1. Nikki Parks and Denise Cabeza Advisor, Dr. Brent Polk
The Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor on Intestinal Epithelial Cell Receptors
Nikki Parks and Denise Cabeza
Advisor, Dr. Brent Polk

2. Wound Closure
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) plays a large role in intestinal epithelial wound closure
EGF-receptor concentration in migrating cell

3. Purpose
Diseases such as peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis
Possible enhancement of wound closure using EGF-receptors

4. Objectives Develop an assay that will :
allow examination of the distribution of EGF receptors (fused with a fluorescent protein) on a cell membrane
confirm the expected result; that EGF receptors concentrate on the leading edge of a cell migrating towards EGF

5. Completed Tasks Read background text learned to perform cell cultures
learned how to perform video microscopy
learned to use Dunn Direct-Viewing Chamber

6. Current Work
Using the Dunn chamber to study the localization of EGF receptors using antibody detection in fixed cells

7. Future Plans
Living cells will be examined using a confocal laser microscope to observe cells during migration
Cells will be observed in both the presence and absence of EGF
Redistribution of EGF receptors will be observed in a dynamic assay