Project 1: Anti-leukemic action of bezafibrate and medroxyprogesterone acetate in myeloid leukemia cells AND Project 2: Analysis of putative cis-regulatory elements in type 2 diabetes associated genes using zebrafish model

Constantinou, Julia (2015). Project 1: Anti-leukemic action of bezafibrate and medroxyprogesterone acetate in myeloid leukemia cells AND Project 2: Analysis of putative cis-regulatory elements in type 2 diabetes associated genes using zebrafish model. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Project 1: Combined bezafibrate and medroxyprogesterone acetate (BaP) exert potent anti- leukemic activity in leukemic cell lines whilst avoiding damage of healthy cells. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses identified alterations in levels of key enzymes involved in maintaining lipogenic/lipolytic balance in BaP treated samples when compared to control samples. This research provides insight in to the anti-leukemic mechanism by which BaP applies its powerful effects.

Project 2: With the ever-expanding knowledge obtained by genome-wide studies, the importance and complexity of transcription has become increasingly evident. From acquired knowledge, advanced technology in the form of computer analysis can now predict the presence of cis-regulatory elements; however these ex vivo systems cannot validate such predictions. This study has shown transgenic zebrafish can be used as a model to express when driven by the common form of the PROX enhancer (PROX-G) and also its type 2 diabetes associated SNP variant counter-part, PROX-A; when integrated in to the genome using targeted integration system mediated by PhiC31 integrase. The use of PhiC31 showed promising transmission rate whilst over-coming problems associated with other transgenesis systems, namely position effect.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):