Characterization of Defects Brought onto Corneal Development by the Glutamine Analog Don

Submission Type

Event

Faculty Advisor

Tyler Schwend

Expected Graduation Date

2019

Location

Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-21-2018 9:00 AM

End Date

4-21-2018 10:00 AM

Disciplines

Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Abstract

The cornea is the most densely innervated tissue on the body’s surface. The acquisition of nerves by the cornea during embryonic development is highly regulated. Past work in the lab suggests that the movement of nerves into and through the cornea may be influenced by the dense extracellular matrix of the cornea, comprised of long unbranched sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Intriguingly, work published nearly 40 years ago found that exposure of chick embryos to DON (6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine), a glutamine analog that disrupts GAG synthesis in the cornea, leads to negative effects on cornea development. Here, we carry out a detailed characterization of corneal and extra-corneal deficits brought on by exposure to DON. Herein, our findings show that DON negatively influences development of eye structures, resulting in smaller eyes with abnormal corneal innervation and fewer scleral ossicles (bones formed around the cornea).

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Apr 21st, 9:00 AM Apr 21st, 10:00 AM

Characterization of Defects Brought onto Corneal Development by the Glutamine Analog Don

Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

The cornea is the most densely innervated tissue on the body’s surface. The acquisition of nerves by the cornea during embryonic development is highly regulated. Past work in the lab suggests that the movement of nerves into and through the cornea may be influenced by the dense extracellular matrix of the cornea, comprised of long unbranched sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Intriguingly, work published nearly 40 years ago found that exposure of chick embryos to DON (6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine), a glutamine analog that disrupts GAG synthesis in the cornea, leads to negative effects on cornea development. Here, we carry out a detailed characterization of corneal and extra-corneal deficits brought on by exposure to DON. Herein, our findings show that DON negatively influences development of eye structures, resulting in smaller eyes with abnormal corneal innervation and fewer scleral ossicles (bones formed around the cornea).