Research detailing the mechanisms behind antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, is lacking. This study investigates the effects of selegiline on the behavior and metabolic pathways of the model organism C. elegans through egg-laying, thrashing, and lipid composition assays. A survey was conducted to contextualize these results in terms of broader impact by demonstrating depression prevalence. Our results showed that selegiline impacts the egg-laying timeline and thrashing frequency of C. elegans. Analyses of lipid assay data show marked differences in fatty acid composition. On a survey measuring depressive symptoms, WPI students averaged a score of 24.3, which is considered at risk for depression. These results highlight the prevalence of depression and the importance of understanding the physiology while providing insight into potential biological mechanisms implicated in depression.

• 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

• Stead, Emily A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050621-122347
• 22901

Keyword

• C. elegans
• behavior
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• lipid assay
• antidepressants
• depression

Advisor

• Srinivasan, Jagan

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-06

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright