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Butterfly genetics
helping humans
By Kristen Force
On-line Forty-Niner
Butterfly sperm
may not be the first thing one considers for a research subject,
but for Dessie Underwood these butterflies are providing a
way to study chromosomal abnormalities that could relate to
humans.
Underwood, a professor of biological science at Cal State
Long Beach, studies the sperm cells during the time that they
are preparing to divide during cellular mitosis.
In this species of butterfly, found only in the mountains
of Mexico, a high rate of abnormal chromosomal segregation
has been found. Chromosomes are DNA-containing bodies that
contain most or all of the genes of the individual.
Just before chromosomes divide to make two cells, the chromosomes
line up along the middle of the cell in a phase called metaphase.
This species displays a great deal of distortion in the segregation
causing genetic information to be lost to the new gamete cells.
The butterflies of this particular species also show a male-biased
sex ratio of close to 80 percent. Underwood suspects this
has something to do with the numerous abnormalities found
in the cells.
"We want to see if there is a relationship between the
bias toward males and the mechanism that leads to dysfunction,"
she said. "It could all be random, but I don't think
so."
It is Underwood's hope that this research will enhance the
understanding of genetics in humans.
When a sperm or an egg is made in any organism, the number
of chromosomes has to split in half. When there are problems
in this process in humans, various genetic diseases can occur.
"It's difficult to study these abnormalities in humans
because it's a rare event," Underwood said. "The
abnormalities this butterfly exhibits in its gamete formation
look very similar to the same kind of abnormalities that occur
in humans."
The potential this research has for better understanding human
cellular formation has prompted the National Science Foundation
to award a grant to CSULB to provide the university with a
computer-assisted microscopy imaging system.
Underwood and Diane Lee, a psychology professor studying the
processes of learning and memory through research involving
birds, proposed the grant in February 2001.
These two professors, in addition to other faculty and staff
will have the opportunity to use the system for research as
well as teaching applications.
NSF's Major Research Instrumentation award program provided
the grant of $98,492, which funds the purchase of major scientific
or engineering research equipment.
"I think they liked the proposal because two departments
are involved," Underwood said. "[The NSF's] focus
is to allow people to buy expensive equipment that will aid
in their research."
Underwood currently studies the sperm cells in two dimensions
because of the way the cells are cut to view under the microscope.
The new equipment will reveal aspects often hidden when viewed
with conventional microscopes.
"This grant allows us to make a three-dimensional reconstruction
of the dividing cells so that we can see it from all sides,"
Underwood said. "The microscope takes optical sections
of the cells to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from
a series of two-dimensional images."
The new imaging system includes a high-tech optical microscope
with a programmable stage that can move tissue in a very precise
manner. It also attaches to a computer and video or digital
camera that can record the images.
Underwood expects to have the system set up and fully functioning
by mid-April.
The reason the university doesn't have many good microscopes
is because researchers are now interested in studying cells
on an even more basic level, she said.
"Without a doubt, it will be the fanciest microscope
on campus," Underwood said. "Nobody looks at whole
chromosomes anymore, it's an old technique. People have gone
molecular."
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