Digital Commons Network^™

Sumo Targeting Of A Stress-Tolerant Ulp1 Sumo Protease, Jennifer Peek, Catherine Harvey, Dreux Gray, Danny Rosenberg, Likhitha Kolla, Reuben Levy-Myers, Rui Yin, Oliver Kerscher, Jonathan L. Mcmurry

Faculty Articles

SUMO proteases of the SENP/Ulp family are master regulators of both sumoylation and desumoylation and regulate SUMO homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. SUMO conjugates rapidly increase in response to cellular stress, including nutrient starvation, hypoxia, osmotic stress, DNA damage, heat shock, and other proteotoxic stressors. Nevertheless, little is known about the regulation and targeting of SUMO proteases during stress. To this end we have undertaken a detailed comparison of the SUMO-binding activity of the budding yeast protein Ulp1 (ScUlp1) and its ortholog in the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus, KmUlp1. We find that the catalytic UD domains of both ScUlp1 and KmUlp1 …

Cloning And Spatiotemporal Expression Of Xenopus Laevis Apolipoprotein Ci, Jyotsna Sridharan, Tomomi Haremaki, Daniel C. Weinstein

Publications and Research

Apolipoprotein CI (ApoCI) belongs to the Apolipoprotein superfamily, members of which are involved in lipid transport, uptake and homeostasis. Excessive ApoCI has been implicated in atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease in humans. In this study we report the isolation of Xenopus laevis apoCI and describe the expression pattern of this gene during early development, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and whole mount in situ hybridization. Xenopus apoCI is enriched in the dorsal ectoderm during gastrulation, and is subsequently expressed in sensory placodes, neural tube and cranial neural crest. These data suggest as yet uncharacterized roles for ApoCI during early vertebrate …

Curcumin Potentiates The Function Of Human Α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Expressed In Sh-Ep1 Cells, Eslam El Nebrisi, Lina T. Al Kury, Keun-Hang Susan Yang, Petrilla Jayaprakash, Frank Christopher Howarth, Nadine Kabbani, Murat Oz

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Effects of curcumin, a biologically active ingredient of turmeric, were tested on the Ca²⁺transients induced by the activation of α₇ subunit of the human nicotinic acetylcholine (α₇nACh) receptor expressed in SH-EP1 cells. Curcumin caused a significant potentiation of choline (1 mM)-induced Ca²⁺ transients with an EC₅₀ value of 133 nM. The potentiating effect of curcumin was not observed in Ca²⁺ transients induced by high K⁺ (60 mM) containing solutions or activation of α₄β₂ nACh receptors and the extent of curcumin potentiation was not altered in the presence of …

Analysis For Science Librarians Of The 2017 Nobel Prize In Physiology Or Medicine: The Life And Work Of Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, And Michael W. Young, Neyda V. Gilman

Library Scholarship

Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young are the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureates, having earned the award for their “discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.” They identified the genes involved in the circadian rhythm mechanism and explained how all of the different pieces of the mechanism work together. These discoveries explain how the biological cycles of Earth’s organisms correspond to the rotation of the planet, acting as an inner clock. Their research also provides further opportunities to continue learning about the role of circadian rhythm and its relationship to human health (Nobelprize.org …

The Potential Of Achiral Sponge-Derived And Synthetic Bromoindoles As Selective Cytotoxins Against Panc-1 Tumor Cells., Nicholas Lorig-Roach, Frances Hamkins-Indik, Tyler A. Johnson, Karen Tenney, Frederick A. Valeriote, Phillip Crews

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Faculty Scholarship

Our quest to isolate and characterize natural products with in vitro solid tumor selectivity is driven by access to repositories of Indo-Pacific sponge extracts. In this project an extract of a species of Haplosclerida sponge obtained from the US NCI Natural Products Repository displayed, by in vitro disk diffusion assay (DDA) and IC

Novel Function Of Ceramide For Regulation Of Mitochondrial Atp Release In Astrocytes, Ji-Na Kong, Zhihui Zhu, Yutaka Itokazu, Guanghu Wang, Michael B. Dinkins, Liansheng Zhong, Hsuan-Pei Lin, Ahmed Elsherbini, Silvia Leanhart, Xue Jiang, Haiyan Qin, Wenbo Zhi, Stefka D. Spassieva, Erhard Bieberich

Physiology Faculty Publications

We reported that amyloid β peptide (Aβ₄₂) activated neutral SMase 2 (nSMase2), thereby increasing the concentration of the sphingolipid ceramide in astrocytes. Here, we show that Aβ₄₂ induced mitochondrial fragmentation in wild-type astrocytes, but not in nSMase2-deficient cells or astrocytes treated with fumonisin B1 (FB1), an inhibitor of ceramide synthases. Unexpectedly, ceramide depletion was concurrent with rapid movements of mitochondria, indicating an unknown function of ceramide for mitochondria. Using immunocytochemistry and super-resolution microscopy, we detected ceramide-enriched and mitochondria-associated membranes (CEMAMs) that were codistributed with microtubules. Interaction of ceramide with tubulin was confirmed by cross-linking to N-[9-(3-pent-4-ynyl-3-H-diazirine-3-yl)-nonanoyl]-D-erythro-sphingosine …

The Microbe Directory: An Annotated, Searchable Inventory Of Microbes’ Characteristics, Heba Shaaban, David A. Westfall, Rawhi Mohammad, David Danko, Daniela Bezdan, Ebrahim Afshinnekoo, Nicola Segata, Christopher E. Mason

Publications and Research

The Microbe Directory is a collective research effort to profile and annotate more than 7,500 unique microbial species from the MetaPhlAn2 database that includes bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. By collecting and summarizing data on various microbes’ characteristics, the project comprises a database that can be used downstream of large-scale metagenomic taxonomic analyses, allowing one to interpret and explore their taxonomic classifications to have a deeper understanding of the microbial ecosystem they are studying. Such characteristics include, but are not limited to: optimal pH, optimal temperature, Gram stain, biofilm-formation, spore-formation, antimicrobial resistance, and COGEM class risk rating. The database …

Model File Name: 1ehz-Trna(Thick).Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: 1ehz-tRNA(thick).stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of Phe-tRNA in a thick stick-representation (PDB: 1ehz), designed to go with a teaching module comparing DNA and RNA basic structures and functions. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com under the name “tRNA-Phe small”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the following materials: Strong & Flexible Plastic and Elasto Plastic.

Model File Name: 1lmb-Dbd-Tfmono.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: 1lmb-DBD-TFmono.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of the DNA binding domain of a Lambda repressor transcription factor monomer that accompanies the full color DNA helix (PDB: 1lmb). It is in a cartoon ribbon representation with key amino acid residues in stick representation to highlight interactions with the DNA. This model is designed to accompany a teaching module illustrating transcription factor-DNA binding. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Lambda TF DBD”. This model has been printed …

Model File Name: 1ehz-Trna(Thin-Big).X3d, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: 1ehz-tRNA(thin-big).x3d

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of Phe-tRNA in a large, but thin stick-representation (PDB: 1ehz), designed to go with a teaching module comparing DNA and RNA basic structures and functions. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Full color Phe-tRNA (1ehz)”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the following material: Strong & Flexible Plastic.

Model File Name: 1lmb-Dnalong_Fordimer-Test6b.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: 1lmb-DNAlong_fordimer-test6b.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of the 19-bp segment of DNA to which Lambda repressor transcription factor interacts (PDB: 1lmb). It is in a stick representation and has been designed with sites to add magnets to illustrate binding interactions with the transcription factor. Sphere magnets with a 1/8” diameter can be purchased separately from K&J Magnets. The model can interact with the dimer form of the transcription factor. This model is designed to accompany a teaching module illustrating transcription factor-DNA binding. The printable model …

Model File Name: 1lmb-Tfdimer-Mags-Joints-Jnd-Sc1-8-Parts-V4b.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: 1lmb-TFdimer-mags-joints-jnd-sc1-8-parts-v4b.stl

Additional files: 1lmb-Lys-Ser-extras-v4b.stl and 1lmb-TFdimer-Leu-v4b.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a ribbon and stick representation of the transcription factor lambda repressor (PDB: 1lmb). Key amino acid residues are in stick representation to illustrate the interactions between the repressor and the DNA to which it binds. Some of these residues have been designed with sites to add magnets to illustrate these interactions. Sphere magnets with a 1/8” diameter can be purchased separately from K&J Magnets. Some of the residues can be interchanged with other …

Model File Name: Dna-294bp-Magnet-Supercoil.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: DNA-294bp-magnet-supercoil.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a long, thin representation of double stranded DNA (294 bp). The DNA model has small sites on the ends where the user can glue magnets to mimic circular DNA, and to aid in manipulating the model. Disc magnets with a diameter of 1/8” or 1/10” and thickness of 1/16” can be purchased online from K&J Magnetics and glued into the magnet sites. The model is designed to go with a teaching module on DNA supercoiling. The model can …

Model File Name: Dna-294bp-Handle-Supercoil.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: DNA-294bp-handle-supercoil.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a long, thin representation of double stranded DNA (294 bp). The DNA model has small handles on the ends to aid in holding and manipulating the model. The model is designed to go with a teaching module on DNA supercoiling. The model can be accompanied by Nucleosome and H1 histone models to demonstrate DNA packaging in the cell. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “294bp DNA (handles)”. …

Model File Name: Dna-420bp-Handle-Supercoil.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: DNA-420bp-handle-supercoil.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a long, thin representation of double stranded DNA (420 bp). The DNA model has small handles on the ends to aid in holding and manipulating the model. The model is designed to go with a teaching module on DNA supercoiling. The model can be accompanied by Nucleosome and H1 histone models to demonstrate DNA packaging in the cell. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “420bp DNA (handles)”. …

Model File Name: Dnalong-3pc-Lego.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: DNAlong-3pc-Lego.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a stick representation of the DNA to which the transcription factor lambda repressor binds (PDB: 1lmb). This model can be adapted to accompany a teaching module illustrating transcription factor-DNA binding. The model has been designed in 3 parts that can be joined together by Lego®-style junctions. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Lego DNA with GCbp”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser …

Model File Name: Dna-420bp-Magnet-Supercoil.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: DNA-420bp-magnet-supercoil.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Kalika Mahato, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a long, thin representation of double stranded DNA (420 bp). The DNA model has small sites on the ends where the user can glue magnets to mimic circular DNA, and to aid in manipulating the model. Disc magnets with a diameter of 1/8” or 1/10” and thickness of 1/16” can be purchased online from K&J Magnetics and glued into the magnet sites. The model is designed to go with a teaching module on DNA supercoiling. The model can …

Model File Name: H1-Protein.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: H1-protein.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a crude representation of an H1-protein intended to accompany the nucleosome and a long, thin double stranded DNA helix model in order to illustrate DNA packaging and supercoiling. This model is designed to go with a teaching module on DNA supercoiling. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Histone H1 protein”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the following materials: Strong …

Model File Name: Dna-Short-Helix.X3d, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: DNA-short-helix.x3d

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a DNA helix in which the atoms are colored by heteroatom (PDB: 1lmb). This model is designed to go with a teaching module comparing DNA and RNA basic structures and functions, and with one that studies transcription factor-DNA binding. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “DNA helix - polynucleotide molecule”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ binder jetting printer in the Coated Full …

Model File Name: Ssdna.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: ssDNA.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a single stranded piece of DNA in stick representation (PDB: 1ehz). This model is designed to go with a teaching module comparing DNA and RNA basic structures and functions. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “ssDNA”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the Elasto Plastic material.

Model File Name: Nucleosome.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: Nucleosome.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a crude representation of a nucleosome intended to accompany the H1 histone protein and a long, thin double stranded DNA helix model in order to illustrate DNA packaging and supercoiling. This model is designed to go with a teaching module on DNA supercoiling. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Nucleosome”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the Strong & Flexible …

Model File Name: Tf-Monomer-Stick.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: TF-monomer-stick.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a ribbon and stick representation of a Lambda repressor transcription factor monomer that accompanies the full color DNA helix (PDB: 1lmb). This model is designed to go with a teaching module illustrating transcription factor-DNA binding. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Lambda TF monomer”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the Strong & Flexible Plastic material.

Model File Name: Rna-Short-Helix.X3d, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: RNA-short-helix.x3d

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a DNA helix in which the atoms are colored by heteroatom (PDB: 1lmb). This model is designed to go with a teaching module comparing DNA and RNA basic structures and functions. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “RNA helix - polynucleotide molecule”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ binder jetting printer in the Coated Full Color Sandstone material.

Video Guide To Design Flexible Dna.Mp4, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Christine S. Booth, Tomáš Helikar, Brian Couch, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: Video guide to design flexible DNA.mp4

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Christine S Booth, Tomas Helikar, Brian A Couch, Rebecca L Roston

This 30-minute video includes step-by-step instructions to design and 3-D print a long flexible DNA model that mimics the structure and function of DNA. The instructions are applicable for designing the model using open-source 3-D computer graphics software Blender 2.79 which is available for download at https://www.blender.org/download/.

.mp4 file download (70 MB) below.

Model File Name: Ssrna.Stl, Michelle Howell, Karin V. Van Dijk, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: ssRNA.stl

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Karin van Dijk, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a single stranded piece of RNA in stick representation (PDB: 1ehz). This model is designed to go with a teaching module comparing DNA and RNA basic structures and functions. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “ssRNA”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ laser sintering printer in the Elasto Plastic material.

Model File Name: Helix_H2o_Sphere2.Dae, Michelle Howell, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: Helix_H2O_sphere2.dae

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a space fill representation of a protein α-helix (PDB: 3vjo). A space fill water molecule is also represented to illustrate the lack of space down the axis of an α-helix. This model can accompany a corresponding stick representation, a kinked α-helix, and a β-sheet. This model is designed to accompany a teaching module illustrating protein secondary structure and function. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Helix and Water (Space-fill) …

Model File Name: Beta-Sheet_Rod 0.7.Dae, Michelle Howell, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: beta-sheet_rod 0.7.dae

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a stick representation of a protein β-sheet (PDB: 3vjo). This model is designed to accompany three other α-helix models: a space-fill representation of a straight α-helix, a stick representation of a straight α-helix, and a stick representation of a kinked α-helix. These models accompany a teaching module illustrating protein secondary structure and function. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Beta-sheet_Thick”. This model has been printed successfully using …

Model File Name: Alpha Helix Pro-Gly 0.7.Dae, Michelle Howell, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: alpha helix pro-gly 0.7.dae

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a stick representation of a protein α-helix with proline and glycine residues highlighted (PDB: 3vjo). This model is designed to accompany a straight α-helix in space fill representation, a straight α-helix in stick representation, and a stick β-sheet model as well as a teaching module illustrating protein secondary structure and function. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Alpha Helix_Pro-Gly”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters …

Model File Name: Alpha Helix 0.7.Dae, Michelle Howell, Rebecca Roston

3-D Printed Model Structural Files

Model file name: alpha helix 0.7.dae

Authors: Michelle E Howell, Rebecca L Roston

This is a teaching model of a stick representation of a protein α-helix (PDB: 3vjo). This model can accompany a corresponding space fill representation, a kinked α-helix, and a β-sheet. These models were designed to accompany a teaching module illustrating protein secondary structure and function. The printable model is already uploaded to Shapeways.com in the MacroMolecules shop under the name “Alpha Helix_Thick”. This model has been printed successfully using these parameters on Shapeways’ binder jetting printer in the Coated Full Color …

Modulation Of The Navigational Strategy Of Insects In Controlled Temperature Environments, Joseph Shomar, Anggie Ferrer, Josh Forer, Tom Zhang, Mason Klein

2018 Entries

With its small size and limited motor tool set, the Drosophila larva is a good system to study how animals alter specific elements of their behavior to search and reach optimal environmental conditions. We aim to understand the larva’s response to temperature across development, in sensory gradients, and to distinguish behavioral modulations based on physical changes from those due to sensory input. PID-controlled instruments drive temporal or spatial temperature gradients; combined with a moat system to replenish gels at high temperature, we can explore the larva’s full behavioral profile. Many larvae are simultaneously observed during free navigation in three different …