Download Research Interests

Wendy Boehmler, Ph.D. – Research Interests

I study genes that play a role in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration using the genetic
model system zebrafish (ZF).

Genes involved in neurodegeneration such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease may
also play a role in neurodevelopment.

ZF have several advantages including a fully sequenced genome, rapid development, and
transparent embryos.

I use a variety of molecular techniques that allow for:
o the amplification of genes (RT-PCR)
o the identification of gene transcript location with the ZF embryo (in situ
hybridization)
o the analysis of gene function during development by knocking down gene
expression (microinjection)
Recent Student Senior Thesis Projects:
Evearitt, Elizabeth and Boehmler W. Evolution and Expression of an Alzheimer's Disease
Associated Gene, Sorl1, in Zebrafish. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 82, 2009.
Pantelich, Erica, Boehmler W, and Rehnberg B. The Effects of Caffeine on the Learning and
Memory of Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 82, 2009.
Wright, Emily and Boehmler W. The Cloning and Characterization of a Huntington’s Disease
Associated Gene, HIP14, in Zebrafish. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 82, 2009.
Rider E, and Boehmler W. The identification and expression of an Alzheimer’s disease
associated gene, sorl1, in zebrafish. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 81, 2008.