Molecular Biology Commons^™

Development Of Genetic Goat And Hamster Models Of Atrial Fibrillation And Long Qt Syndrome; And Genetic Hamster Models Of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Dane A. Rasmussen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and long QT syndrome (LQTS) are potentially lethal heart rhythm disorders that can be caused by mutations in the potassium channel gene KCNQ1. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral infection with the potential to replicate the devastating effects of the SARS outbreak in 2003. All three of these diseases are in need of genetic animal models.

To address these needs, my thesis project focused on the development of genetic goat and hamster models of AF and LQTS, and genetic hamster models of MERS. Because of the goat’s similar organ size/physiology and the hamster’s similar lipid …

Characterization And Potential Utility Of Porcine Trophoblast-Derived Stem-Like Cells, Edison A. Suasnavas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In mammalian pregnancy, the placenta is a very important organ which helps to establish a healthy pregnancy. Its functions could be described in four points: 1) It allows the fetus to receive gases and nutrients from the mother in a safe way; 2) it lets the fetus get rid of waste through the mother's kidneys; 3) it releases essential pregnancy-related hormones and growth factors that let the uterus hold the fetus; 4) it secretes immune response regulators to give the fetus immune protection against the mother. Abnormalities in the placenta can be the cause of death to the fetus. Mammalian …