Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Neuroscience
Additional Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Jacob Kerby, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Lee Baugh, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Douglas Peterson, Ph.D.
Keywords
FASD, mTOR, morphology, zebrafish
Subject Categories
Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) encompasses a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. This thesis investigates the interactions between ethanol and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway using zebrafish as a model organism. Zebrafish are advantageous due to their genetic similarities to humans, rapid development, and external fertilization, allowing precise control of ethanol exposure. This literature review explores how ethanol exposure affects zebrafish morphology, focusing on craniofacial and neurocranial development. Findings indicate that ethanol disrupts the mTOR pathway, leading to increased apoptosis and altered gene expression, which contribute to physical deformities. Key modulators of the mTOR pathway, such as the Pdgfra gene, rapamycin, L-leucine, folic acid, vitamin E, and L-arginine, were examined for their effects on ethanol-induced defects. Results show that up-regulators of the mTOR pathway, like L-leucine and folic acid, can partially rescue ethanol-induced morphological defects, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. The thesis underscores the importance of understanding mTOR’s involvement in FASD to develop effective interventions and how these interventions may work in humans.
Recommended Citation
Brock, Ashley M., "Ethanol-Induced Morphological Defects and mTOR: A Literature Review" (2025). Honors Thesis. 369.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/369