Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0004-7025-0272

Date of Graduation

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis (MS)

Program Affiliation

Genetics and Epigenetics

Degree Name

Masters of Science (MS)

Advisor/Committee Chair

Rachel K. Miller, PhD

Committee Member

Kendra Carmon, PhD

Committee Member

Jae-il Park, PhD

Committee Member

George Eisenhoffer, PhD

Committee Member

Jun Wang, PhD

Abstract

Wnt signaling is a conserved cell communication system that drives embryonic development. Wnt pathways regulate a variety of developmental processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and fate determination. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling can lead to developmental disorders and diseases. The primary Wnt trajectory: canonical signaling regulates transcription through β-catenin. β-catenin coordinates cell-cell adhesion: β-catenin interacts with cadherins to link cell junctions to the cytoskeleton. However, the dynamic localization of β-catenin is still poorly understood. This research will help gain a deeper understanding of junctional mechanisms that may regulate the Wnt pathways and the possible biological mechanisms that could lead to developmental abnormalities. In vivo, visualization of β-catenin in Xenopus laevis embryos using a novel chromobody will enable unprecedented evaluation of how the canonical pathway influences β-catenin localization in the developing pronephric kidney in real-time. Future studies will determine how inhibitory/overexpression factors influence β-catenin localization in the pronephros. These studies will facilitate a deeper understanding of the canonical pathway in organogenesis.

Keywords

Wnt, Xenopus, Pronephros, Kidney, Development, β-Catenin

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Available for download on Thursday, December 10, 2026

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