Abstract Detail

Cell biology

Halbauer, Johanna [1], Muench, Douglas [1].

Establishing a method for subcellular mRNA localization detection in Arabidopsis.

Subcellular mRNA localization is a mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotic cells that functions to efficiently control the synthesis of proteins in a temporal and spatial manner within the cell. Considerable work has been performed in animal cells to determine the frequency of non-random localization of mRNAs. Proteins involved in embryo development, establishing polarity, and those that are targeted to organelles are known to utilize mRNA localization to facilitate their localization. Research on subcellular mRNA localization in plant cells is minimal and the extent to which the plant uses this mechanism to control protein localization is unknown.
We hypothesize that subcellular mRNA localization is a common mechanism used in plants cells. Currently we are developing an efficient and cost effective procedure for large scale analysis of subcellular mRNA localization in Arabidopsis using whole mount fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Although FISH has been used to identify transcript location at a tissue level in plants, this technique has not be used at the subcellular level in higher plants. Whole mount FISH allows for the endogenous mRNAs to be localized within the cells of undisturbed tissues. Different strategies for mRNA visualization are being assessed and will be presented. Establishing this technique will allow for a large-scale analysis of subcellular mRNA localization in plant cells.

1 - University of Calgary, Biological Sciences, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada

Keywords:
mRNA Localization
fluorescent microscopy
in situ hybridization
Arabidopsis.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PCL001
Abstract ID:330
Candidate for Awards:CSPB President's Award for Best Student Presentation