Honors College Theses

Publication Date

5-11-2024

Major

Biology (B.S.B.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Keri Mans

Abstract

It has been proven that maintaining homeostasis is linked to regulation of circadian rhythms and the light cycles associated with them. Through investigation of zebrafish mitochondria subject to stress via unpredictable light cycle exposure, we previously studied the level of GSK3β protein as it relates to the health of the brain. The data has shown that when a brain undergoes stress, it results in the increased activation of GSK3β which leads to disruptions in circadian rhythm, inflammation, and cell death. Moreso, this overexpression results in reduced ATP production and lowered Complex 1 activity in the mitochondria. However, GSK3β activation is also essential for LTD or long term depression of synaptic strength to occur in the hippocampus of the brain which plays a role in learning and memory. On the other hand, LTP or long term potentiation is the opposite of LTD and when this is occurring, it causes the deactivation of GSK3β which leads to the inhibition of LTD. Both LTD and LTP play a role in memory and learning, but these processes must be tightly regulated. Now that we are knowledgeable on the biochemical disruption that occurs with GSK3β, we want to uncover what other damage may occur in cells. With this experiment, we can investigate how alternating light cycles affect the amount of reactive oxygen species the brain creates. We will measure catalase and superoxide dismutase levels to determine how much oxidative stress the brain is experiencing.

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