Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Institution
-
- University of Central Florida (161)
- University of South Florida (158)
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (157)
- The Texas Medical Center Library (134)
- Wayne State University (132)
-
- Old Dominion University (116)
- Western University (108)
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville (98)
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (90)
- University at Albany, State University of New York (80)
- University of Kentucky (78)
- Washington University in St. Louis (71)
- City University of New York (CUNY) (65)
- Wright State University (63)
- Loyola University Chicago (59)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (57)
- University of Texas at El Paso (54)
- East Tennessee State University (52)
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (52)
- William & Mary (48)
- Rowan University (45)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (44)
- University of Vermont (41)
- University of Louisville (35)
- University of Richmond (34)
- United Arab Emirates University (33)
- Clemson University (32)
- Purdue University (32)
- The University of Southern Mississippi (31)
- Louisiana State University (29)
- Keyword
-
- Cancer (84)
- Biological sciences (82)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (63)
- Apoptosis (45)
- Biochemistry (44)
-
- Proteomics (38)
- Drosophila (37)
- Transcription (37)
- Epigenetics (36)
- Molecular biology (35)
- Inflammation (31)
- Mitochondria (31)
- Molecular Biology (30)
- RNA (29)
- Breast cancer (28)
- Gene expression (27)
- Phosphorylation (27)
- Genetics (26)
- Metabolism (26)
- Arabidopsis (25)
- Bioinformatics (25)
- P53 (25)
- DNA (23)
- DNA repair (23)
- Biological Sciences (21)
- Pure sciences (20)
- Autophagy (19)
- Health and environmental sciences (19)
- MicroRNA (19)
- Neurodegeneration (19)
- Publication Year
- Publication
-
- Electronic Theses and Dissertations (285)
- USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations (158)
- Graduate Theses and Dissertations (147)
- Dissertations & Theses (Open Access) (134)
- Theses and Dissertations (132)
-
- Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository (108)
- Wayne State University Dissertations (104)
- Doctoral Dissertations (102)
- Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024) (79)
- Honors Theses (74)
- Masters Theses (71)
- Dissertations (69)
- Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences (67)
- Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations (63)
- Browse all Theses and Dissertations (63)
- Theses & Dissertations (57)
- Open Access Theses & Dissertations (54)
- Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects (52)
- Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects (48)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations (43)
- Graduate College Dissertations and Theses (41)
- Master's Theses (35)
- HIM 1990-2015 (34)
- Open Access Dissertations (30)
- Wayne State University Theses (27)
- UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones (25)
- All Dissertations (24)
- Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects (24)
- Theses (23)
- Biology Theses (21)
Articles 1 - 30 of 2815
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander
Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander
Student Theses and Dissertations
Aerobic metabolism is known to generate damaging ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that have the potential to cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. ROS are highly reactive atoms or molecules that rapidly interact with other molecules within a cell. Intracellular accumulation can result in oxidative damage, dysfunction, and cell death. Due to the limitations of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) detectors, other impacts of ROS exposure may have been missed. HyPer7, a genetically encoded sensor, measures hydrogen peroxide emissions precisely and sensitively, even at sublethal levels, during …
Characterizing The Role Of Pa5189 Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Deletion And Overexpression Mutants, Seh Na Mellick
Characterizing The Role Of Pa5189 Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Deletion And Overexpression Mutants, Seh Na Mellick
Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects
In the context of rising multidrug resistance in biofilm-forming pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, this study investigates the role of the understudied transcription factor PA5189 in antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. PA5189 deletion and overexpression mutants were created in a parent P. aeruginosa strain using pEX18Tc-based recombinant suicide vectors, with genotypic verification of putative triparental conjugants achieved through restriction digestion and PCR. The study revealed that PA5189 overexpression significantly increases resistance to commonly used broad spectrum antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and imipenem. Additionally, differential expression of PA5189 was found to notably affect biofilm formation, with variations contingent on the nutrient …
Understanding Taf13 (Tata Box-Binding Protein-Associated Factor 13) Upregulation In Eukaryotic Cells, Selin Kaplanoglu
Understanding Taf13 (Tata Box-Binding Protein-Associated Factor 13) Upregulation In Eukaryotic Cells, Selin Kaplanoglu
Honors Theses
TATA-binding protein (TBP) and TBP-associated factors (Tafs) comprise RNA Polymerase II (RNA Pol II) pre-initiation complex. This universal component carefully controls the transcriptional initiation process. One of the Tafs, Taf13, also plays an important role in the regulation of RNA Pol II transcription initiation which is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans. It is found that Taf13 is overexpressed in cancer cells, although the exact mechanism that is responsible for this overexpression is unclear. Our hypothesis suggests that targeted degradation by the 26S proteasome via ubiquitylation [Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS)] may be the mechanism that regulates the stability of Taf13. To …
Molecular Characterization Of Stress Response In Western Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera), Faizan Tahir
Molecular Characterization Of Stress Response In Western Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera), Faizan Tahir
Master's Theses
Honey bees are incredibly important for the reproduction of flowering plants and the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. However, they face various stressors such as pesticides, pathogens, habitat loss, and climate change. Extensive research has been conducted to understand how bees respond to these stressors. Scientists have discovered that honey bees exhibit complex physiological and behavioral responses to stress at individual and colony levels. Stress can have a significant impact on their immune function, foraging behavior, and reproductive success (Decourtye et al., 2010). Understanding bee responses to stress is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, honey bees are vital for the pollination …
Pipecolic Acid And Novel Insights Into Cerebral Malaria, Akua E. Mensah
Pipecolic Acid And Novel Insights Into Cerebral Malaria, Akua E. Mensah
Theses
Cerebral malaria (CM), a severe manifestation of Plasmodium infection, prompts our investigation into the nuanced role of pipecolic acid in its pathophysiology. To unravel the molecular intricacies, we conducted in vitro lysine labeling techniques of mice infected with P. berghei ANKA parasites, and human P. falciparum grown in vitro, aiming to discern the impact of Plasmodium on pipecolic acid production. Previous observations indicated an elevation in pipecolic acid levels correlating with neurological decline in children with CM. In our study, confirming elevated pipecolic acid presence in the plasma and brain tissues of CM patients and the animal model of CM, …
Tools For Biomolecular Modeling And Simulation, Xin Yang
Tools For Biomolecular Modeling And Simulation, Xin Yang
Mathematics Theses and Dissertations
Electrostatic interactions play a pivotal role in understanding biomolecular systems, influencing their structural stability and functional dynamics. The Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation, a prevalent implicit solvent model that treats the solvent as a continuum while describes the mobile ions using the Boltzmann distribution, has become a standard tool for detailed investigations into biomolecular electrostatics. There are two primary methodologies: grid-based finite difference or finite element methods and body-fitted boundary element methods. This dissertation focuses on developing fast and accurate PB solvers, leveraging both methodologies, to meet diverse scientific needs and overcome various obstacles in the field.
Remodeling Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer's Aggressive Profile And Metabolic Signature By Natural Alkaloid Berberine, Tara Elizabeth Jarboe
Remodeling Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer's Aggressive Profile And Metabolic Signature By Natural Alkaloid Berberine, Tara Elizabeth Jarboe
NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare, fatal cancer with a five-year survival of 4%. Universally diagnosed at stage IV, anaplastic thyroid cancer is characterized by its lack of differentiation, rapid proliferative rate, highly inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and metabolic dysregulation. Refractory to all established therapies, anaplastic thyroid cancer requires a novel therapeutic approach that targets all of these drivers of anaplastic thyroid cancer carcinogenesis. We propose natural alkaloid berberine as a therapeutic with multitarget efficacy to alter mitochondrial metabolism and reprogram anaplastic thyroid cancer’s aggressive phenotype. Our in vitro model uses monocyte cell line U937, anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines T238 …
The Role Of The Cdk8 Kinase Module In Maintaining Proteostasis, Stephen Willis
The Role Of The Cdk8 Kinase Module In Maintaining Proteostasis, Stephen Willis
Theses and Dissertations
The underlying etiology of numerous disease states results from perturbations in the maintenance of cellular proteostasis. Carcinogenesis relies on these perturbations to foster uncontrolled cell growth and eventual metastases, while neurodegenerative diseases are a consequence of such perturbations. Control of these processes occurs at numerous molecular levels, commonly starting with transcription. A key transcriptional complex that is involved is the CDK8 Kinase Module (CKM). The CKM is conserved from yeast to man, forming a tetrameric complex consisting of MED12, MED13, CDK8, and CCNC. The CKM has not only been implicated in a variety of cancers but also in a spectrum …
Myokine Probdnf-P75ntr Signaling In Skeletal Muscle Injury And Sterile Inflammation, Katherine Aby
Myokine Probdnf-P75ntr Signaling In Skeletal Muscle Injury And Sterile Inflammation, Katherine Aby
Dissertations and Theses
Originally discovered in the brain, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be expressed and released from skeletal muscle as a myokine. However, the function of myokine BDNF is not fully understood. Of interest to this study is the function of the BDNF precursor proBDNF in skeletal muscle. We first show that skeletal muscle expresses unique BDNF splice variants compared to the brain, and at the protein level, skeletal muscle expresses significantly more proBDNF than mature BDNF under basal conditions. Consistent with this, expression of major protein convertases in skeletal muscle were significantly lower. The role of myokine proBDNF …
Calcium And Proteasomal Regulation Of Er-To-Golgi Protein Transport In Neurons, Samuel A. Galindo
Calcium And Proteasomal Regulation Of Er-To-Golgi Protein Transport In Neurons, Samuel A. Galindo
Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts
Regulatory mechanisms of protein trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are critical to understand since neurodegenerative diseases involve defects in this process leading to chronic ER stress and cell death. This study aimed to better understand the calcium regulatory mechanisms of ER-to-Golgi trafficking in hybrid neuroglioblastoma cells (NG108). Specifically, we asked whether proteasomal degradation of transport machinery was involved in the previously demonstrated upregulation of ER-to-Golgi transport evoked by calcium signaling. Based upon previous literature, we believe that the calcium induced increase in transport is due to the activation of the calcium sensitive regulatory protein apoptosis linked gene 2 (ALG-2) …
Utilizing Plasmid Dna Hydrogels For Cell-Free Protein Production, Tinotenda Duche
Utilizing Plasmid Dna Hydrogels For Cell-Free Protein Production, Tinotenda Duche
Honors Theses and Capstones
Proteins play an important role in various biological processes and are crucial components in biomedical research and therapeutics. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has provided a valuable approach for rapid protein production outside living cells, involving both transcription and translation processes. However, traditional CFPS methods encounter challenges such as high cost, relatively low yields, and scalability. The end goal of our project is to incorporate our template into the hydrogel. In this work, we report advancements towards that by trying to optimize our solution of CFPS. Unfortunately, the standards for pDNA hydrogel synthesis are not met by the pDNA production and …
The Role Of Uchl1 In Skeletal Muscle Development And Regeneration, Ryan Antony
The Role Of Uchl1 In Skeletal Muscle Development And Regeneration, Ryan Antony
Dissertations and Theses
Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that was originally discovered in neurons. UCHL1 is also expressed in skeletal muscle, but its functions remain to be fully understood. Myogenesis is a critical process involved in embryonic development, growth, and regeneration following injury. Skeletal muscle injury is prevalent in trauma and surgical procedures, and skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a common yet dangerous public health problem. Here we reported that UCHL1 negatively affects muscle growth during aging as well as the regeneration process following IR injury. First, we observed that UCHL1 knockdown in C2C12 myoblasts resulted in increased …
Advancing Biological Applications Through Microfluidic-Based Tool Development, K.M. Taufiqur Rahman
Advancing Biological Applications Through Microfluidic-Based Tool Development, K.M. Taufiqur Rahman
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This research undertook an interdisciplinary approach, integrating bioengineering, microbiology, molecular biology, and systems biology to investigate bacterial dynamics behavior. Specifically, it delved into the development of microfluidic devices for biological applications such as bacterial cell counts, real-time observation of plant roots (here, specialized lectin-coated microbeads are used that mimic root characteristics), and soil microbe interactions. Furthermore, Next-Generation Sequencing and systems biology methodologies were employed to explore the intricate, multifaceted survival mechanisms of Escherichia coli persister population. Studying and quantifying persisters or testing for the existence of VBNC (viable but nonculturable) is challenging. These experiments require precise counts. It has been …
Quantum Dots' Toxicity: A Multi-Level Investigation On The Impact Of Quantum Dots On The Actin Cytoskeleton, Nhi Le
MSU Graduate Theses
Quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescence nanomaterials with unique optical and physical properties. As such, they are highly sought after for their potential use in several biomedical and industrial applications. Despite their vast potential, recent studies have suggested that quantum dots are toxic to cells. Yet, the mechanism of quantum dots’ toxicity remains unclear. As such, my thesis aims to comprehensively examine the mechanism of quantum dots’ toxicity, emphasizing how quantum dots disrupt the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, I used RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry to investigate the influence of CdSe/ZnS QDs on the transcriptomic proteomic level of Saccharomyces cerevisiae …
Structural And Functional Consequences Of Pde6 Prenylation In Rod And Cone Photoreceptors, Faezeh Moakedi
Structural And Functional Consequences Of Pde6 Prenylation In Rod And Cone Photoreceptors, Faezeh Moakedi
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) serves as a pivotal component in the phototransduction pathways of both cone and rod photoreceptors. In cones, PDE6 consists of tetrameric subunits: inhibitory (γ') and catalytic (α'). The catalytic subunit, PDE6α', contains a C-terminal prenylation motif. Deletion of this motif is associated with achromatopsia (ACHM), a form of color blindness. The mechanisms underlying the disease and the roles of PDE6 lipidation in vision remain elusive. Meanwhile, rod PDE6 is composed of α and β catalytic subunits and γ inhibitory subunits, with alterations in the C-terminal "prenylation motif" of PDE6β linked to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pathology. In this comprehensive …
The Function Of Protein Glutamylation In Vision, Rawaa Aljammal
The Function Of Protein Glutamylation In Vision, Rawaa Aljammal
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Posttranslational glutamylation of protein has emerged as a novel candidate for cellular integrity. In a dynamic process, Tubulin Tyrosine Ligase Like proteins (TTLLs) introduce glutamate groups to their substrates, while Cytosolic Carboxypeptidases members (CCP1-CCP6) remove these glutamate groups. The outcome of this interplay is a wide range of substrates; each is glutamylated to a level crucial for its function.
Protein glutamylation is particularly abundant in neurons and in the axoneme of cilia and flagella. This distribution, along with the correlation between imbalanced glutamylation levels and compromised cellular functions, underscores the significance of protein glutamylation in maintaining cellular viability. However, the …
The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, Dalton J. Anderson
The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, Dalton J. Anderson
Honors College Theses
The purpose of this research is to improve understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of embryonic exposure to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress induced by the antipyretic drug acetaminophen (APAP). Our study was the first to examine the interactive effects of APAP and inflammation in zebrafish embryos and how the treatments affect brain development and larval behavior. Experimental groups of zebrafish larvae were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation, APAP, or LPS + APAP and larval behavior was analyzed using Ethovision automated behavioral tracking software. We also measured changes in whole-brain Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta (GSK3B) and GSK3B phosphorylation, …
Cd46 Isoforms And Viral Receptor For Adenovirus Type 64d, Corina Stasiak
Cd46 Isoforms And Viral Receptor For Adenovirus Type 64d, Corina Stasiak
Honors Theses
Adenovirus Type 64 (Ad.64) belongs to the adenovirus subgroup D, which causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), otherwise known as viral pink eye. There is currently no known effective treatment for EKC. Membrane Cofactor Protein (CD46) is an integral membrane glycoprotein that, in previous studies, has been identified as a protein receptor for the closely related Ad.37. It has been determined that Ad.64 uses CD46 as a receptor on the cell surface in HeLa cells. CD46 is alternatively spliced when expressed to have different isoforms of interest, including the BC and C isoforms. Certain cell types, like A549 lung carcinoma cells, express …
Cd46 Is A Protein Receptor For Human Adenovirus Type 64, Alexander Michael Robertson
Cd46 Is A Protein Receptor For Human Adenovirus Type 64, Alexander Michael Robertson
Honors Theses
Adenoviruses are important gene delivery vectors and causative agents for a variety of human diseases such as the common cold and gastrointestinal infections. Human adenovirus type 64 (Ad64; formerly 19c) and type 37 are associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Based upon its high homology and similar disease tropism to Ad37, we hypothesized that Ad64 would have the same protein receptor, CD46 (membrane cofactor protein), as Ad37. We show that a recombinant Ad64 containing an enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein transgene (Ad64.eGFP) enters Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human CD46 (CHO-CD46) on the surface. Entry into human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells is increased …
Development Of A Diaryl Oxazole-Based Cleavable Linker For Peptides, Evan Wolff
Development Of A Diaryl Oxazole-Based Cleavable Linker For Peptides, Evan Wolff
Honors Theses
The development of new cleavable linkers increases the diversity of compatible conditions for peptide discovery platforms. Potential applications for these linkers include high-throughput pharmaceutical candidate screening when utilized in Peptide Encoded Libraries (PELs). This thesis describes the development of a bifunctional diaryl oxazole-based cleavable linker that may be incorporated into compounds through Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS). This oxazole-based linker may be rapidly cleaved by cerium ammonium nitrate in aqueous conditions and is compatible with most natural amino acids and a variety of unnatural amino acids. This linker represents the first single-electron oxidant labile linker described to our knowledge and it …
Structural Phylogenetics Of A Family Dna Polymerases, Yagmur Bingul
Structural Phylogenetics Of A Family Dna Polymerases, Yagmur Bingul
Honors Theses
The transition from the RNA to the DNA world stands as an important event, demanding the emergence of enzymatic activities for DNA precursor synthesis, retro-transcription of RNA templates, and replication of single and double-stranded DNA molecules. The distribution of protein families associated with these activities across the three domains of life—Archaea, Eukarya, and Bacteria—adds layers of complexity to the narrative. While Archaea and Eukarya often share similar protein structures, structural biology shows homologous, but distinct, structures in Bacteria. On the other hand, viral polymerases emerge as a crucial part of genome replication and transcription. Their versatility, including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, …
Heterocycles As Peptide-Based Cleavable Linkers, John Blobe
Heterocycles As Peptide-Based Cleavable Linkers, John Blobe
Honors Theses
As cancer cases continue to rise, the need for advancing the treatment options for cancer is ever increasing. Current cancer therapeutics, while effective at treating localized cancers and a fraction of advanced cancers, generally lack the specificity needed to target more advanced cancers. Recent advancements in cancer treatments have leveraged antibodies to target certain cancers. A class of drugs that utilize antibodies to deliver anti-cancer therapy preferentially to cancer cells, termed antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have been quite effective in treating certain advanced forms of certain cancers. These ADCs could be more effective if they could allow for the facile release …
Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles And Halogen Bond Interactions With Neonicotinoid Pesticides, Molly Mccuen “Mackey” Sherard
Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles And Halogen Bond Interactions With Neonicotinoid Pesticides, Molly Mccuen “Mackey” Sherard
Honors Theses
Neonicotinoid (NN) pesticides have emerged globally as one of the most widely used agricultural tools for protecting crops from pest damage and boosting food production. Unfortunately, some NN compounds, such as extensively employed imidacloprid-based pesticides, have also been identified as likely endangering critical pollinating insects like honey bees. To this end, NN pesticides pose a potential threat to world food supplies. As more countries restrict or prohibit the use of NN pesticides, tools are needed to effectively and quickly identify the presence of NN compounds like imidacloprid on site (e.g., in storage areas on farms or pesticide distribution warehouses). This …
Developing Regulated Crispr Systems To Control Bacterial Microbiomes, Gregory M. Pellegrino
Developing Regulated Crispr Systems To Control Bacterial Microbiomes, Gregory M. Pellegrino
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Changes to the human microbiome’s composition and metabolome are associated with numerous diseases and alterations to xenobiotic metabolism. As such, targeting the human microbiome is an increasingly popular option for therapeutic interventions. However, traditional therapies that target the microbiome such as antibiotics lack specificity, which can affect the beneficial species of the microbiome and cause adverse health outcomes such as the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Therefore, the research and development of specific, targeted antimicrobial therapies is crucial to effectively treating microbiome dysbioses.
CRISPR and CRISPRi provide easily modifiable, RNA-guided mechanisms mediated by the Cas9 or dCas9 enzymes to induce sequence-specific …
On The Anti-Adipogenic Function Of Collagen Triple Helix Repeat-Containing Protein 1, Matthew E. Siviski
On The Anti-Adipogenic Function Of Collagen Triple Helix Repeat-Containing Protein 1, Matthew E. Siviski
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Adipogenesis is regulated by the coordinated activity of adipogenic transcription factors, including PPAR-gamma (PPARG) and C/EBP alpha (CEBPA). Thus, dysregulated adipogenesis predisposes adipose tissues to adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. We have previously reported that mice possessing a homozygous null gene mutation in collagen triple helix repeat-containing protein 1 (CTHRC1) have increased adiposity compared to wildtype mice, supporting the concept that CTHRC1 regulates body composition. Herein, we investigated the anti-adipogenic activity of CTHRC1. Using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, we showed significantly reduced adipogenic differentiation in the presence of CTHRC1 commensurate to marked suppression of Cebpa and Pparg gene expression. In addition, CTHRC1 increased …
Diaryl Oxazoles As Cleavable Linkers For Drug Discovery Platforms, Elizabeth Taggart
Diaryl Oxazoles As Cleavable Linkers For Drug Discovery Platforms, Elizabeth Taggart
Honors Theses
Within the field of medicine and pharmacology, discovering small molecule or biologic based molecules with therapeutic potential is a difficult task. Current methods involve individually screening hundreds of compounds on a potential target biomolecule, and recent technologies have explored peptide encoded libraries (PELs) as a means of making this screening process more high-throughput. These libraries produce a large number of small molecule drug candidates each conjugated to a unique peptide fragment, functioning as a barcode. Analysis of PELs requires the capture of hit small molecules and the subsequent release of their peptide tags; however, current approaches are limited in their …
The Identification Of Small Molecule Inhibitors To Candida Albicans Phosphatidylserine Synthase, Yue Zhou
The Identification Of Small Molecule Inhibitors To Candida Albicans Phosphatidylserine Synthase, Yue Zhou
Doctoral Dissertations
Candida albicans phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase, encoded by the CHO1 gene, has been identified as a potential drug target for new antifungals against systemic candidiasis due to its importance in virulence, absence in the host and conservation among fungal pathogens. This dissertation is focused on the identification of inhibitors for this membrane enzyme. Cho1 has two substrates: cytidyldiphosphate-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) and serine. Previous studies identified a conserved CDP-alcohol phosphotransferase (CAPT) binding motif present within Cho1, and here we revealed that mutations in all but one conserved amino acid within the CAPT motif resulted in decreased Cho1. For serine, we have predicted a …
Biochemical And Kinetic Analysis Of Phosphofructokinase In The Eukaryotic Human Pathogen Entamoeba Histolytica, Jin Cho
All Dissertations
Entamoeba histolytica is a water- and food-borne intestinal parasite that causes amoebiasis and liver abscess in ~100 million people each year leading to ~100,000 deaths. This amitochondriate parasite lacks many metabolic pathways including the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, and cannot synthesize purines, pyrimidines, or most amino acids. As a result, E. histolytica is presumed to rely on its modified pyrophosphate (PPi)-dependent glycolytic pathway for ATP production during growth on glucose. This pathway relies on a PPi-dependent rather than ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFK) and thus has a net production of three ATP per glucose. However, in …
Repositioning Propranolol To Block Mitogenic Signaling In Breast Cancer, Alexa Noel Montoya
Repositioning Propranolol To Block Mitogenic Signaling In Breast Cancer, Alexa Noel Montoya
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among women and is about 30% of all new cases of female cancers each year. It is projected that 1 in 8 every U.S. woman (about 13%) develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. While advances in cancer research have made it possible to elucidate several breast cancer genomic subtypes, and develop new novel therapies, many of these agents are associated with significant toxicity, as well as high costs. A retrospective cross-sectional study of 404 breast cancer patients was performed to determine the effect of β-blocker usage on tumor …
Methodology To Investigate Protein-Protein Interactions Of Jun During Neuronal Differentiation Of Pc12 Cells, Heather L. Leskinen
Methodology To Investigate Protein-Protein Interactions Of Jun During Neuronal Differentiation Of Pc12 Cells, Heather L. Leskinen
Theses and Dissertations
In humans and other mammals, injury to the central nervous system (CNS) can cause a permanent loss of neuronal function, leading to cognitive defects, limb paralysis, and other neurological disabilities. In contrast, studies have shown that some non-mammalian vertebrates like zebrafish, have the remarkable ability to functionally regenerate axons after CNS injury by reactivating and sustaining the expression of regeneration-associated genes (RAGs). Some RAGs encode transcriptional regulators that dimerize to control downstream gene expression necessary for functional axonal recovery. Our lab has previously identified Jun as an important transcriptional regulator of regeneration after optic nerve injury in zebrafish. After axon …