Role of methionine sulfoxide reductase in thermal-induced spreading depression coma in Drosophila melanogaster

• Other Authors: Schey, Karin.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Florida Atlantic University
• Subjects: Cellular signal transduction; Proteins > Chemical modification; Spreading cortical depression; Oxidation-reduction reaction; Aging > Molecular aspects; Mutation (Biology)
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355873

Drosophila melanogaster encounter periods of increased temperature or decreased oxygen in its native environment. One consequence of these environmental stresses is increased production of reactive oxygen species that damage major molecules within cells. Another consequence is that flies fall into a protective coma where biological functions are minimized to conserve energy expenditures. This biological phenomenon is called spreading depression. The overarching aim of this project is to determine if methionine sulfoxide reductases affect entrance or exit from the protective coma induced by acute thermal stress. The data revealed that complete deficiency of Msr in young flies causes a faster induction of the coma. In both young and old flies, Msr does not affect average recovery time but does affect the pattern of recovery from coma. Entrance into the coma is age dependent with young flies maintaining activity longer than before entering into the coma as compared to old flies. === by Karin Schey. === Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2012. === Includes bibliography. === Mode of access: World Wide Web. === System requirements: Adobe Reader.