The Effect of Elderberry on DNA Damage and Repair in Tetrahymena thermophila
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Authors
Hurst, Alyssa
Wimmer, Peyton
Date of Issue
2024
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
The homeopathic supplement, Elderberry extract, has been marketed as an antioxidant that reduces DNA-damaging free radicals within the body to protect the structural integrity of tissues. However, very little research has been done to support the effectiveness of Elderberry’s antioxidant properties in protecting tissues from DNA damage. For this research project, we explored how elderberry influences behavior and expression of the DNA repair genes, Rad51 and Ku80, in Tetrahymena thermophila. It was hypothesized that UV-B exposed T. thermophila treated with elderberry would exhibit increased expression of Rad51 and Ku80 because antioxidants have been shown to play a significant role in DNA repair and replication. To test our hypothesis, T. thermophila was subjected to UV-B light to induce DNA damage and then treated with elderberry to investigate its protective effects. Following treatment, Reverse
Transcription--quantitative -Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to measure the expression of Rad51 and Ku80. Additionally, three behavioral assays were conducted to determine the impacts of elderberry treatment on cell growth, metabolic activity, and motility within the T. thermophila. The treatment of UV-B exposed T. thermophila with elderberry was predicted to increase expression of Rad51 and Ku80 and improve their growth, metabolic activity, and motility. This is because antioxidants such as elderberry are thought to play an essential role in facilitating the removal of excess free radical oxygen species to either prevent or help repair DNA damage.