The Effect of Turkesterone on Environmentally Stressed Tetrahymena thermophila
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Authors
Conner, Landen
Eggers, Madelyn
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Turkesterone—a plant-derived steroid from Ajuga turkestanica, on metabolic gene expression, locomotive behavior, and endurance in the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. In recent years, Turkesterone has been marketed as an effective alternative to anabolic steroids despite minimal evidence regarding its health benefits or impacts on muscular hypertrophy. However, it is known that individuals who consume Turkesterone experience fewer adverse side effects compared to traditional anabolic steroids. Based on this information, it was hypothesized that the alleged anabolic and metabolism-enhancing effects of Turkesterone would affect genes and behaviors associated with metabolic function and motility in T. thermophila. To test this hypothesis, T. thermophila were cultured for 48 hours in media containing a viscosity inducer to mimic a high endurance environment, with one group of cells receiving the Turkesterone treatment. After 48 hours, motility, deciliation, and feeding assays were performed to determine behavioral impacts. To analyze gene expression, RT-qPCR was performed on OXR1, a critical gene in oxidative stress resistance; AAC1, which codes for an ATP/ADP transporter and is involved in energy production; and IFT122, which assists in recycling ciliary proteins to aid motility. It was predicted that T. thermophila treated with Turkesterone in a high endurance environment would exhibit enhanced motility, faster recovery from deciliation, and increased feeding, supported by decreased expression of OXR1, AAC1, and IFT122, all of which are indicators of improved anabolism and metabolic health.