The Fidelity of Chromosome Organization

The Fidelity of Chromosome Organization in Aging

Presenter: Angelica Aguilar

Co-Presenter(s):
Alexa Garcia

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Department: Biology

Funding Source/Sponsor: Koret Scholars Program

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1e_XdT0uLWEqrgwaIgilFvH_kcU6KPulZ

Abstract:
Chromosome organization is highly dynamic, and may play an important role during aging. However, research to explore chromosome organization, and its effects during aging is currently limited. It was recently found that pairs of homologous chromosomes are continuously separated at mitosis, and display a haploid (1n) chromosome set organization in human neonatal cells. The haploid set (1n), or “anti-pairing”, organization is proposed to prevent, or minimize, homologous pairing. Somatic homologous pairing, unlike meiotic pairing , can be detrimental as it can lead to undesired recombination, and gene misregulation. We will employ chromosome painting, and fluorescence microscopy to visualize individual homologous chromosomes to test whether adolescent, and adult cells preserve, and maintain the haploid chromosome set pattern throughout life. The findings of our project would aid in the knowledge, and understanding of the fidelity of chromosome organization during aging.