Date Approved

2010

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Biology

Abstract

EphA4 is a cellular receptor that functions in mediating tissue interactions in embryonic development. The downstream effectors of EphA4 are mainly unknown, although previous research has indicated that the enzyme p160ROCK is one of the downstream mediators in the pathway. LIM kinase is an enzyme that is activated by p160ROCK. We have hypothesized that LIM kinase acts downstream of p160ROCK in the signaling pathway. Our results showed that LIM kinase is present and activated during development when EphA4 is active in the embryo, which is consistent with a role for LIM kinase in EphA4 signaling. Further testing is necessary to determine if LIM kinase has an active role in EphA4 signaling.

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Biology Commons

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