Results
DATA
TIME VS. PERCENTAGE CLIMBED
vglutGAL4
This graph shows the vglutGAL4 expression for the average number of flies climbed at times- 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds. Each color represents different ages- <1 week (green), 1-2 weeks (orange), 2-3 weeks (blue), and 3-4 weeks (yellow).
Standard deviation is shown. No SD for <1 week- not enough trials.
vglutGAL4; TDP43
This graph shows the vglutGAL4 with expression of TDP43 of the average number of flies climbed at 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds. Each color represents the differents ages- <1 week (green), 1-2 weeks (orange), 2-3 weeks (blue), and 3-4 weeks (yellow).
It is noted that for all weeks, not much data was collected due to time constraints. Therefore there could be low precision. Standard deviation is shown. No SD for <1 week and 3-4 weeks- not enough trials.
AGE VS. PERCENTAGE CLIMBED
vglutGAL4 & vglutGAL4; TDP43
This graph shows the average percentage of flies climbed at the end of the trials (120 seconds) for each strain - vglutGAL4 (blue) and vglutGAL4 with expression of TDP43 (pink) at different ages - <1 week, 1-2 weeks, 2-3 weeks and 3-4 weeks.
It is noted that not much data was able to be collected for vglutGAL4; TDP43 due to time constraints.
TIME VS. PERCENTAGE CLIMBED FOR COMBINED STRAINS
vglutGAL4 & vglutGAL4; TDP43 & vglutGAL4; TDP43; UAS
Bloomington Stock Number - 51759
This graph shows the average percentage of flies crossed that are less than 1 week old for three different strains- vglutGAL4+ (control), vglutGAL4; TDP43 (control) and our ALS expressed gene shown in green. vglutGAL4 shown in blue is the best case scenario or the unaffected strain, while vglutGAL4; TDP43 is the worse case scenario.
It is noted that not much data was able to be collected for our ALS expressed strain (green) due to time constraints.
vglutGAL4 & vglutGAL4; TDP43 & vglutGAL4; TDP43; UAS
Bloomington Stock Number - 51759
This graph shows the average percentage of flies crossed that are 1-2 weeks old for three different strains- vglutGAL4+ (control), vglutGAL4; TDP43 (control) and our ALS expressed gene shown in green. vglutGAL4 shown in blue is the best case scenario or the unaffected strain, while vglutGAL4; TDP43 is the worse case scenario.
It is noted that not much data was able to be collected for our ALS expressed strain (green) due to time constraints.
RESULTS
From our data, we found there is not sufficient evidence to come to any conclusions regarding the motor functions of our selected strains. The data that we did compile did not correspond to what we were expecting.
However, it is noted that when comparing vglutGAL4 and vglutGAL4; TDP43 in flies less than 1 week old, it is seen that there is a sharp decrease when the vglutGAL4 is expressed with TDP43. This further confirms a correlation between the role of TDP43 in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. It is also observed that with vglutGAL4/+ (control) as the age of the flies increased, their ability to climb decreased. This leads us to question if there is a correlation between the age of flies and their motor functions.
It is noted that more trials were included in the data for vglutGAL4/+ than vglutGAL4; TDP3 and our ALS expressed gene. Many trials were excluded or limited due to time constraints for vglutGAL4; TDP3 and our ALS expressed gene, therefore results vary and could have low precision.
WHAT WE EXPECT IS OCCURRING
We believe that a slight difference in methodologies for the locomotor tests between the members of our group could be a factor in the fluctuating precisions. At times when we were conducting the locomotor tests, we found that the more flies climb and cross the 'finish line' when they are agitated. We also have to take in consideration different parameters when conducting the behavorial tests, such as environment, equipment used, such as the graduated cylinder, humidity, and the time the tests were conducted.
NEXT STEPS
Due to time constraints, we were only able to test and form crosses with the SAFB gene. In the future, we plan to create our planned crosses with the VPS39 and DSH genes and perform locomotor tests on these strains as well. We also plan to continue with SAFB, by collecting more data over a longer period of time and create a more precise methodology to our proceedures. Our goal for the future is to have a bigger sample size with more trials and therefore a higher chance of accuracy.
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