Tracking Neurite Complexity for Better Understanding of Glutathione Redox States

Glutathione (GSH) homeostasis and dendritic arbor are both key biomarkers for neurodegeneration. Therefore, with an aim of understanding the linkage between neurodegeneration, these two indicators, and a neuron’s health, we have investigated the correlation between the dendritic arborization of a neuron and its corresponding ratio between GSH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Additionally, while previous studies have focused on a macro perspective of this process, we observed these neurites at a subcellular scale using gradient light interference microscopy (GLIM) and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. From there, the program FIJI, was used to run Sholl analysis and to analyze the GSH:GSSG ratios of collected images. We believe that our study has the potential to provide a new perspective on understanding the varying levels of arborization in cultured neurons and elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind neurodegeneration.

Author
Joshua Dupaty
School
Mercer University
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Research Advisor
Dr. Martha Gillette
Department of Research Advisor
Cell & Developmental Biology
Year of Publication
2019