Abstract

The age-suppressor protein Klotho is capable of enhancing cognition through its ability to protect neurons from oxidative damage in the brain and enhance maturation of oligodendrocytes. Klotho overexpression has been supported to extend life span in mammals as opposed to Klotho underexpression which has corresponded with development of detrimental aging phenotypes. However, the role of Klotho’s effects on astrocytes is not well understood as it is with neurons. The primary objective is to determine how Klotho is able to affect the reactivity of astrocytes. Astrocytes were cultured from early postnatal pups (P0-P5) and treated with or without Klotho. The cultures underwent two quantification methods to measure both the astrocyte counts and absorbance values respectively using the cell count and XTT assay. The results of the cell count and XTT assay gave two different measures of astrocyte proliferation. Overall, the results of the average astrocyte cell counts and absorbance values were lower in the Klotho-treated wells in comparison to the control wells. These results suggest that Klotho may have influence on the proliferation or survival of astrocytes. Overall, further investigation of Klotho’s effect on astrocyte proliferation and its suggested neuroprotective effect on reactive astrocytes must be examined through the execution of future experiments.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-8-2017

Mentor

Bradley R. Kraemer

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Biological Sciences

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