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Full-Text Articles in Molecular Biology
Tnf-Like Weak Inducer Of Apoptosis (Tweak) : Not So Weak After All., Joseph Dekward Mcmillan Iv
Tnf-Like Weak Inducer Of Apoptosis (Tweak) : Not So Weak After All., Joseph Dekward Mcmillan Iv
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to the TNF super family. TWEAK produces a variety of cellular responses through the binding to fibroblast growth factor inducible 14 (Fn14), a member of TNF receptor superfamily. Although Fn14 lacks a death domain, TWEAK has been found to induce apoptosis in some cell types by perturbing the activity of certain pathways such as TNF-receptor signaling. TWEAK is also known to regulate proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells. We have previously reported that the TWEAK-Fn14 system causes skeletal muscle wasting both in vitro and in …
The Role Of Mitochondrial Omi/Htra2 Protease In Protein Quality Control And Mitophagy, Camilla Ambivero
The Role Of Mitochondrial Omi/Htra2 Protease In Protein Quality Control And Mitophagy, Camilla Ambivero
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Omi/HtrA2 is a mitochondrial serine protease with a dual and opposite function depending on its subcellular localization. Most of the previous studies focused on Omi/HtrA2’s pro-apoptotic function when the protein is released to the cytoplasm. It is becoming apparent that the main function of Omi/HtrA2 is within the mitochondria, where it has a pro-survival role. However, its mechanism is still poorly understood. To this end, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to dissect the Omi/HtrA2 pathway by identifying novel interactors and substrates. Our studies revealed a novel function of Omi/HtrA2 in the regulation of a deubiquitinating (DUB) complex. In addition …
Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Inflammatory Angiogenesis Induced By Monocyte Chemotactic Protein Induced Protein-1 (Mcpip1), Arpita Roy
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Major diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and tumor growth are known to involve inflammatory angiogenesis. MCP-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) encoded by ZC3H12A gene, was reported to promote angiogenesis and is addressed in my dissertation as MCPIP. The mechanism/s involved in the angiogenic differentiation induced by MCPIP was however unknown. The aim of this study was to bridge this gap in our knowledge and delineate the molecular mechanisms and sequential processes involved in angiogenesis mediated via MCPIP. To determine if angiogenesis induced by inflammatory cytokines, TNF-, IL-1 and IL-8 is mediated via induction of MCPIP, knockdown of MCPIP by …
Selenotrisulfide Derivative Of Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Evaluation In A Cell Culture Model For Potential Use As A Topical Antioxidant, Melenie Lee Alonis
Selenotrisulfide Derivative Of Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Evaluation In A Cell Culture Model For Potential Use As A Topical Antioxidant, Melenie Lee Alonis
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Selenium is a required micronutrient in mammalian cells. It is incorporated in the form of selenocysteine into selenoenzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, and is absolutely required for activity. Thioredoxin reductase is necessary for reduction of oxidized thioredoxin and therefore plays a major role in maintaining the redox status of the cell. Glutathione peroxidase is responsible for reducing peroxides into their corresponding alcohols and water. Together, these selenoenzymes constitute a significant part of the cell's arsenal to defend itself against oxidative stress. Exogenous sources of oxidative stress, such as UV radiation, are capable of generating reactive oxygen species …