Genetic Analysis of Tooth Shape in Astyanax mexicanus
Start Date
7-8-2026 10:45 AM
End Date
7-8-2026 11:00 AM
Location
ALT 205
Abstract
The genetic and cellular mechanisms that influence the size and shape of structures is not well understood. This is difficult to study in mammals as much of this early development occurs in utero. Fish are an excellent developmental model as embryos are readily available. The Astyanax mexicanus cavefish and surface fish were used for the genetic analysis of this research. These populations of fish have different dental patterns. Here, we investigate genes involved in tooth shape. Genes were investigated using genetic association studies to determine genomic regions with mutations that could possibly be seen in genotypes and later phenotypes. A list of candidate genes for tooth shape were further investigated using functional analysis through gene editing by CRISPR-Cas9. Injected fish were grown to adulthood and tail fin samples were processed for genotyping using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The next steps taken will be aligning the sequences and using this to find restriction sites that can be used to make a restriction digest. Using this digest we will be able to run gel electrophoresis of the CRISPR fish to determine the presence or absence of a mutation. These genotypic evaluations can also be used to look at the phenotype of the same genes in the fish by looking at their jaw and dental structure with microscopic pictures.
Genetic Analysis of Tooth Shape in Astyanax mexicanus
ALT 205
The genetic and cellular mechanisms that influence the size and shape of structures is not well understood. This is difficult to study in mammals as much of this early development occurs in utero. Fish are an excellent developmental model as embryos are readily available. The Astyanax mexicanus cavefish and surface fish were used for the genetic analysis of this research. These populations of fish have different dental patterns. Here, we investigate genes involved in tooth shape. Genes were investigated using genetic association studies to determine genomic regions with mutations that could possibly be seen in genotypes and later phenotypes. A list of candidate genes for tooth shape were further investigated using functional analysis through gene editing by CRISPR-Cas9. Injected fish were grown to adulthood and tail fin samples were processed for genotyping using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The next steps taken will be aligning the sequences and using this to find restriction sites that can be used to make a restriction digest. Using this digest we will be able to run gel electrophoresis of the CRISPR fish to determine the presence or absence of a mutation. These genotypic evaluations can also be used to look at the phenotype of the same genes in the fish by looking at their jaw and dental structure with microscopic pictures.
