035 - PCR Analysis of Transgenic Zebrafish Furthering Regenerative Research and Development

Our goal for this project is to verify that the neurod4 gene was indeed passed down to future generations of zebrafish from the original transgenic fish. In order to correctly genotype the zebrafish used for regenerative research in the Bailey lab, DNA extraction and isolation, along with PCR analysis and gel electrophoresis are used. We are specifically amplifying the neurod4 gene responsible for regulation of neuronal development and differentiation. Using various polymerases purchased through the Geneseo TRAC Grant and multiple methods of experimentation, we have been attempting to amplify the specific region of the zebrafish genome that contains this gene which would allow us to genotype the fish correctly. These correctly genotyped fish could then be used for further research in regenerative and developmental biology by students in the Bailey lab.