Nancy Yao
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Kenneth Kwan
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Michigan Neuroscience Institute / Human Genetics / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors: Nancy Yao, Ikenna Njoku, Kenneth Kwan
Abstract
The chromatin remodeling gene CHD8 is central to the neurodevelopmental gene networks related to autism. Previous studies have found the impact of germline heterozygous frameshift Chd8 mutation (Chd8+/-) on neurodevelopment in mice to disrupt pathways associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including neurogenesis and synaptic processes, but mapping the specific affected areas in the brain has remained unclear. The aim of this project includes identifying and characterizing the cell types that mediate neurodevelopmental disorders associated with chd8 heterozygosity and haploinsufficiency. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry staining, and fluorescent imaging were used to compare cell identity and population in the brain of Chd8+/- compared to WT mice. Cortical layers (upper and lower), cell types (neurons, astrocytes, microglia), and projections (axons, dendrites, myelination) were stained in order to obtain a full picture for analysis. Identification of areas of interest pertaining to CHD8 haploinsufficiency offer insight into how the gene contributes to neurodevelopment.
