time point at which stem cells are born in the retina. We found that MMP2 levels were upregulated at multiple timepoints following injury. In addition, stem cell proliferation does not occur until at least 3 days post-lesion. These findings suggest that MMP2 plays a role in the regenerative response of the zebrafish retina. By tracking the involvement of MMP2 in migrating stem cells, we may determine whether this enzyme may be used to optimize future retinal stem cell transplants in humans.