School of Science Division of Life Science 34 Genetic Studies of Stem Cell Aging Supervisor: XIE Ting / LIFS Student: LUO Wenxin / BCB-IRE Course: UROP 1000, Summer Genetic studies of stem cell aging have shed light on the mechanisms of cellular senescence, with farreaching implications for the application of stem cell therapy. Hence, such studies might implicate genetic factors in the pathway of maintenance and differentiation of stem cells and suggest possible genes involved in the aging process. In the Drosophila ovary, research performed on germline stem cells (GSCs) would reveal the genetic determinants of GSC aging, thus help in improving the effectiveness of stem cell therapies. Drosophila can, therefore, be a very useful tool to reveal such complex genetic interactions and provide a platform for translating therapeutic developments into human applications. This study employed a twopronged approach, including both macro- and micro-level analyses, to investigate the relationship between specific genotypes, fruit flies’ lifespan, and GSC levels. Genetic Studies of Stem Cell Aging Supervisor: XIE Ting / LIFS Student: WOO Jieyii / BCB Course: UROP 1000, Summer This research project explores the utilization of ACBE-Q in conjunction with sgRNA derived from pseudouridine synthases, also known as pseudouridine writers, to achieve precise base editing at their active sites. The primary aim of this research project is to assess the feasibility of this innovative approach. Successful validation of this method could serve as a pivotal platform for future investigations encompassing various cell types, including human embryonic stem cells and mouse models. By synergizing cutting-edge gene editing tools with the regulatory functions of pseudouridine synthases, this research seeks to unlock new prospects for precise RNA modifications and potential therapeutic interventions across various cellular systems. Genetic Studies on Stem Cell Regulation Supervisor: XIE Ting / LIFS Student: CHEN Yanyu / BCB Course: UROP 1100, Fall UROP 2100, Spring Stem cells, with the ability to self-renewal and differentiate, are important for the development and homeostasis maintenance of an organism. However, various genes that play a crucial role in the development of stem cells remain unknown. To figure out these genes, Gal4-driving RNAi knockdown Drosophila lines were developed. To determine the phenotype of the germline stem cells (GSCs) in the germarium of the Drosophila ovary, the collected germariums were immunostained and observed under a Leica confocal microscope. In this work, seventeen genes coding for metabolism factors were found to be essential for stem cell development. The result allows for further research into these genes, and perhaps leads to a more profound understanding of stem cell regulation.
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