Molecular Biology Commons^™

Validating Functional Mechanisms For Non-Coding Genetic Variants Associated With Complex Traits, Cynthia Ann Kalita

Wayne State University Dissertations

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of genetic variants associated with disease as well as normal phenotypic variation for complex traits. However challenges remain in determining the functional relevance of human DNA sequence variants. Even after fine mapping, most variants are located in non-coding regions making it difficult to infer mechanisms linking individual genetic variants with the disease trait. In addition, we do not know under which environmental conditions the sequence variants have a functional impact, and whether they become one of many factors involved in complex phenotypes at the organismal level.

Chapter 1 describes computational methods …

Role Of Sirna Pathway In Epigenetic Modifications Of The Drosophila Melanogaster X Chromosome, Nikita Deshpande

Wayne State University Dissertations

Eukaryotic genomes are organized into large domains of coordinated regulation. The role of small RNAs in formation of these domains is largely unexplored. An extraordinary example of domain-wide regulation is X chromosome compensation in Drosophila melanogaster males. This process occurs by hypertranscription of genes on the single male X chromosome. Extensive research in this field has shown that the Male Specific Lethal (MSL) complex binds X-linked genes and modifies chromatin to increase expression. The components of this complex, and their actions on chromatin, are well studied. In contrast, the mechanism that results in exclusive recruitment to the X chromosome is …

Chchd10, A Novel Bi-Organellar Regulator Of Cellular Metabolism: Implications In Neurodegeneration, Neeraja Purandare

Wayne State University Dissertations

CHCHD10 (Coiled-coil Helix Coiled-coil Helix Domain containing protein 10) and MNRR1 (Mitochondrial Nuclear Retrograde Regulator 1, also known as CHCHD2), have been shown by us to be stress regulators of mitochondrial function that act both in the mitochondria and in the nucleus. Both are members of the twin CX9C family, but CHCHD10 in particular, has been found in mutant form to be linked to a myriad of neurodegenerative conditions. In mitochondria, both activate cytochrome c oxidase (COX) whereas in the nucleus, both act as transcription regulators of a subset of genes that contain a 13-bp sequence termed as the oxygen …