Publication Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Sherif Elbasiouny, Ph.D. (Advisor); Jaime Ramirez-Vick, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Keiichiro Susuki, M.D., Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME)
Abstract
This research explores how motor neurons (MNs) and Kv2.1 clustering change with age, emphasizing sex differences and MN subtypes. We found that MN density decreases with age in both sexes, while soma size increases in male mice. FF MNs were the most affected, and old weak mice had smaller MNs than their stronger counterparts, underscoring FF MN vulnerability. Baseline studies revealed that FF and FI MNs have larger Kv2.1 clusters compared to FR and S MNs. Female mice had smaller, denser Kv2.1 clusters than male mice, suggesting less clustering in females. With age, Kv2.1 clusters grew larger but became less dense and intense, indicating increased clustering. Old weak mice showed even more pronounced clustering than strong ones, linking Kv2.1 changes to age-related weakness. These findings highlight the susceptibility of FF MNs to aging and position Kv2.1 clustering as a key factor in motor neuron function and age-related decline.
Page Count
85
Department or Program
Department of Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering
Year Degree Awarded
2024
Copyright
Copyright 2024, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
