Abstract

As we face an expanding elderly population and increased age-related chronic diseases, we must seek solutions that address interconnected problems. Dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q), a novel combination drug, is a proposed solution to improve the health and longevity of aged individuals with minimal side effects, exceptional efficacy, and maximum convenience. In this experiment, intermittent D+Q treatment was completed on young and old mice. RNA was extracted from perigonadal adipose tissue and cDNA libraries of mRNA and miRNA were made. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess relative gene expression for mRNA and miRNA pertaining to cell senescence, inflammation, and insulin resistance. miR-146a was found to have a significant difference (p < 0.05) in relative expression based on the interaction between age and treatment, while other genes showed no difference in relative expression. Furthermore, miR-149 was found to show near significance in interaction (p=0.0552) and had significant difference between old control and old D+Q treated mice. The miR-149 presents an avenue for future research in senescence markers and shows potential as a novel senolytic target.

Thesis Completion

2020

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Masternak, Michal M.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Medicine

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Degree Program

Biotechnology

Language

English

Access Status

Campus Access

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Release Date

5-1-2023

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Restricted to the UCF community until 5-1-2023; it will then be open access.

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