Mather &
Shen
Artist
Danielle Mather
- Undergraduate Artist
- Emory University
Scientist
Annie Shen
- 4th year undergraduate
- Emory University
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Artwork
by Danielle Mather
Medium: mixed media
This is a mixed media art piece inspired by research focusing on RNA granule transport within the context of myotonic dystrophy type 1. Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakening—usually in the face, hands and legs. The figure’s discoloured and disintegrating arms depict the resulting decline in strength. The figure is also intentionally painted to look emaciated, as is characteristic of those suffering from myotonic dystrophy. Research surrounding the role of the RNA granule mechanism utilises immunofluorescence, which is shown by the brightly coloured threads. Here, focus was specifically on the role of endosomes in this mechanism, which are represented by beads. Though the painting’s subject matter could be seen as depressing, the secure expression on the figure's face says otherwise. It conveys the knowledge that science will continue to advance until one day, what once seemed impossible to know or cure, will be just within reach.
Abstract
by Annie Shen
Neurons are highly specialized cells that branch into fine processes known as dendrites and axons. Their complex morphology requires RNA transport to remote locations where translation can occur. This mechanism, known as mRNA localization, utilizes specific RNA binding proteins (RBP) to anchor RNA to motor proteins and/or endomembranes during transport to remote locations in the cell and is essential to nerve development and homeostasis. Its disruption leads to several neurological diseases such as myotonic dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy. In Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Muscleblind (MBNL) proteins, a family of RBPs, are sequestered in the nucleus by CUG trinucleotide repeats. MBNL1 plays a critical role in regulating RNA splicing; recent findings show that MBNL1 also regulates RNA localization and translation. But, it is unclear how sequestration of MBNLs contributes to DM1. Recent studies show that RNA granules can be transported with motile endosomes, leading to the possibility that MBNL1 transports mRNA by interacting with the endomembrane system. My project investigates if and how MBNL1 protein associates with endosomes.