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Articles 1 - 30 of 52
Full-Text Articles in Biology
The Role Of Apolipoprotein E In Regulating Tau Pathogenesis And Neurodegeneration In A Tauopathy Mouse Model, Yang Shi
Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations
APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). APOE4 increases brain amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology relative to other APOE isoforms. However, whether APOE independently influences tau pathology, the other pathological hallmark of AD and other tauopathies, or tau-mediated neurodegeneration, is not clear. By generating P301S tau transgenic mice on either a human APOE knock in (KI) or APOE knockout (KO) background, we show that the presence of human APOE, regardless of APOE isoforms, leads to various degrees of brain atrophy in 9-month old P301S mice, whereas APOE ablation strongly protects against neurodegeneration. In particular, P301S/E4 mice develop …
The Role Of Tumor Suppressor Dear1 In The Acquisition Of Mammary Stem/Progenitor Cell Properties, Uyen Le
The Role Of Tumor Suppressor Dear1 In The Acquisition Of Mammary Stem/Progenitor Cell Properties, Uyen Le
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in America. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), one of the earliest pre-invasive forms of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), has a 30-50% risk of progressing to IDC. Understanding the mechanisms regulating progression from DCIS to IDC would help identify biomarkers to stratify patients at higher risk of progression or metastasis. Cumulative literature suggests the earliest phase of dissemination from the primary tumor is driven by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. DEAR1 is a tumor suppressor gene which is mutated, undergoes loss of heterozygosity in breast cancer, and is downregulated in DCIS …
The Study Of Alcoholic Liver Diseases, Seun Emmanuel Owoseni
The Study Of Alcoholic Liver Diseases, Seun Emmanuel Owoseni
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Excessive alcohol consumption is the primary contributing factor in the development of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD). Nicotine contained in tobacco is a major addictive alkaloid, which enhances the effects of ALDs. The major enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism is cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5) which is produced in the liver. Alcohol can stimulate the CYP2A5 enzyme. We utilized cyp2a5-/- knockout mice in this research to examine the effects of CYP2A5.
The cyp2a5-/- mice and wild-type (WT) mice were fed liquid ethanol diet with or without nicotine to induce ALD. Nicotine enhancing effects on ALD were observed in WT mice but not …
The Effect Of Wild Blueberry Bioactives On Endothelial Cell Migration And Angiogenesis: An In Vitro Mechanistic, Genomic And Proteomic Approach, Panagiotis Tsakiroglou
The Effect Of Wild Blueberry Bioactives On Endothelial Cell Migration And Angiogenesis: An In Vitro Mechanistic, Genomic And Proteomic Approach, Panagiotis Tsakiroglou
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of wild blueberry fractions (Anthocyanins and Phenolic acids) on vascular function and physiology. More specifically the potential effects of the above fractions and their combination in physiological concentrations on endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, gene expression and proteins synthesis of markers related to the above processes. The objectives are to study whether anthocyanins, phenolic acids and their combinations (ACNs:PAs) affect: a) cell proliferation, b) speed of endothelial cell migration, c) angiogenesis, d) gene expression of genes critical for cell migration and angiogenesis such as RAC1, RHOA, AKT1, eNOS and VEGF and …
Viral Mhc Class I Evasion Affects Anti-Viral T Cell Development And Responses, Elvin James Lauron
Viral Mhc Class I Evasion Affects Anti-Viral T Cell Development And Responses, Elvin James Lauron
Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs) play a critical role in protective immunity against viruses, a fact underscored by the evolution of viral CTL evasion mechanisms. For instance, many viruses commonly target the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) antigen presentation pathway to prevent CTLs from recognizing infected cells. A striking example of this is cowpox virus (CPXV), which interferes with MHCI antigen presentation through two distinct mechanisms. One mechanism of CPXV-mediated MHCI inhibition is to retain MHCI molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The second mechanism is to prevent antigen peptide loading onto MHCI molecules. When combined these mechanisms result …
Microrna Functions In Uv-Induced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Tran Nguyen
Microrna Functions In Uv-Induced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Tran Nguyen
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, for which long term UV exposure and chronic wounding are the dominant risk factors. Despite these clinically established connections, little is understood about the early molecular response of human skin to UV exposure and its connection to acute wounding and cuSCC. Thus, our goal is to find common and specific signatures driven by UV-exposure and wounding as a means of developing new approaches for treating and preventing cuSCC.
Here, we perform integrated analyses of RNA-seq and miR-seq on 3 datasets: (1) UV-unexposed and acute UV-exposed human skin, (2) …
Characterization Of Theranostic Peptides For Glioblastoma Multiforme, Aaron Mellesmoen
Characterization Of Theranostic Peptides For Glioblastoma Multiforme, Aaron Mellesmoen
All NMU Master's Theses
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a type of primary CNS tumor in which viable treatment options do not exist. Standard of care including tumor resection, chemotherapy, and radiation does little to extend the 5-year survival expectancy past 5.1%. Herein, two small-peptide molecules with inherent antitumor activity, blood-brain barrier permeability, and capability for tumor-specific drug deliverance and intraoperative visualization (termed theranostic) were of focus. Confocal microscopy was employed to characterize in vitro specificity of chlorotoxin, a 4 kDa scorpion venom peptide, and rBSG, the recombinant 25 kDa non-glycosylated extracellular domain of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN; Basigin) isoform …
The Role Of Perivascular Fibrosis In Post-Stroke Glymphatic Impairment And Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Matthew D. Howe
The Role Of Perivascular Fibrosis In Post-Stroke Glymphatic Impairment And Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Matthew D. Howe
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
In healthy brain tissue, toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) proteins are transported by the pulsatile flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) along perivascular drainage pathways. Ischemic stroke may disrupt this process, leading to a perivascular build-up of Aβ, termed cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). I hypothesize that an abnormal pattern of extracellular matrix deposition within the vascular basement membrane, termed fibrosis, impairs Aβ drainage from the aged brain after stroke. I further hypothesize that inhibition of astrocytic transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling can reverse these phenotypes. Finally, I also hypothesize that serum biomarkers of perivascular fibrosis can be used to diagnose CAA following intracerebral …
Differential Migration Of Cd4+ And Cd8+ T Cells During An Immune Response, Jacob Parrott
Differential Migration Of Cd4+ And Cd8+ T Cells During An Immune Response, Jacob Parrott
Theses and Dissertations
ABSTRACT
DIFFERENTIAL MIGRATION OF CD4+ AND CD8+ T CELLS DURING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE
by
Jacob Parrott
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2018
Under the Supervision of Professor Douglas Steeber
Lymphocyte migration is critical for recognizing pathogenic challenges in a timely manner and generating effective, rapid immune responses. Lymphocyte numbers in secondary lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes are rapidly and dramatically increased during an immune response. Lymphocytes use specific adhesion molecules and intracellular signaling cascades to migrate and enter secondary lymphoid tissues under resting conditions. It is not clear if the same migration and/or entry pathways are utilized when secondary lymphoid …
Unfolded Protein Response Pathways In Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis., Kyle R. Bohnert
Unfolded Protein Response Pathways In Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis., Kyle R. Bohnert
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Skeletal muscle mass, contractile properties, and metabolic function are regulated through the coordinated activation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways and genetic reprogramming. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a pivotal role in protein folding and calcium homeostasis in many cell types, including skeletal muscle. Disruption of calcium levels or accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen leads to stress, which results in the activation of a signaling network called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Further, recent studies have suggested that in certain conditions, UPR pathways can be activated independent of ER stress. However, the role of ER stress and the …
Survey Assessment Of Community Knowledge And Prevention Of Chagas Disease And Its Vector In Hidalgo And Cameron Counties, Adam Dennis Wiejaczka
Survey Assessment Of Community Knowledge And Prevention Of Chagas Disease And Its Vector In Hidalgo And Cameron Counties, Adam Dennis Wiejaczka
Theses and Dissertations
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, kills thousands of people annually and is the dominant cause of infectious myocarditis worldwide. Kissing bugs are vectors that carry T. cruzi . and are found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV). There is no vaccination nor cure for Chagas. The best mechanism of prevention is to control vector infestations. Little research is available regarding the level of understanding local communities have about Chagas.
Our goal was to test the knowledge of several communities in the LRGV on Chagas disease. Our hypothesis states that local communities do not have sufficient …
Modeling And Mapping Addiction In The Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Bradley Serpa
Modeling And Mapping Addiction In The Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Bradley Serpa
Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses
Driven by the communication of dopamine, the vertebrate reward system has been evolutionarily conserved to maintain survival and optimize fitness. The neural circuits governing this system integrate sensory stimuli to produce appropriate, self-preserving responses that underlie experience-based learning. In the most primitive vertebrates, dopamine release in neuronal circuits drives homeostatic behaviors, such as seeking nutrients, finding a mate, or avoiding danger. From agnathans to mammals, dopaminergic synthesis and signaling genes and molecules, along with neuronal pathways and reward system-based behaviors, remain highly conserved. Dopamine signaling proteins include two classes of metabotropic G-Protein Receptor Coupled Dopamine Receptors, D1-like (DRD1) and D2-like …
Functional Polymorphisms Of Alcohol Metabolism Genes And Their Protection Against Alcoholism Via Gene Therapy: A Systematic Review, Olivia Tzeng
Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses
Around 45% of East Asians are unable to fully metabolize ethanol due to functional
polymorphisms of alcohol metabolism genes, specifically alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). These individuals display high levels of toxic blood acetaldehyde when consuming alcohol, causing symptoms such as tachycardia, vomiting, and flushing. The studies included in this review examine how functional polymorphisms of ADH and ALDH protect against alcoholism in addition to how polymorphisms can be utilized as protection against alcoholism via gene therapy. The studies included found that carriers of the ADH and ALDH polymorphisms were 66 to 99% genetically protected against alcoholism. Through …
Tanapox: A Potential Oncolytic Virus For The Treatment Of Cancer, Joel Marty
Tanapox: A Potential Oncolytic Virus For The Treatment Of Cancer, Joel Marty
Honors Theses
The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as a group of related diseases characterized by unimpeded cell division with metastatic abilities. Cells frequently mutate and potentially become cancerous, but generally these cells are cleared by the immune system. The disease state of cancer arises when the mutated cells evade the immune clearance, which indicates medical intervention is required. Current therapies most commonly utilize chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the two, however, alternative therapies are being developed such as immunotherapies and oncolytic viruses (OVs). OVs cause a viral infection, clearing cancerous cells through viral replication mechanisms, such as viral cytolysis, while …
The Design Of Complex Weapons Systems In Scorpions: Sexual, Ontogenetic, And Interspecific Variation, Gerard A. A. Fox
The Design Of Complex Weapons Systems In Scorpions: Sexual, Ontogenetic, And Interspecific Variation, Gerard A. A. Fox
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Scorpions possess two integrated multifunctional weapons systems. Anteriorly, they maintain a grasping system comprised of a pair of pedipalps ending in chelae that seize and manipulate prey, ward off predators, and secure mates. Posteriorly, they wield a venom delivery system consisting of a tail-like metasoma with a stinger at the tip of the terminal segment (telson) that can be thrust into prey, predators, or mates to inject venom. Given the complexity of these systems, I hypothesized that weaponry design is subject to selective forces arising from differences in usage between the sexes, during ontogeny, and among closely-related species occupying different …
Investigating The Effects Of Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation On The Expression Of Nkcc1 In Mice, Pasindu Weliwaththage
Investigating The Effects Of Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation On The Expression Of Nkcc1 In Mice, Pasindu Weliwaththage
Student Theses
Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive powerful tool demonstrated to positively affect behavior and motor function. tsDCS is a neuromodulatory technique capable of altering spinal and cortical excitability and even regain motor function after complete motor paralysis (Cortes et at, 2017). tsDCS causes immediate and long-term effects in spinal excitability (Ahmed, 2011, 2013; Ahmed and Wieraszko, 2012; Cogiamanian et al., 2011, 2012). Studies have been conducted on both healthy and injured subjects. The ultimate goal is to ameliorate the devastating effects of Spinal Cord Injury. Though researchers have been successful in improving motor function, the molecular basis of …
Fungal Endophytes In A Seed-Free Host: New Species That Demonstrate Unique Community Dynamics, Brett Steven Younginger
Fungal Endophytes In A Seed-Free Host: New Species That Demonstrate Unique Community Dynamics, Brett Steven Younginger
Dissertations and Theses
Fungal endophytes are highly diverse, cryptic plant endosymbionts that form asymptomatic infections within host tissue. They represent a large fraction of the millions of undescribed fungal taxa on our planet with some demonstrating mutualistic benefits to their hosts including herbivore and pathogen defense and abiotic stress tolerance. Other endophytes are latent saprotrophs or pathogens, awaiting host plant senescence to begin alternative stages of their life cycles. Most, however, are likely plant commensals with no observable benefits to their hosts while under study. Yet, when considering the context-dependence that may determine plant resistance to pathogen attack, the consortium of endophytes present …
Thermoregulatory Dysfunction In Multiple Sclerosis, Dustin R. Allen
Thermoregulatory Dysfunction In Multiple Sclerosis, Dustin R. Allen
Applied Physiology and Wellness Theses and Dissertations
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting an estimated 2.3 million people worldwide. Marked by lesions in the brain and spinal cord, MS leads to conduction abnormalities in the CNS. Evidence suggests ~60% of individuals with MS experience temporary worsening of their symptoms upon exposure to heat. Adding complexity, observational evidence suggests these individuals exhibit reduced thermoregulatory responses in upon increases in core temperature. Consequently, these individuals face a vicious cycle of heat sensitivity and thermoregulatory dysfunction, substantially impacting their quality of life. With this in mind, our lab is dedicated to …
Radical Social Ecology As Deep Pragmatism: A Call To The Abolition Of Systemic Dissonance And The Minimization Of Entropic Chaos, Arielle Brender
Radical Social Ecology As Deep Pragmatism: A Call To The Abolition Of Systemic Dissonance And The Minimization Of Entropic Chaos, Arielle Brender
Student Theses 2015-Present
This paper aims to shed light on the dissonance caused by the superimposition of Dominant Human Systems on Natural Systems. I highlight the synthetic nature of Dominant Human Systems as egoic and linguistic phenomenon manufactured by a mere portion of the human population, which renders them inherently oppressive unto peoples and landscapes whose wisdom were barred from the design process. In pursuing a radical pragmatic approach to mending the simultaneous oppression and destruction of the human being and the earth, I highlight the necessity of minimizing entropic chaos caused by excess energy expenditure, an essential feature of systems that aim …
Prevalence Of Cariogenic Microbial Flora Among Scardovia Wiggsiae-Positive And Negative Patients, Amy Tam
Prevalence Of Cariogenic Microbial Flora Among Scardovia Wiggsiae-Positive And Negative Patients, Amy Tam
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
The formation of dental caries (cavities) is a complex, multi-dimensional process that necessarily involves many risk factors – including the acquisition and colonization of cariogenic oral bacteria. The most frequently associated oral pathogens are the acid-producing and acid-tolerant oral streptococcus species, such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans or SM). Many studies have established and confirmed the critical role of the formation of biofilm in the virulence of S. mutans, and the critical role this may play in determining the balance of the oral microbiome towards health or disease.
More recent efforts have discovered a novel cariogenic pathogen, Scardovia wiggsiae (S. …
Effect Of Bmp Treatment On Periostin Gene Expression In Pre-Osteoblastic Mc3t3-E1 Mouse Cells, Vincent Lee Khang
Effect Of Bmp Treatment On Periostin Gene Expression In Pre-Osteoblastic Mc3t3-E1 Mouse Cells, Vincent Lee Khang
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Periostin is a secreted, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein widely expressed within collagen-rich fibrous connective tissues of the body including the periodontal ligament (PDL), bone, skin, heart, and cornea. Periostin has been shown to serve many important regulatory functions including cell adhesion, cell motility, wound healing and of particular importance to the dental field, differentiation of osteoblasts. The deletion of periostin compromises osteoblast attachment to bone matrix and induces a reduction in mineralization and expression of bone markers, including type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase. Periostin has also been shown to play a significant role in collagen fibrillogenesis by …
Screening For The Novel Cariogenic Pathogen Scardovia Wiggsiae Among Orthodontic Patients, Adam Whiteley
Screening For The Novel Cariogenic Pathogen Scardovia Wiggsiae Among Orthodontic Patients, Adam Whiteley
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Screening for the Novel Cariogenic Pathogen Scardovia wiggsiae among Orthodontic Patients
by
Adam Whiteley
Dr. Karl Kingsley, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
The recent discovery of a novel cariogenic pathogen Scardovia wiggsiae has led many scientists and oral health researchers to re-evaluate and re-examine existing saliva repositories to determine the prevalence among patient populations. Recent efforts at this institution have used existing saliva samples to determine the prevalence among both adults and pediatric patients. These studies have revealed this organism may be found in approximately one-quarter of all samples …
Circadian Regulation Of Temozolomide Sensitivity In Glioblastoma, Emily A. Slat
Circadian Regulation Of Temozolomide Sensitivity In Glioblastoma, Emily A. Slat
Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The safety and efficacy of multiple cancer chemotherapeutics can vary as a function of when during the day they are delivered. This study aimed to improve the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common brain cancer, by testing the efficacy of the DNA alkylator Temozolomide (TMZ) on GBM in vitro and in vivo as a function of time of day. We found cell-intrinsic, daily rhythms in susceptibility of GBM tumor cells (mouse astrocytes deficient in NF1 and p53 signaling) to TMZ in vitro. The greatest TMZ-induced DNA damage response, activation of apoptosis and growth inhibition, occurred near the peak …
Schistosomiasis In The Wild: A Transcriptomics Perspective On Field-Derived Biomphalaria Pfeifferi And Schistosoma Mansoni, And Their Interactions, Sarah K. Buddenborg
Schistosomiasis In The Wild: A Transcriptomics Perspective On Field-Derived Biomphalaria Pfeifferi And Schistosoma Mansoni, And Their Interactions, Sarah K. Buddenborg
Biology ETDs
Schistosomiasis, caused by trematodes in the genus Schistosoma, is a widespread neglected tropical disease with the species S. mansoni infecting over 100 million people. We aimed to better understand the snail host and parasite responses during intramolluscan stages of infection by performing dual RNA-Seq on field-collected snails with natural infections from western Kenya. We collected uninfected Biomphalaria pfeifferi, B. pfeifferi with a patent cercariae-producing S. mansoni infection, and B. pfeifferi exposed to field-collected S. mansoni at 1 and 3d (days post infection).
We first created a high-quality B. pfeifferi transcriptome to identify the snail response to S. mansoni infection. …
Muc4 Based Immunotherapy For Pancreatic Cancer, Kasturi Banerjee
Muc4 Based Immunotherapy For Pancreatic Cancer, Kasturi Banerjee
Theses & Dissertations
Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is a lethal disease claiming approximately 45000 lives in the US in 2018, and it establishes an elaborate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that aids in disease pathogenesis. Immunotherapy has emerged as a strategy to target tumor cells by reprogramming patient’s immune system. Challenges present in PC immunotherapy are: i) identifying a tumor-associated antigen that could be targeted, ii) identifying adjuvants that could efficiently deliver antigens, iii) eliciting robust anti-tumor responses and iv) overcoming peripheral tolerance and immunosuppression elicited by the tumor.
Firstly, we detected circulating autoantibodies to MUC4 present in PC patients and observed that IgM autoantibodies to …
Analysis Of Genes Encoded By A Chromosomal Insert In Rickettsia Philipii, Sydney A. Wright
Analysis Of Genes Encoded By A Chromosomal Insert In Rickettsia Philipii, Sydney A. Wright
Honors College Theses
Background: Spotted Fever group rickettsiae are obligate intracellular arthropod-borne bacteria. Rickettsiae are globally distributed yet typically confined to the distribution of their vector(s). Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia philipii are closely related human pathogens endemic to the United States and cause similar febrile illness with differing morbidity and mortality. Genomic comparison found the presence of a 19 kilobase insert containing eleven genes in Rickettsia philipii. The functions of proteins encoded by this insert are speculated to affect virulence and pathogenicity.
Materials and Methods: Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify functional motifs in four proteins encoded by the insert. Homologous proteins …
The Behavioral Response Of Mosquitoes To Different Snake Odors, Caitlyn E. Hicks
The Behavioral Response Of Mosquitoes To Different Snake Odors, Caitlyn E. Hicks
Honors College Theses
Due to it causing high mortality rates, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEEV) is considered to be one of the most medically important encephalitic viruses in the Eastern United States. In order to be able to control the transmission of this virus, understanding of vector behavior and feeding preferences is necessary. In this study, the response of Culex nigripalpus to different snake skin odors was tested to determine if this species of mosquito responded to particular snake species. Culex nigripalpus showed the greatest response to Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Cottonmouth (A. piscivorus) snakes, as compared to other venomous …
In Vivo Structure-Function Analysis Of Drosophila Robo1, An Axon Guidance Receptor Critical For Midline Repulsive Signaling In The Embryonic Central Nervous System, Haley Brown
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The repellant ligand Slit and its Roundabout (Robo) family receptors regulate many aspects of axon guidance in bilaterians, including midline crossing of axons during development of the embryonic CNS. Slit proteins are produced by midline cells and signal through Robo receptors expressed on the surface of axonal growth cones to repel axons from the midline. Disruption of Slit-Robo signaling causes ectopic midline crossing phenotypes in the CNS of a broad range of animals, including insects and vertebrates.
Drosophila Robo1 has a conserved ectodomain structure of five immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains plus three fibronectin (FN) repeats. By utilizing a genomic rescue construct …
A Role Of Vitamin B2 In Reducing Amyloid-Beta Toxicity In A Caenorhabditis Elegans Alzheimer’S Disease Model, Muhammad Tukur Ameen
A Role Of Vitamin B2 In Reducing Amyloid-Beta Toxicity In A Caenorhabditis Elegans Alzheimer’S Disease Model, Muhammad Tukur Ameen
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with amyloid-beta peptide deposition and loss of mitochondrial function. Using a transgenic C. elegans AD worm model expressing amyloid-beta in body wall muscle, we determined that supplementation with either of the forms of vitamin B2, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) or flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) protected against amyloid-beta mediated paralysis. FMN and FAD were then assayed to determine effects on ATP, oxygen consumption, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with these compounds not significantly improving any of these mitochondrial bioenergetic functions. Knockdown of the daf-16/FOXO transcriptional regulator or the FAD synthase enzyme completely abrogated the …
The Role Of Merlin And Apicobasal Polarity In Endometrial Development And Homeostasis, Erin Lopez
The Role Of Merlin And Apicobasal Polarity In Endometrial Development And Homeostasis, Erin Lopez
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Apicobasal polarity and cell adhesion are necessary for the proper formation and organization of epithelial tissues. Merlin couples cell polarity and adhesion through correct localization of the polarity protein Par3 and maturation of apical junctions. Merlin and Par3 are necessary for the development and homeostasis of highly regenerative tissues like the epidermis. The continual repopulation of the endometrium after each menstrual cycle requires a constant reorganization of cell polarity and adhesion. The endometrium consists of a luminal epithelium that postnatally gives rise to the distinct glandular epithelium. Endometrial glands are necessary to secrete nutrients for the pre-implantation embryo. In addition, …