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Structure-Function Analysis Of Zapc, An Ftsz-Ring Stabilizer, In Escherichia Coli Cytokinesis, Lukasz Tchorzewski
Structure-Function Analysis Of Zapc, An Ftsz-Ring Stabilizer, In Escherichia Coli Cytokinesis, Lukasz Tchorzewski
Dissertations and Theses
In Escherichia coli, cell division is defined by the polymerization and constriction of a cytokinetic ring (Z ring) formed by FtsZ, a tubulin-like GTPase, at midcell. Division also involves the formation of a multi-protein complex at midcell known as the divisome. Several divisome proteins promote the assembly/disassembly processes of FtsZ, thereby exercising spatiotemporal control over division. Among FtsZ regulatory proteins are the FtsZ ringassociated proteins (Zap), which either directly or indirectly stabilize the Z-ring by increasing lateral interactions amongst FtsZ protofilaments in the Z-ring. ZapA-D are recruited during early cytokinesis and have overlapping functions in stabilizing FtsZ at midcell, but …
Screen For Suppressors And Enhancers Of Excitotoxic Neurodegeneration, Anthony Omorodion Edokpolo
Screen For Suppressors And Enhancers Of Excitotoxic Neurodegeneration, Anthony Omorodion Edokpolo
Dissertations and Theses
Excitotoxicity is an important and frequently observed neurodegenerative process. Excitotoxicity mediates brain damage in a range of diseases and conditions including stroke, and is triggered by excessive stimulation of glutamatergic synapses. In spite of extensive studies, the molecular mechanisms involved in excitotoxicity following the over-activation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors are not well understood, and clinical trials based on our partial understanding of the process ended with disappointment. Genetic screens in simple animal models offer a powerful alternative approach, since screens are unbiased, analysis is facilitated by strong research tools, and cellular mechanisms are highly conserved through evolution. We produced a …