Research Project
Research Title: Impact of Four-Core Genotype Model on Pcsk9 Expression in the Kidney
Principle Investigator: Dr. Michelle Gumz
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Institution and Department: Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation in the Department of Physiology and Aging in the College of Medicine
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Amount of Time Affiliated with Project: Since February 2025, have been performing preliminary research, and started Summer C working on developing project.
The Four-Core Genotype Gene Expression project focuses on examining sex differences in the kidney through the Four Core genotype model, focusing on rhythmically expressed genes found through RNA sequencing data-specifically Pcsk9 or Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9. The Four Core genotype module involves male and female mice with sex assigned chromosomes, and same or opposing male or female gonads. Kidney tissue samples from the Four Core genotype sample will be analyzed for expression of Pcsk9, and will investigate sex chromosomal and hormonal differences based on sex differences. Pcsk9 is a gene that is associated with the regulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This gene is a target gene candidate because it is rhythmically expressed in females, but not males, based on the expression of the circadian expression within kidney tissues.
Research Focus
Project Responsibilities
To investigate differences within the Four Core genotype model RT-qPCR and Western Blots will be performed. The process of RT-qPCRs will be implemented to further understand Pcsk9 expression in the renal mice samples. Furthermore, Western Blots are crucial to understand protein expression of Pcsk9 based on sex differences. Statistical analysis will be applied to quantify and analyze resulting data. These processes are important to understand key sex differences of rhythmically expressed genes, specifically Pcsk9, and provide insight to medical implications in humans.