Date of Award

January 2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Turk E. Rhen

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation has been studied in mammals, but research in reptiles is lacking. Knowing where specific genes are expressed is the first step to examining epigenetic regulation of tissue specific and cell-type specific gene expression. Differences in gene expression allude to differences in gene regulation and gene function and will require further study. In order to address the question of tissue specific gene expression, we review literature on embryonic development, sex determination, and specific genes that display tissue specific or cell-type specific expression patterns. Next, we review what is known about regulation of gene expression in reptiles. We then outline the protocol used to examine expression patterns of Anti-Müllerian hormone, Dmrt1, Sox9, FoxL2, Somatostatin, Growth hormone, Cdx1, and Slc12a1 in the common snapping turtle. Finally, we compare these expression patterns to those found in mammals and discuss any observed differences.

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