Role of the EXOC5 Protein In the RPE and Retina of Mice and Zebrafish
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Cell and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Exoc5 plays a large role in the exocyst complex and, without it, the retina can no longer function normally. One specific mutation that humans face is the lack of the Exoc5 protein in the retina of the eye. This research explored the results of this mutation and how it can overall lead to retinal degeneration or blindness. Immunostaining was the method chosen to test the hypothesis. Using this process, the samples were covered in antibodies to "block" non-desired parts from showing under a confocal microscope. This procedure helped to clearly show only the sections of the retina that were required for the experiment. The results of the experiment showed a negative impact on the RPE layer of the retina. Both rods and cones appeared less in the experimental group where the Exoc5 protein was removed. Similarly, images of the exocyst complex and RPE cells showed a shorter outer segment of the exocyst complex and larger RPE cells. These results contribute to the conclusion made during this research that removing the Exoc5 protein from the retina has detrimental effects on a person's ability to see. When the function of the retina is stopped, the rest of the eye becomes dysfunctional, therefore proving that removal of the Exoc5 protein in the eye can cause retinal degeneration before causing blindness.
Recommended Citation
Sion, Brynn, "Role of the EXOC5 Protein In the RPE and Retina of Mice and Zebrafish" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 71.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/71
Location
Furman Hall 107
Start Date
3-28-2020 2:00 PM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Role of the EXOC5 Protein In the RPE and Retina of Mice and Zebrafish
Furman Hall 107
Exoc5 plays a large role in the exocyst complex and, without it, the retina can no longer function normally. One specific mutation that humans face is the lack of the Exoc5 protein in the retina of the eye. This research explored the results of this mutation and how it can overall lead to retinal degeneration or blindness. Immunostaining was the method chosen to test the hypothesis. Using this process, the samples were covered in antibodies to "block" non-desired parts from showing under a confocal microscope. This procedure helped to clearly show only the sections of the retina that were required for the experiment. The results of the experiment showed a negative impact on the RPE layer of the retina. Both rods and cones appeared less in the experimental group where the Exoc5 protein was removed. Similarly, images of the exocyst complex and RPE cells showed a shorter outer segment of the exocyst complex and larger RPE cells. These results contribute to the conclusion made during this research that removing the Exoc5 protein from the retina has detrimental effects on a person's ability to see. When the function of the retina is stopped, the rest of the eye becomes dysfunctional, therefore proving that removal of the Exoc5 protein in the eye can cause retinal degeneration before causing blindness.
