Examining the role of BRK1 in the embryonic development of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Max Williams

The gene BRK1 codes for a protein that is known to be a subunit of the Scar/Wave complex. This complex is responsible for the process of actin nucleation, which is needed for elongating actin filaments, the major structural component involved in many processes that induce cell morphogenesis (e.g. lamellipodia formation, dendrite formation, cytokinesis). Brk1 is thought to be a precursor of the Scar/Wave complex, and can stably exist alone out of complex, unlike other Scar/Wave proteins. This study explores the role of this subunit protein in the embryonic development of zebrafish. To this end, zebrafish embryos will be microinjected with morpholino oligonucleotides to knock down the expression of BRK1. The altered embryos will then be examined for changes in gene expression and morphology throughout embryonic development. The variance of expression and morphology between the embryo treatment groups is expected to intimate possible developmental processes in which the Brk1 protein is involved, and its role within those processes.

• Max Williams is a senior majoring in biology with a genetics emphasis. He's a member of the Honors College Leadership Council and the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honors Society.