One of the main functions of a tumor suppressor is to repress cell division, sometimes by inducing cellular senescence. Smurf2 and Notch3 have previously been identified in our laboratory as tumor suppressors in vitro. It is not well understood how these genes regulate senescence. The purpose of this project is to better understand the mechanisms underlying the functions of these genes in senescence. A genetic screen using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) was carried out to identify genes downstream of Smurf2 or Notch3 in the senescence pathways. Five candidate genes were further analyzed in fibroblasts. To characterize the function of Smurf2 in senescence in vivo, a Cre-LoxP system was used to study the consequence of Smurf2 overexpression in mice.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Wong, Laura Catherine

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042612-103607

Advisor

• Duffy, Joseph B.

Year

• 2012

Sponsor

• Zhang, Hong
• UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2012-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright