DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/CCBT-0G71

Defense Date

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Pharmacology & Toxicology

First Advisor

Jill Bettinger

Abstract

Alcohol use and abuse has many harmful effects, especially to children exposed prenatally, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The disabilities due to fetal alcohol exposure continue throughout life and cause major financial burdens to society. The molecular mechanisms underlying FASDs are not well understood. We have taken a genetic approach to characterize ethanol’s effect on changing a discrete cell fate decision during embryogenesis in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Our preliminary data suggest that ethanol can affect the development of AWC neurons, a pair of olfactory neurons in C. elegans. We suggest that lipids can protect AWC neurons from ethanol’s effects. Importantly, we show that altering the metabolism of triacylglycerols (TAGs) can rescue this cell fate change in behavioral assays. By identifying molecular causes of fetal alcohol damage in humans we hope to be able to develop a greater understanding of how to prevent these detrimental effects.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

December 2012

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