DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/TYVZ-HB14
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Human Genetics
First Advisor
Dr. James Lister
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) show a unique pigmentation pattern comprised of three pigment cell types: melanophores, iridophores and xanthophores. Other pigmented cells include the retinal pigmented epithelium (rpe) which absorbs excess light in the eye and maintain the extracellular environment around the photoreceptors. While previous mutations in mitfa showed a role in regulating trunk melanophores, the rpe was not affected. TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9 systems were used to generate mutant zebrafish for tfec, a transcription factor expressed in both neural crest and rpe. Embryos with tfec mutations showed a loss of iridophore pigmentation, and delays in the pigmentation of xanthophores and rpe, showing positive regulation of multiple pigment cells. Double mutants for tfec and mitfa displayed greater losses of iridophore, xanthophore and rpe pigmentation with noncircular globes, suggesting cooperative roles for these transcription factors.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2015