Digital Commons Network^™

Towards A Unified Model Of Sperm Chromatin Structure, Graham Johnson

Wayne State University Dissertations

Sperm possess several layers of information that are delivered to the oocyte alongside the paternal DNA. Examples of potential sperm borne molecular cues of probable use to the embryo include RNAs and local and global chromatin structure. To identify candidate sperm RNAs that likely reach the oocyte cytoplasm following fertilization patterns of transcript compartmentalization in the mature gamete were identified. Though all sperm RNAs exhibited a preferential peripheral enrichment, a subset of RNAs were identified in which this trend was reduced. These RNAs are thought to be embedded with perinuclear theca and are correlated with late spermatogenic transcription. Malat1, a …

Platination Kinetics: Insight Into Rna-Cisplatin Interactions As A Probe For Rna Microenvironments, Gayani Dedduwa-Mudalige

Wayne State University Dissertations

RNAs are crucial for many cellular functions. Thus, studying ligand-RNA interactions and their dynamics in response to changes in the surrounding environment is important. In spite of the well-known DNA coordination, current research also indicates cisplatin binding to RNA. Kinetic studies of rRNA platination reactions are largely unexplored. This research was conducted to achieve two objectives. First, a broad kinetic study was carried out to investigate the cisplatin-rRNA interactions. The structure, function, and ligand interactions depend on RNA microenvironments. Second, the application of platination kinetics as a tool to interrogate RNA electrostatic environments was explored.

Three model rRNA hairpins from …