Peter Maropis

Defense Date

5-15-2006

Graduation Date

Summer 2006

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS

Department

Biological Sciences

Committee Chair

Richard P. Elinson

Committee Member

Jana Patton-Vogt

Committee Member

John S. Doctor

Committee Member

Phil G. Campbell

Keywords

FGF, solid-phase, Xenopus

Abstract

Cells become different in development due to induction, a ligand-mediated cell interaction. This type of interaction is an area of intense research for developmental biologists studying the effects of different growth factors (during development). The conventional approach to induction with Xenopus Laevis, African Clawed Frog, employs placing cells or tissues in a growth factor solution. This design reveals an enormous amount of information and insight into developmental processes, but it is not an accurate approach to simulate in vivo conditions. Here, I use a novel approach, termed solid-phase induction, as a more realistic and controllable approach. I utilize a glass surface coated with fibrin to act as a surface to adhere growth factors for Solid-phase presentation. This method will not only provide a more accurate representation of cell-cell inductions, but will also add an increased level of control in presenting growth factors. This approach will be used to answer developmental questions that involve spatially oriented induction and differential induction by different concentration gradients or specific patterns of a number of growth factors.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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