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Keywords

Autism, Neurexin3a, Knock-In, Full-Deletion

Abstract

The optic tectum (OT) is a zebrafish midbrain structure homologous to the mammalian superior colliculus (SC). The OT facilitates integration of multisensory input and coordinates a corresponding involuntary response. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from our lab indicates the differential expression of the presynaptic cell adhesion protein - neurexin3a - within two cell populations (OT5 and OT8) of the zebrafish OT. The SC and neurexin3a have both been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), warranting, therefore, a further investigation. To visualize neurexin3a positive neurons in the OT, we are generating a transgenic zebrafish line that expresses the green-to-red photoconvertible protein Dendra2 wherever and whenever the neurexin3a gene is transcribed. We will then photoconvert Dendra2 in individual neurons to determine the morphology of the neurons expressing neurexin3a in the OT. To better comprehend neurexin3a function in the OT, we will generate a transgenic zebrafish line in which the full locus of neurexin3a is deleted. We will then determine how this deletion affects zebrafish larval behavior and OT activity using behavioral assays and in vivo calcium imaging.

Document Type

Book

Publication Date

2025

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Cell Biology and Physiology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Where the Green-to-Red Neurexin Grows: Analyzing Neurexin-3a Expressing Neurons Through Dendra2 Knock-Ins and Full Locus Deletion

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