ATYPICAL EXPRESSION OF CELL CYCLE GENES IN A DROSOPHILA MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
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Abstract
The cell cycle generates all cells in an individual from a single egg and regulates development and maintenance in the human body. Atypical gene expression in cell cycle genes can lead to pathology such as developmental disorders and degenerative diseases, and more specifically Alzheimer’s disease and primary microcephaly. The goal of this research was to look at the expression profiles of cell cycle genes in Drosophila models of Alzheimer’s disease. Primers were developed to allow gene expression to be studied for neurological diseases such as microcephaly and Alzheimer’s disease. Expression levels of cell cycle genes Asp, Mcph1, and Cdk4, were measured using qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR. Aberrant expression of these genes was observed in the Alzheimer’s disease models compared to the wild type strain. Characterizing the role of these genes may serve as the basis for future therapeutics and regenerative medicine for Alzheimer’s disease.