The Role of Netrin-Mediated Receptor Signaling in the Developing Visual System of Vertebrates
Anthony Gallegos
Mentor: Susana Cohen-Cory
The goal of this study is to explore the roles of Netrin-mediated signaling in the organization and wiring of
developing neurons in the visual system. We use Xenopus laevis tadpoles as a vertebrate model in conjunction
with a single-cell electroporation technique that allows us to introduce either morpholino antisense
oligonucleotides or DNA plasmids into a single cell body in the midbrain to manipulate expression of Netrin
receptors such as Down Syndrome Cell-Adhesion Molecules (DSCAM), DCC, and UNC5. To further our
understanding of how interactions between Netrin and its receptors guide visual system neural development
we used confocal and two-photon fluorescent microscopy for spatiotemporal analysis of neurons. Our results
indicate that UNC5 and DCC signaling act cell autonomously to influence development of central visual
neurons.