Author(s): Marli Wakefield
Mentor(s): Hung-Yu Shih
Institution UTech
RNA biogenesis, a multi-step process involving transcription, splicing, and degradation, is essential for healthy embryonic development and various disease prevention. Central to this process are Lsm (Like-Sm) proteins, particularly the Lsm1 and Lsm8 subunits, which are known to be involved in mRNA degradation and splicing, respectively. However, the physiological functions of these proteins during embryonic development remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the function of Lsm1 and Lsm8 during embryonic development of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish are a model organism with high conservation of genetic and molecular features with humans and offer several advantages for developmental research. We first examined the expression patterns of lsm1 and lsm8 during zebrafish development by in situ hybridization. Our results showed that lsm1 and lsm8 were highly expressed in the developing central nervous system. To address the function of Lsm1 and Lsm8, we used the morpholino knockdown approach to inhibit the translation of Lsm1 and Lsm8, and subsequently assessed various neural markers. We will examine the impacts of Lsm1 and Lsm8 on cellular responses, including migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This research will provide new insights into how Lsm1 and Lsm8 contribute to neural formation and function. Findings could illuminate their roles not only in fundamental developmental biology but also in conditions linked to neural dysfunction, including neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.