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2018_Magley_Thesis_08_28.pdf (294.33 MB)

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A planarian Tau Tubulin Kinase homolog is required for spermatogenesis and epithelial ciliogenesis

Magley, Robert Alan
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7593-1027
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright153546883070243

Abstract Details

2018, Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, Biological Sciences.
Tubulin comprises the structural element of microtubules and Tau is one of many microtubule-associated proteins. Tau Tubulin Kinase (TTBK) phosphorylates both Tau and Tubulin and is required for the initial steps of cilia formation. Due to the structural similarities between cilia and sperm flagella, as well as the enriched expression of TTBK1 and TTBK2 in human testes, we hypothesized that TTBK homologs play a role in sperm maturation. This hypothesis was tested in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, a lophotrochozoan model capable of whole-body regeneration and development a complete reproductive system post-embryonically. Six TTBK homologs were identified in the genome of S. mediterranea. Analysis by whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that all six homologs (Smed-TTBK-a, -b, -c, -d, -e, and -f) are preferentially expressed in the testes of sexual planarians. Functional analyses by RNA-interference (RNAi) revealed that Smed-TTBK-d is specifically required for sperm development. Smed-TTBK-d RNAi also results in behavioral defects which appear to be caused at least in part by structural abnormalities in ciliated epidermal cells that power planarian gliding. Altogether, these results demonstrate that TTBK function is essential for development of ciliated structures in planarians.
Labib Rouhana, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Mill Miller, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Athanasios Bubulya, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Scott Baird, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
62 p.
Biology
Planarian; Schmitdea mediterranea; cilia; sperm

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Magley, R. A. (2018). A planarian Tau Tubulin Kinase homolog is required for spermatogenesis and epithelial ciliogenesis [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright153546883070243

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Magley, Robert. A planarian Tau Tubulin Kinase homolog is required for spermatogenesis and epithelial ciliogenesis. 2018. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright153546883070243.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Magley, Robert. "A planarian Tau Tubulin Kinase homolog is required for spermatogenesis and epithelial ciliogenesis." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright153546883070243

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright153546883070243
209
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.