Erin Craven

This project developed an RNA interference (RNAi) system to study gene function in the ostracod, Skogsberia. To establish a functional protocol, the project aimed to silence the genes responsible for embryo eye pigmentation, which serves as an easily observable visual indicator of successful gene knockdown. The experimental workflow involved synthesizing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) through a multi-step laboratory process—including PCR amplification, in vitro transcription, purification, and gel electrophoresis quality checks—while concurrently optimizing environmental factors like shaker speed and water volume to improve embryo survival rates. Although initial delivery attempts via maternal feeding met with low survival and did not successfully prevent eye pigmentation, the project established clear optimization guidelines and identified utilizing protein-based "Vitello Tags" as a promising future delivery strategy for targeted gene silencing.