Investigation of the Effects of Excess Fructose on Neural Differentiation in the Cell Line Neuro2A ‡ Karlye Shank Project Mentor(s): Sarah Oppelt, PhD Fructose content in Western diets has increased in the last 50 years, resulting in the consumption of excess dietary fructose. This excess dietary fructose has been linked to stress in dopamine neurons in the hippocampus, leading to cognitive decline, including learning and memory deficits. The mechanism by which fructose and dopamine neuron stress leads to altered cognitive function is not yet fully characterized. Excess fructose exposure may affect brain development by impeding the proper formation of connections between neurons. Neurons communicate with each other via neural projections that come into contact with neighboring neurons at synapses. These neural projections are essential for the transmission of information and cognitive function. Previous research in our lab has shown metabolic deficits in dividing cells exposed to fructose, but currently, no studies have investigated whether fructose-induced metabolic deficits lead to a reduction in neurite formation or synapse connections between neurons. Neuro2a (N2a) cells were allowed to differentiate for 7 days, after which they were exposed to either physiological levels of glucose, elevated glucose, or elevated fructose. Images of the differentiated cells were taken at 24 hour intervals until 72 hours had elapsed. These images were quantified and compared to determine what effect, if any, fructose has on differentiating cells by quantifying the length of the processes and the morphology of the cells in each condition. The cell viability in each of the different conditions was also assessed to further determine the effects of fructose on differentiating neurons.
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Neuro2a, Fructose Metabolism, Neural Differentiation SOURCE Form ID: 152
106
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator