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Articles 1 - 18 of 18
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Structure-Activity Relationship Studies Of Small Molecules Directed Against The T-Box Specifier Loop, Spencer Weintraub
Structure-Activity Relationship Studies Of Small Molecules Directed Against The T-Box Specifier Loop, Spencer Weintraub
Biological Sciences
High rates of antibiotic use have resulted in the pervasiveness of multi-drug resistant organisms. With rising drug-resistance the development of antibiotics with new targets against these pathogens is imperative. The T-box regulatory mechanism is a process specific to Grampositive bacteria and controls many essential genes including aaRS genes, which are code for the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases required to charge tRNA. The T-box Specifier Loop is a novel target for antibacterial drug discovery as we hypothesize that a small compound bound to the Specifier Loop will inhibit transcription of essential bacterial genes resulting in bacterial cell death or growth arrest. We used …
Use Of A Ph-Sensitive Probe To Study The Role Of Pkc-Epsilon In Phagocytosis Of Pathogens, Rebekah Marie Pierce
Use Of A Ph-Sensitive Probe To Study The Role Of Pkc-Epsilon In Phagocytosis Of Pathogens, Rebekah Marie Pierce
Biological Sciences
The main force behind innate immunity, our primary defense against infection, is the clearance of pathogens, or phagocytosis. Protein Kinase C-epsilon (PKC-ε) is necessary for efficient phagocytosis of antibody (IgG)-coated particles. Previous studies used IgG-coated glass beads, which are larger and more rigid than bacteria and lack their complex surface protein expression. To test the hypothesis that PKC-ε is necessary for phagocytosis of pathogens, we compared the rate of uptake of common pathogens by macrophages from wild type and PKC- ε knock out mice. We tested two targets, a bacteria (E. coli) and a yeast (zymosan), both physiologically relevant phagocytic …
The Rck/P54 Prion-Related Domain And Its Influence On The Localization And Function Of Rck/P54 During Hcv Infection, Lindsey Oltz
The Rck/P54 Prion-Related Domain And Its Influence On The Localization And Function Of Rck/P54 During Hcv Infection, Lindsey Oltz
Biological Sciences
Currently over 180 million people are infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. HCV infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver cirrhosis, and chronic hepatitis. The available antiviral treatment of interferon and ribavirin has limited success, is costly and toxic. Furthermore, there is no vaccine. An increased understanding of how HCV exploits the many cellular pathways and host factors during infection will provide information necessary for the development of novel anti-HCV therapies, which target host proteins rather than the rapidly evolving viral proteins. During infection, HCV interacts with and manipulates many host mRNA pathways. The Pager lab …
Developing A Novel Means Of Observing The Intracellular Activities Of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K Within Xenopus Laevis, Janeah A. Alexis
Developing A Novel Means Of Observing The Intracellular Activities Of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K Within Xenopus Laevis, Janeah A. Alexis
Biological Sciences
Research into the regeneration of optic nerves in Xenopus laevis has determined that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) plays a crucial role in regulating the trafficking and translation of mRNAs essential for the organization of the axonal cytoskeleton. To further explore this role, our lab has turned to tools that can definitively elucidate hnRNP K’s translocation in-and-out of the nucleus, as well as directly quantitate its degradation rate, in vivo. An appropriate tool for such experiments is the monomeric Eos fluorescent protein (mEosFP), which can be stably and irreversibly photo-converted. This fluorescent protein naturally emits green light (~516nm) and …
Identifying Genes That Affect Lactococcus Lactis Intron Mobility, Mary Njie
Identifying Genes That Affect Lactococcus Lactis Intron Mobility, Mary Njie
Biological Sciences
A gene consists of coding segments, exons, which are maintained and contribute to the final mRNA product, while non-coding segments, introns, are spliced out through RNA splicing mechanisms to code a functional gene. The mobility of the spliced introns and factors that affect mobility are an important field of study evolutionarily whereas splicing defects have medical implications. For this study, the genome of the Lactococcus lactis bacterial strain, IL1403 and the group II intron of interest, L1.LtrB were utilized. This intron moves into new sites on DNA by a process termed retrotransposition (RTP). Our goal is to identify genes that …
The Differential Splicing Of The Socs2 5’Utr, A Gene Involved In Successful Central Nervous System Axon Regeneration In Xenopus Laevis, Megan Gura
Biological Sciences
The amphibian Xenopus laevis has the ability to regenerate axons of its optic nerve even after metamorphosis. From previous studies done in our lab, we found that Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 2 (SOCS2) could be involved in the complex pathway of genes regulating nervous system development and regeneration. 3’ and 5’ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) revealed that the 5’ untranslated region (UTR) of SOCS2 contains two splice forms. One splice form contained a previously unidentified 68 base pair exon, which will be referred to as ‘Exon 2’, which we hypothesized is involved in post-transcriptional regulation of SOCS2. I …
Chronic Resveratrol Treatment Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits Associated With A High Fat Diet, Kelsey E. O'Leary
Chronic Resveratrol Treatment Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits Associated With A High Fat Diet, Kelsey E. O'Leary
Biological Sciences
Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant found in red wine known to have anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects in both humans and animals. Resveratrol's primary biological action is as an antioxidant, causing a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are produced as byproducts of normal metabolic functions, but become abnormally elevated in individuals who consume a high fat diet (HFD) or who have metabolic conditions like Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM); in these circumstances, abnormal elevation in ROS leads to cellular damage and cell death. Another common effect of a diet high in fat and calories is cognitive impairment: specifically, …
Genome-Scale Analyses Of Transcription And Transcriptional Regulation In Bacteria, Devon Marie Fitzgerald
Genome-Scale Analyses Of Transcription And Transcriptional Regulation In Bacteria, Devon Marie Fitzgerald
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The textbook model of bacterial transcription regulation posits that promoters occur immediately upstream of genes and that transcription factors (TFs) modulate transcription through promoter-proximal binding. However, the recent application of unbiased genome-wide approaches, such as ChIP-seq and RNA-seq, has revealed a much more complex picture, including TF binding and transcription initiation occurring in unexpected locations. This dissertation describes the use of deep sequencing-based approaches to evaluate the genome-wide binding of transcription-related proteins and identify locations of transcription initiation. I have assessed the genome-wide binding of three Escherichia coli TFs and an alternative σ factor. Additionally, I have analyzed genome-wide patterns …
Foraminiferal Beta 2-Tubulin And Microtubule To Helical Filament Transition In Reticulomyxa Filosa, Ingrid Ann Hahn
Foraminiferal Beta 2-Tubulin And Microtubule To Helical Filament Transition In Reticulomyxa Filosa, Ingrid Ann Hahn
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Foraminifera have unusually fast dynamic movements resulting in the reorganization of the microtubule cytoskeleton (Travis and Bowser, 1988; Travis et al., 1983). We are interested in using Reticulomyxa filosa as a model to investigate the mechanisms and factors that regulate such fast microtubule assembly/disassembly rates (Chen and Schliwa 1990; Travis and Bowser, 1991; Welnhofer and Travis, 1996). Compared to conventional microtubule assembly and disassembly models, foraminifera tubulin can exist in another assembly state termed helical filaments. A novel form of tubulin, β2, in foraminifera is likely critical to these unusual microtubule properties. This thesis investigates Reticulomyxa filosa, a freshwater foraminifera …
Characterization Of R-Plasmid Dependent Single-Stranded Rna Phages : Interactions Of Phage Hgal1 With Five Enterobacteriaceae Species, Sherin Kannoly
Characterization Of R-Plasmid Dependent Single-Stranded Rna Phages : Interactions Of Phage Hgal1 With Five Enterobacteriaceae Species, Sherin Kannoly
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Viruses in general have a narrow host range, usually infecting a single or very closely related host species. Recently, emerging diseases in human populations have been increasingly attributed to host range expansion in animal viruses. Many studies have investigated host range expansion in model systems involving animal viruses and potential hosts. My study describes the development of a model system that uses a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) phage and five Enterobacteriaceae species. The study involved: I) Characterization of two ssRNA phages, Hgal1 and C-1, and assessing their abilities to infect multiple hosts, II) Developing and characterizing a model system involving an …
Human Feeding Biomechanics : Intraspecific Variation And Evolution, Justin Ledogar
Human Feeding Biomechanics : Intraspecific Variation And Evolution, Justin Ledogar
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
This study examines feeding biomechanics in modern human crania and those of extinct early members of the human lineage in order to better understand the selective pressures that influenced human craniofacial evolution. Specifically, this study uses finite element analysis to examine: 1) human feeding performance, in terms bite force production and craniofacial strength; 2) intraspecific variation in human feeding biomechanics; 3) feeding biomechanics in fossil hominins, including Australopithecus sediba and Homo habilis, species that are potentially at the root of modern human lineage, and 4) the functional role of purported facial buttresses.
Landowner Knowledge And Opinions Of Invasive Species And Their Management Surrounding A Suburban Nature Preserve, Christina Mclaughlin
Landowner Knowledge And Opinions Of Invasive Species And Their Management Surrounding A Suburban Nature Preserve, Christina Mclaughlin
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Invasive species are a growing human-caused threat to biodiversity around the globe as they are moved both accidentally and intentionally through trade routes. The human component of conservation management is especially critical in invasive species, as human awareness is key to preventing and rapidly responding to new introductions. Yet the social component of management is poorly studied, even as outreach efforts continue to grow in an effort to gain public support. This study attempts to understand public knowledge and opinions toward invasive species and their management through an online survey of neighboring landowners to a suburban nature preserve, the Albany …
Rna Aptamers For Molecular Chaperones Hsp27 And Hsp90, Sathishkumar Kumar Munusamy
Rna Aptamers For Molecular Chaperones Hsp27 And Hsp90, Sathishkumar Kumar Munusamy
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Hsp90 and Hsp27 are members of the heat shock protein family of chaperones that perform multiple roles in cellular maintenance through protein folding and inhibition of apoptosis. They are abundantly expressed in cells and are over-expressed during conditions of stress. Hsp90 requires ATP for its chaperone function while Hsp27 self-associates into higher order oligomers enclosing its substrate. Their ability to interact with other proteins or with themselves lies at the heart of their mechanisms. The specific consequences of each of their interactions on global cellular health have not yet been fully discovered. The sheer diversity of proteins that interact with …
Impacts Of Climate, Geography And White-Nose Syndrome Mortality On The Population Genetic Structure And Variation Of Myotis Lucifugus In The Eastern United States, Shannon Marie Dodge Morgan
Impacts Of Climate, Geography And White-Nose Syndrome Mortality On The Population Genetic Structure And Variation Of Myotis Lucifugus In The Eastern United States, Shannon Marie Dodge Morgan
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
A myriad of biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the fluctuations in geographic range and size of animal populations. In the Nearctic, bat species have experienced drastic historic changes in available habitat due to Pleistocene glaciations, and are recently imperiled by the introduction of a novel fungal pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans within the last decade. Myotis lucifugus in particular has lost 90-95% of the population in the eastern US due to the fungal disease White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). A population decline of this magnitude will likely result in a loss of allelic diversity as a result of a genetic bottleneck. My study …
Understanding Transcriptional Enhancement In Monoclonal Antibody-Producing Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells, Sarah E. Nicoletti
Understanding Transcriptional Enhancement In Monoclonal Antibody-Producing Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells, Sarah E. Nicoletti
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
With the demand for monoclonal antibody (mAB) therapeutics continually increasing, the need to better understand what makes a high productivity clone has gained substantial interest. Monoclonal antibody producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with different productivities were provided by a biopharmaceutical company for investigation. Gene copy numbers, mRNA levels, and mAb productivities were previously determined for two low producing clones and their amplified progeny. These results showed an increase in mRNA copy number in amplified clones, which correlated to the observed increases in specific productivity of these clones. The presence of multiple copies of mRNA per one copy of DNA …
Evolution Of Viral Host Recognition Through Multiple Pathways, Sara Stark
Evolution Of Viral Host Recognition Through Multiple Pathways, Sara Stark
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Most viruses are specialists and have a narrow host range, infecting only a single species or host strain. However, many of the viruses currently responsible for causing emerging infectious diseases are generalists and able to infect a wider host range. Viruses that are able to infect multiple hosts are more likely to continue expanding their host range and infecting additional species. The ability to infect a novel host is a complex process. The first step required to acquire the ability to infect a novel host is host recognition; the host recognition binding protein on the virus must be able to …
Rna Aptamer Mediated Manipulation Of The 70 Kilodalton Heat Shock Protein Chaperone Machinery, Deepak Thirunavukarasu
Rna Aptamer Mediated Manipulation Of The 70 Kilodalton Heat Shock Protein Chaperone Machinery, Deepak Thirunavukarasu
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Protein quality control involves refolding of damaged proteins and facilitating degradation of irreparable proteins. Understanding the protein quality control mechanism is critical, since defects in it has been implicated in a number of age-related diseases like neurodegenerative diseases and also in cancer. A vast network of molecular chaperones and proteolytic systems collaborate to maintain protein quality control. The 70 kilodalton Heat shock protein (Hsp70) is a highly conserved and ubiquitous chaperone, which interacts with a variety of protein substrates including newly synthesized polypeptides, unfolded, partially misfolded and native proteins to maintain protein quality control. Hsp70 chaperone function is coupled to …
A Novel Method For Studying Gene Regulatory Elements In Vivo Reveals Essential Roles For Intron Splicing In Neurofilament Gene Expression, Chen Wang
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Axon outgrowth requires coordinated expression of critical cytoskeletal genes in response to extracellular cues. The spatial and temporal expression of these genes is regulated transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally. Such regulation is largely mediated through the activity of cis-regulatory elements within the cytoskeletal DNAs and RNAs, which recruit specific sets of trans-factors such as DNA- and RNA-binding proteins, as well as microRNAs. To identify the functionally active cis-elements, characterize their dynamically changing sets of trans-factors, and investigate the association between the two sets of regulators in the context of an intact developing nervous system, one needs to combine appropriate in vivo strategies …