The Effects of Tonalide on Neuroblastoma Cells and its Correlation with Autism Spectrum Disorder
School Name
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Biochemistry
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Autism is a disease that impacts the nervous system. The range and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include difficulty in communication, social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. It is believed that Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but recent studies suggest that exposure to environmental chemicals may play a critical role in its pathogenesis. The focus of this investigation was to study the compound Tonalide. Our hypothesis was that two cell lines; CRL-2266 (female) and CRL-2267 (male), subjected to Tonalide would show similar neuromodifications to that of someone suffering from ASD. The research involved cultivating a cell line until an ample amount of cells were present. After cultivation the cells were exposed to the Tonalide. Immunostaining was performed to inspect the results of the Tonalide on the cells under a microscope. After analyzing the cells we found that as concentration increased the number of dead cells and degenerated axons. These results show that Tonalide does have some effect on neuroblastoma cells. While we cannot blatantly state Tonalide causes ASD it does have an effect similar to that of ASD. Future studies in this research can involve studying the chemical structure of Tonalide to understand what about it causes neurological effects.
Recommended Citation
Kakanou, Rick Karen, "The Effects of Tonalide on Neuroblastoma Cells and its Correlation with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 2.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/2
Location
Neville 106
Start Date
4-14-2018 9:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
The Effects of Tonalide on Neuroblastoma Cells and its Correlation with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Neville 106
Autism is a disease that impacts the nervous system. The range and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include difficulty in communication, social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. It is believed that Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but recent studies suggest that exposure to environmental chemicals may play a critical role in its pathogenesis. The focus of this investigation was to study the compound Tonalide. Our hypothesis was that two cell lines; CRL-2266 (female) and CRL-2267 (male), subjected to Tonalide would show similar neuromodifications to that of someone suffering from ASD. The research involved cultivating a cell line until an ample amount of cells were present. After cultivation the cells were exposed to the Tonalide. Immunostaining was performed to inspect the results of the Tonalide on the cells under a microscope. After analyzing the cells we found that as concentration increased the number of dead cells and degenerated axons. These results show that Tonalide does have some effect on neuroblastoma cells. While we cannot blatantly state Tonalide causes ASD it does have an effect similar to that of ASD. Future studies in this research can involve studying the chemical structure of Tonalide to understand what about it causes neurological effects.
