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The roles of ccf-1 and pal-1 genes in aging and stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans

Date

2023-10-17

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0002-6296-9672

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The CCR4-NOT complex is a critical regulator of gene expression involved in multiple cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, RNA metabolism, and stress responses. In this thesis, I investigated the role of ccf-1, a component of the CCR4-NOT complex, in stress responses and its necessity for normal lifespan and its implications in various pro-longevity signaling pathways in C. elegans. Through my experiments using environmental stressors such as cadmium and acrylamide, I measured several stress-responsive gene expression levels and observed that ccf-1 is required for stress-induced transcriptional changes in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, I found that the ccf-1 gene plays an important role in the lifespan of several long-lived mutants, highlighting its significance in the aging process. I also showed that other components of the CCR4-NOT complex are also involved in promoting proper transcriptional response to environmental stressors. Furthermore, my research led to the discovery of the PAL-1 protein as a novel transcriptional factor involved in stress response with pleiotropic effects, demonstrating additive impacts when interacting with the ccf-1 gene. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing stress responses and aging in C. elegans and may have broader implications in unraveling similar processes in higher organisms, including humans.

Description

Keywords

Aging, CCR4-NOT complex, stress response, Caenorhabditis elegans

Citation

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Department

Veterinary Biomedical Sciences

Program

Veterinary Biomedical Sciences

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DOI

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