Synaptic Formation of Rett Syndrome

Kara HedgesTurrigiano Lab

October 15, 2009

Turrigiano Lab• Brandeis University• Mentors: – Gina Turrigiano, Ph.D– Melissa Blackman,

Brandeis grad student

What is Rett Syndrome?

• Neurodevelopmental disease• Similar to Down syndrome• Appear normal until 6-18 months– Loss of language and motor skills– Demonstrate unusual movements

• More common in females• Mutation of MECP2 gene (knockdown)

Work in the Lab• First 5 weeks staining

cells– Transfect cells for

MECP2 knockdown gene

– Stain cells for microscope

(Immunocytochemistry)

Work in the Lab• Last 2 weeks looking

at cells– Pyramidal shape

– Compare “healthy” and “knockdown” neurons

Looking at the CellsTransfected Neuron– “pyramidal” shape

Non transfected neuron– Normal

My Experience as an Intern• Performing “real” science• Always surrounded by professionals• Real application of science• Further research and questions….