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Decoding Prmt1: Studies On The Catalytic Mechanism, Regulation, Inhibition, And Crosstalk Of Prmt1-Dependent Methylation, Heather L. Rust
Decoding Prmt1: Studies On The Catalytic Mechanism, Regulation, Inhibition, And Crosstalk Of Prmt1-Dependent Methylation, Heather L. Rust
Theses and Dissertations
Arginine methylation is catalyzed by the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family of enzymes, which transfer a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the guanidinium group of an arginine residue. This reaction first produces monomethylated arginine (MMA) that can then be further methylated to produce either asymmetrically dimethylated arginine (ADMA) or symmetrically dimethylated arginine (SDMA). There are nine PRMT family members described to date, with PRMT1 as the predominant member, suggested to be responsible for ~85% of asymmetric dimethylation. In addition, PRMT1-dependent methylation likely plays a significant role in a plethora of diseases (e.g., cancer, heart disease, and ALS). These observations …
Plant Virus Based Materials For Cell Alignment And Differentiation, Elizabeth Balizan
Plant Virus Based Materials For Cell Alignment And Differentiation, Elizabeth Balizan
Theses and Dissertations
This research focused on developing and using plant virus based scaffolds to understand substrate control over cell alignment and differentiation. The first part of this work centered on development of virus based patterns that were then used to align and elongate aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Virus patterns were generated in capillary tubes via a simple drying method. Three experimental parameters were used to control pattern formation: (1) protein concentration, (2) salt concentration, and (3) hydrophobicity of the pre-deposition surface. By controlling these parameters several aspects of the final virus patterns were controlled. First, virus orientation was controlled. Patterns were …
Biomaterial-Induced Osteogenesis Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells By Surface Roughness And Functionalization, Pongkwan Sitasuwan
Biomaterial-Induced Osteogenesis Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells By Surface Roughness And Functionalization, Pongkwan Sitasuwan
Theses and Dissertations
For tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, it is important to understand factors directing the stem cell fate, including self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and smooth muscle cells. Specifically, in the field of bone tissue engineering, BMSCs are commonly used for in vitro osteogenesis studies. However the mechanisms and signaling pathways that these cells recognize material surface and utilize to differentiate are still unclear. This dissertation focuses on investigating the effect of surface nanotopography and functionalization on the promotion of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Surface …