Meeting Abstract
The increasing number of newly sequenced genomic databases for both vertebrate and non-vertebrate animal species has greatly advanced our ability to perform genetic analysis with comparative studies. In this study we perform bioinformatic analysis of the genomic sequence from the garter snake species (Thamnophis) to find homologous sequences of mammalian genes to derive targeting primers used in the detection of mRNA levels using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In particular, we derived targeting primers for sequences homologous to the Spinophilin (Neurabin-II/PP-1) gene, which encodes a protein involved in dentritic spine formation in post-synaptic neurons, and Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), an enzyme involved in the glycolysis pathway. RT-PCR analysis was carried out on total RNA isolated from different brain regions of the Red-sided Garter snake, (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis), to determine differential expression of Spinophilin that correlates with different levels of dentritic spine formation. GAPDH primers were then used to determine levels of constitutive gene expression, serving as a normalizing control for Spinophilin expression. By utilizing bioinformatic tools to derive additional targeting primers, we can greatly expand the repertoire of genetic targets for study in the Red-sided Garter snake.
