Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Quantifying Lysosomes
Publication Date
2023
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
Department
Biology, Department of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Felicity Sterling
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
While lysosomes have popularly been tokened the “disposal system of the cell,” it is being uncovered that they play an important role in more cellular processes, like apoptosis and assisting the immune system. Dysfunctional lysosomes have been found to be the cause of over 50 lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) due to accumulation of undegraded proteins (Ballabio et al., 2016). This accumulation has been tied to Tay-Sachs and Pompe disease specifically (Sirnemann et al., 2017; van der Ploeg & Reuser, 2008). This research sought to better examine and quantify the differences in lysosome characteristics between WT, Pompe, and Tay-Sachs cells. FIJI analysis was used on previously imaged cells to count lysosomes, calculate cell width and length, and analyze lysosome positioning. New Cos-7 cells were also split, transfected with DNA, and induced with Tay-Sachs or Tay-Sachs and GM2. Lysosomes were again analyzed using FIJI programming.
Recommended Citation
Gheen, Caroline, "Quantifying Lysosomes" (2023). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 333.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/333