Start Date
April 2024
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
Mitchell-Riley syndrome (MRS) is a condition affecting the human gastrointestinal system and is due to a mutation in regulatory factor X6 (RFX6), a gene whose function is not well understood. To better define the role of RFX6 in the human stomach, we used human gastric organoids, three-dimensional models of human stomachs that develop from stem cells in a petri dish. In the organoids, we increased RFX6 expression by adding a substance known as doxycycline. The results indicated that RFX6 directly correlates to expression of another gene, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), which is important for the structural formation of different regions of the human stomach. Additionally, the data demonstrates that RFX6 expression is important to the formation of cells that release hormones in the stomach. Building this foundational knowledge base of the influence of RFX6 in the stomach provides means to advance understanding of gastrointestinal development and improve treatments and outcomes for MRS patients.
Investigating RFX6 Function in Human Gastric Development
2nd floor - Library
Mitchell-Riley syndrome (MRS) is a condition affecting the human gastrointestinal system and is due to a mutation in regulatory factor X6 (RFX6), a gene whose function is not well understood. To better define the role of RFX6 in the human stomach, we used human gastric organoids, three-dimensional models of human stomachs that develop from stem cells in a petri dish. In the organoids, we increased RFX6 expression by adding a substance known as doxycycline. The results indicated that RFX6 directly correlates to expression of another gene, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), which is important for the structural formation of different regions of the human stomach. Additionally, the data demonstrates that RFX6 expression is important to the formation of cells that release hormones in the stomach. Building this foundational knowledge base of the influence of RFX6 in the stomach provides means to advance understanding of gastrointestinal development and improve treatments and outcomes for MRS patients.
