Document Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-18-2025
Year of Award
2025
Date Assignment Submitted
2025
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the highest causes of death in the United States to date, while also posing long-term neurological effects. Research has shown that the APOE ε2 gene is a protective gene against some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s (Shinohara, M., 2020). This study will investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Apolipoprotein ε2 (APOE2) as a genetic approach to a possible resilience to TBI, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Utilizing transgenic flies, expressing APOE ε2 with another fly with the UAS-CNS line, allows for a progeny line with APOE ε2 in their central nervous system using the Gal4-UAS system. We hypothesize the inclusion of the APOE ε2 gene will reduce the short and long-term effects, providing a potential resilience to TBI. The HIT protocol will be used, this mechanical impact model will inflict blunt force, stimulating traumatic brain injury. In a controlled laboratory setting the flies will be subjected to a TBI event. Observations through behavioral testing, ectopic protein detection and measuring mortality rate. We predict that APOE ε2 carriers may have a resilience effect against TBI involving pathways associated with lipid metabolism and inflammation. This research will enhance our understanding of how genetic factors can influence resilience to TBI and lead to new therapeutic strategies and recovery, especially for those who are susceptible to multiple blunt force trauma to the head such as, law enforcement, military service people, and those who participate in contact sports.
Publisher
Lynn University
Conference/Symposium
Lynn University Student Research Symposium
Contest
Poster Presentation: Natural Sciences category
City/State
Boca Raton, FL
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Instructor
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kimberly Rowland
Recommended Citation
Mesidort, R., & Rowland, K. D. (2025, April 18). Apolipoprotein ε2 potential protection against long term consequence of traumatic brain injury: Thesis proposal [Poster presentation]. Lynn University Student Research Symposium, Boca Raton, FL, United States.