Characterization of the Role of the SOX 11 Gene in Neurogenesis
Narcisse, Darryl and Lei, Lei
School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
The central nervous system is arguably the most important system of cells in the body of any vertebrate organism. This system of cells regulates, controls, and monitors all other organs in the body and also houses the centers for behavior, memory, and personality. Development and disease of the nervous system is a highly diverse and important field of study in biology. The research performed is focused on neural development in model organisms focusing on cellular development (from fertilization to birth) and behavioral changes. The primary goal of research is to determine the role of - among others - the SOX 11 gene in neural cell development through the use of knockout mice. SOX 11 has been shown through previous research to have effects in neural development and proliferation. Mice that have been engineered to lack the SOX 11 have shown severe impairment of their neurodevelopment. The hypothesis which must be tested is what role the SOX 11 plays in the developing fetus. We hypothesize that this gene acts as a stimulant in the development of neural stem cell development. In order to test this hypothesis we have engineered SOX 11 transgenic mice. By studying the physiology and behavior of these animals, we will be able to uncover the role and effects of the SOX 11 gene.