Thesis: Kv2.1 Channel Clustering in the SOD1-G93A Mouse Model of ALS              August 2020

-In the NERD lab, our work revolves around the investigation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. This is a neurodegenerative disease which kills motoneurons (spinal cord cells), degrades muscle, and ultimately is fatal. For my thesis, I investigated the morphological changes of Kv2.1 channels. These channels work in conjunction with other ion channels to regulate cell function in the spinal cord. Using immunohistochemical techniques, I sought to understand more about how these channels change and compensate for the disease throughout its progression. To examine these channels in detail, I collected data from the SOD1-G93A mouse model at four different time points: post-natal day (P)10, P30, P90, and End Stage (ES: P120-140).

OhioLINK thesis abstract

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Manuscript: Contrasting changes in Kv2.1 channel expression level between           Publication Expected

     disease-resistant and disease-vulnerable SOD1-G93A motoneurons in ALS         Mid 2021                       

-This manuscript is the first step in my thesis. Using the mouse model and its time points outlined above, I am currently investigating the Kv2.1 channel throughout disease progression. Kv2.1 channels are also known as delayed rectifier channels, and they serve to regulate motoneuron excitability through the efflux of Potassium. Considering their role in motoneuron homeostasis, any change under ALS pathogenesis would be interesting to explore and investigate.

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