Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences

Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 31 - 60 of 1421

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Mitochondrial Insoluble Aggregates In Aging And Alzheimer’S Disease Models: Cross-Species Proteomic Integration, Identification Of Conserved Candidates, And Pharmacological Disruption Of Eef-2 Interactions, Sonu Pahal Dec 2025

Mitochondrial Insoluble Aggregates In Aging And Alzheimer’S Disease Models: Cross-Species Proteomic Integration, Identification Of Conserved Candidates, And Pharmacological Disruption Of Eef-2 Interactions, Sonu Pahal

Theses and Dissertations

Protein aggregation within mitochondria emerges early in both aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and contributes to progressive loss of proteostasis. Insoluble mitochondrial aggregate fractions from Caenorhabditis elegans revealed extensive enrichment of metabolic and translational proteins that also appear in human Alzheimer hippocampal aggregates. Comparative analysis across age and genotype identified a conserved subset of aggregation-prone proteins, several of which cluster around elongation factor 2 (eEF-2), a regulator of ribosomal translocation and energy coupling. Cross-species integration defined a network in which eEF-2 links chaperones, metabolic enzymes, and RNA-binding proteins that co-aggregate in both human Alzheimer material and nematode models. Functional tests …


The Mayfly Newsletter, Donna Giberson Dec 2025

The Mayfly Newsletter, Donna Giberson

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.


Catalytic Removal Of Synozol Blue Dye From Aqueous Solution Through Green Synthesized Iron Nps With H2o2: With Addition Of Ecosar And Biological Investigation, Rabiya Kousar, Zia Ul Haq Khan, Jingyu Sun, Sana Sabahat, Noor Samad Shah, Jibran Iqbal, Mahmood M.S. Abdullah, Rabia Naz, Zia Ullah Khan Nov 2025

Catalytic Removal Of Synozol Blue Dye From Aqueous Solution Through Green Synthesized Iron Nps With H2o2: With Addition Of Ecosar And Biological Investigation, Rabiya Kousar, Zia Ul Haq Khan, Jingyu Sun, Sana Sabahat, Noor Samad Shah, Jibran Iqbal, Mahmood M.S. Abdullah, Rabia Naz, Zia Ullah Khan

All Works

This bioinspired study explores the fascinating realm of clean and green chemistry by unveiling the potential of FeO NPs fabricated by taking advantage of botanical extract obtained from the leaves of Justicia adhatoda as a reducing agent because it reduced Fe (II) to Fe (0). FeONPs have been fabricated successfully with distinctive structural and morphological features that have been characterized through multiple analytical techniques, like UV/Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and Zeta potential. The surface plasmonic resonance peak appeared at 268 nm, which was measured through the UV/Vis spectra of synthesized NPs. XRD analysis discovered the crystalline nature of …


Cytotoxic And Genotoxic Effects Of Minor Temperature Changes And Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Plantago Major On Oncorhynchus Mykiss Gonadal Cells, Semra Çi̇çek, Sevda Işik Sep 2025

Cytotoxic And Genotoxic Effects Of Minor Temperature Changes And Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Plantago Major On Oncorhynchus Mykiss Gonadal Cells, Semra Çi̇çek, Sevda Işik

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Temperature changes and nanoparticle exposure have emerged as critical environmental stressors with potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on aquatic species. This study investigates the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), synthesized using Plantago major leaves, on Oncorhynchus mykiss gonadal (RTG-2) cells under different temperature conditions (23 °C, 24 °C, and 25 °C). RTG-2 cells were exposed to hexagonal ZnO NPs (≤100 nm) at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL for 24 and 48 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the sulforhodamine B assay, and genotoxicity was evaluated via the comet assay. Results demonstrated that both temperature …


Species Delineation, Phylogeography And Conservation Of Temperate Perches (Actinopterygii: Percichthyidae) From An Endemism And Climate Change Hotspot, Michael P. Hammer, David L. Morgan, Stephen J. Beatty, Mark G. Allen, Peter J. Unmack, Sean J. Buckley, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Jon Murphy, Mark Adams Sep 2025

Species Delineation, Phylogeography And Conservation Of Temperate Perches (Actinopterygii: Percichthyidae) From An Endemism And Climate Change Hotspot, Michael P. Hammer, David L. Morgan, Stephen J. Beatty, Mark G. Allen, Peter J. Unmack, Sean J. Buckley, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Jon Murphy, Mark Adams

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: The south-western corner of Australia is a biodiversity hotspot that includes a freshwater fauna with a high proportion of endemic species. The temperate perches comprise nearly half of the obligate freshwater fishes of the region, representing important components of local ecosystems and are of significant conservation concern. Aims: Provide a spatially comprehensive molecular genetic assessment of species boundaries and major substructure for all local members of the family to better understand the interplay of ecology and environment across a common landscape. Methods: Nuclear markers (allozymes) and matrilineal (cytb) datasets were generated to infer genetic groupings and any instances of …


The Hepatic Glucagon Receptor As A Novel Regulator Of Lifespan, Alexander Tate Lasher Sep 2025

The Hepatic Glucagon Receptor As A Novel Regulator Of Lifespan, Alexander Tate Lasher

All ETDs from UAB

In developed nations the average lifespan has nearly doubled over the last 200 years, and the proportion of humans living into old age is ever increasing. While this is certainly a testament to the effectiveness of modern medicine and infrastructure, it presents a unique challenge to public health. Gains to health have not necessarily kept pace with the gains in lifespan, and the expanding aged population positions age-associated diseases to reach unprecedented prevalence. In light of this challenge, a mechanistic understanding of the aging process is necessary to identify factors that control longevity and to ultimately develop strategies for healthy …


The Physiological Impacts Of Nano-Ceramic Window Films In Hot-Climate Architecture: Theoretical Biological Study, Lina M. Shaker, Shahab Abdulla, Ralela Makline Sep 2025

The Physiological Impacts Of Nano-Ceramic Window Films In Hot-Climate Architecture: Theoretical Biological Study, Lina M. Shaker, Shahab Abdulla, Ralela Makline

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This research explores the integration of nano-ceramic window films as a passive architectural strategy to improve both energy performance and occupant biological well-being in commercial buildings. The biological objective centers on enhancing health, comfort, and physiological stability by regulating thermal, optical, and radiative indoor conditions. Simulations on a three-story, 2,000 m² building demonstrated that high-performance films reduced indoor temperatures by up to 3.5°C, lowering thermal stress and core body heat load. Ultraviolet (UV) transmission was curtailed to as low as 1%, significantly decreasing skin damage doses below 0.2 MED/day. Select films maintained optimal Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) levels (up to …


Potential Role Of A Ruthenium-Based Compound Ru-Im In The Treatment Of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Rachele Rameau Sep 2025

Potential Role Of A Ruthenium-Based Compound Ru-Im In The Treatment Of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Rachele Rameau

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous molecular subtype of breast cancer that has limited available treatments. The organometallic cationic ruthenium derivative Ru-IM was found to be highly water soluble, was differentially toxic for breast cancer cells and tumors, and was involved in the pI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, a full understanding of genetic and epigenetic factors that can be part of regulatory mechanisms of Ru-IM is yet to be determined. Epigenetic assays including DNA methylation, histone acetylation and histone deacetylation were performed with the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Ru-IM. Bisulfite sequencing of untreated and treated MDA-MB-231 …


Design And Development Of A Standalone Digital Holographic Microscope Employing Phase-Driven Reconstruction And Classification For Biomedical Imaging And Optical Diagnostics, Charlotte Kyeremah Aug 2025

Design And Development Of A Standalone Digital Holographic Microscope Employing Phase-Driven Reconstruction And Classification For Biomedical Imaging And Optical Diagnostics, Charlotte Kyeremah

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Access to advanced biomedical imaging technologies remains a significant challenge in resource-limited settings, especially for early disease detection and monitoring of diseases such as malaria, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases. Although point-of-care (POC) devices have gained popularity in global health, many rely on antibody-based tests, lateral flow strips, or optical readouts that often lack quantitative capabilities, sensitivity to early infections, or versatility in different diagnostic targets. In addition, these systems are typically dependent on disposable reagents or manual interpretation, which limits their effectiveness in remote areas. Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) presents a promising alternative as a label-free imaging method capable …


Computational And Mathematical Modeling Of Microbial Community And Host Responses To Microbiota-Directed Complementary Foods Administered To Children With Acute Malnutrition., Steven J. Hartman Aug 2025

Computational And Mathematical Modeling Of Microbial Community And Host Responses To Microbiota-Directed Complementary Foods Administered To Children With Acute Malnutrition., Steven J. Hartman

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Globally, millions of children suffer from undernutrition, with stunting affecting 150 million and wasting nearly 50 million under five years old. Current interventions have shown limited effectiveness in mitigating long-term consequences such as stunted growth, cognitive deficits, and immune dysfunction. Through this body of work, I investigated the efficacy of a microbiota- directed complementary food (MDCF-2) as a next generation therapeutic food to combat childhood stunting. Across two randomized controlled trials involving Bangladeshi children with either moderate acute malnutrition or post-severe acute malnutrition, MDCF-2 significantly outperformed standard ready-to-use supplementary foods (RUSF), leading to significantly improved ponderal and sustained linear growth …


Acute Exposure Of American Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) To Selected Antidepressant Drug: Histological, Biochemical, And Immunohistochemical Assessments, Md. Faisal Amin Aug 2025

Acute Exposure Of American Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) To Selected Antidepressant Drug: Histological, Biochemical, And Immunohistochemical Assessments, Md. Faisal Amin

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid increase in pharmaceutical use has brought significant health benefits to humans. Studies have shown that many pharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants, are often detected in surface waters, groundwater, and even drinking water. These pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments threaten marine life seriously. Marine bivalves are vital source of seafood for people worldwide. In this study, we examined the effects of short-term exposure to fluoxetine, an antidepressant used to treat depression, at low (0.5 μg/L) and high (5 μg/L) doses over a one-week period on American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) under controlled laboratory conditions. Histological analysis revealed atrophy in the gills and …


A Battle Of Armies: Massive Attack Of Natural Enemies To The True Armyworm Mythimna Unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In Forage Crops, Armando Falcon-Brindis, Raul T. Villanueva Jun 2025

A Battle Of Armies: Massive Attack Of Natural Enemies To The True Armyworm Mythimna Unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In Forage Crops, Armando Falcon-Brindis, Raul T. Villanueva

Insecta Mundi

Understanding the interactions between plant-host-parasitoid plays a major role in insect pest management. Farmers in the southeastern United States rely on pasture systems for cattle milk and beef production, but the benefits of parasitoids and predators on major lepidopteran pests on pasture lands are still overlooked. Here, we aimed to identify and quantify the effect of parasitism on the true armyworm Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) attacking teff grass Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter (Poaceae) and crabgrass Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (Poaceae) in western Kentucky. In early August of 2023, 547 larvae of M. unipuncta were collected from experimental …


Discovery And Characterization Of Selective Lipase-Inhibiting Polyheterocyclic Derivatives: A Combined In Silico And In Vitro Study, Madjda Benguechoua, Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Khedidja Benarous, Houssem Boulebd, Ibtissem Kadi, Ari̇f Mermer, Yakup Şi̇ri̇n, Alaeddine Kaouka, Mohamed Yousfi Jun 2025

Discovery And Characterization Of Selective Lipase-Inhibiting Polyheterocyclic Derivatives: A Combined In Silico And In Vitro Study, Madjda Benguechoua, Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Khedidja Benarous, Houssem Boulebd, Ibtissem Kadi, Ari̇f Mermer, Yakup Şi̇ri̇n, Alaeddine Kaouka, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Obesity has become a global health crisis with an increasing prevalence, necessitating the search for effective therapies. Schiff base derivatives, known for their broad pharmacological activities, have gained attention as potential antiobesity agents. This study aimed to investigate the lipase inhibitory potential of novel Schiff base derivatives and assess their drug-like properties through in vitro assays and in silico methods. Materials and methods: The lipase inhibitory activity of synthesized Schiff base derivatives was evaluated using in vitro assays, with IC50 values determined for each compound. Additionally, in silico ADMET predictions (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), molecular docking studies, …


Isolation And Selection Of Bacillus Spp. As Candidate Probiotics For Use In Chickens, Adilah Adawiah, Komang Gede Wiryawan, Anja Meryandini Jun 2025

Isolation And Selection Of Bacillus Spp. As Candidate Probiotics For Use In Chickens, Adilah Adawiah, Komang Gede Wiryawan, Anja Meryandini

Makara Journal of Science

The growth rate of chickens can be improved by using probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics. Bacillus spp. as probiotics are particularly beneficial due to ability to form spores, which remain stable as commercial products over extended periods. This study aimed to isolate and select Bacillus spp. from Jasinga soil as probiotic candidates for chickens. A total of 15 isolates obtained of these, 12 were identified as Bacillus spp based on microscopic observations and screening test including ascertaining hemolysis, protease, amylase, and cellulase activities. Only six isolates exhibited gamma hemolysis and the ability to hydrolyze proteins, starch, and cellulose. Isolates BTJ1.1, …


Advances In Bone And Orthopedics 2025 – 5th Edition, Jean-Philippe Berteau, Laurent Pujo-Menjouet, Hélène Follet, Aurélie Levillain Jun 2025

Advances In Bone And Orthopedics 2025 – 5th Edition, Jean-Philippe Berteau, Laurent Pujo-Menjouet, Hélène Follet, Aurélie Levillain

Publications and Research

This volume brings together selected works from the 2025 Bone and Orthopedics Interdisciplinary Symposium (BONITOS), underscoring our community’s ongoing commitment to advancing research in biomechanics, bone health, and orthopedic science. The symposium unites leading experts from around the world, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas across disciplines. Organized in partnership with the French-speaking Society of Biomechanics, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), the University of Lyon, the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York (CUNY), and the American Association of Physical Therapists (APTA) – Brooklyn Staten Island Chapter, BONITOS 2025 represents …


The Distribution Of The Pentatomoidea In The Northeastern Quarter Of The United States (Hemiptera), J. E. Mcpherson Jun 2025

The Distribution Of The Pentatomoidea In The Northeastern Quarter Of The United States (Hemiptera), J. E. Mcpherson

The Great Lakes Entomologist

The distributions of the pentatomoids occurring in the northeastern quarter of the United States as listed by Van Duzee in 1917 are updated.


Invertebrate Communities Associated With Three Early Phases Of A Prairie Restoration Project, Tracy R. Evans, Meredith J. Mahoney, E. D. Cashatt, Bryon W. Cross, Geert R. De Snoo, C. J.M. Musters May 2025

Invertebrate Communities Associated With Three Early Phases Of A Prairie Restoration Project, Tracy R. Evans, Meredith J. Mahoney, E. D. Cashatt, Bryon W. Cross, Geert R. De Snoo, C. J.M. Musters

The Great Lakes Entomologist

While specific invertebrate groups have been studied in prairie restorations, there are few studies that look at terrestrial invertebrate assemblages. We surveyed invertebrates in three phases of plant restoration that were part of a larger restoration project. This cross-sectional study of invertebrate recovery at two, four and five years post-restoration shows there was no overall difference in invertebrate taxa richness and diversity between restoration phases. Overall abundance was greatest in the most recently restored area. Richness, diversity and abundance of six functional groups did not differ. The conclusion is that all phases are still characterized by pioneer invertebrate assemblages, and …


The Lung Cancer Autochthonous Model Gene Expression Database Enables Cross-Study Comparisons Of The Transcriptomic Landscapes Across Mouse Models, Ling Cai, Fangjiang Wu, Qinbo Zhou, Ying Gao, Bo Yao, Ralph J Deberardinis, George K Acquaah-Mensah, Vassilis Aidinis, Jennifer E Beane, Shyam Biswal, Ting Chen, Carla P Concepcion-Crisol, Barbara M Grüner, Deshui Jia, Robert A Jones, Jonathan M Kurie, Min Gyu Lee, Per Lindahl, Yonathan Lissanu, Corina Lorz, David Macpherson, Rosanna Martinelli, Pawel K Mazur, Sarah A Mazzilli, Shinji Mii, Herwig P Moll, Roger A Moorehead, Edward E Morrisey, Sheng Rong Ng, Matthew G Oser, Arun R Pandiri, Charles A Powell, Giorgio Ramadori, Mirentxu Santos, Eric L Snyder, Rocio Sotillo, Kang-Yi Su, Tetsuro Taki, Kekoa Taparra, Phuoc T Tran, Yifeng Xia, J Edward Van Veen, Monte M Winslow, Guanghua Xiao, Charles M Rudin, Trudy G Oliver, Yang Xie, John D Minna May 2025

The Lung Cancer Autochthonous Model Gene Expression Database Enables Cross-Study Comparisons Of The Transcriptomic Landscapes Across Mouse Models, Ling Cai, Fangjiang Wu, Qinbo Zhou, Ying Gao, Bo Yao, Ralph J Deberardinis, George K Acquaah-Mensah, Vassilis Aidinis, Jennifer E Beane, Shyam Biswal, Ting Chen, Carla P Concepcion-Crisol, Barbara M Grüner, Deshui Jia, Robert A Jones, Jonathan M Kurie, Min Gyu Lee, Per Lindahl, Yonathan Lissanu, Corina Lorz, David Macpherson, Rosanna Martinelli, Pawel K Mazur, Sarah A Mazzilli, Shinji Mii, Herwig P Moll, Roger A Moorehead, Edward E Morrisey, Sheng Rong Ng, Matthew G Oser, Arun R Pandiri, Charles A Powell, Giorgio Ramadori, Mirentxu Santos, Eric L Snyder, Rocio Sotillo, Kang-Yi Su, Tetsuro Taki, Kekoa Taparra, Phuoc T Tran, Yifeng Xia, J Edward Van Veen, Monte M Winslow, Guanghua Xiao, Charles M Rudin, Trudy G Oliver, Yang Xie, John D Minna

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality, exhibits diverse histological subtypes and genetic complexities. Numerous preclinical mouse models have been developed to study lung cancer, but data from these models are disparate, siloed, and difficult to compare in a centralized fashion. In this study, we established the Lung Cancer Autochthonous Model Gene Expression Database (LCAMGDB), an extensive repository of 1,354 samples from 77 transcriptomic datasets covering 974 samples from genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), 368 samples from carcinogen-induced models, and 12 samples from a spontaneous model. Meticulous curation and collaboration with data depositors produced a robust and comprehensive database, …


Genomic Structure Among Populations Of A Regionally Rare Perennial Plant Indicates The Need For Reevaluation Of Management Units, Cheyenne Moore, Angela J. Mcdonnell, Scott Schuette, Christopher T. Martine May 2025

Genomic Structure Among Populations Of A Regionally Rare Perennial Plant Indicates The Need For Reevaluation Of Management Units, Cheyenne Moore, Angela J. Mcdonnell, Scott Schuette, Christopher T. Martine

Faculty Journal Articles

Conservation of rare species often relies on the delineation of management units and genomic tools can now be applied for this purpose. However, this is not as common on a local scale, where populations are often small and fragmented, despite the utility of informing conservation and management practice at the regional level. We use a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach to assess the perennial riparian plant species Baptisia australis (Fabaceae) in Pennsylvania, where the taxon is at the edge of its natural distribution and considered threatened. In this system, we investigate whether sampled subpopulations exhibit genetic structure. We find that …


Kinasefusiondb: An Integrative Knowledge Of Kinase Fusion Proteins In Multi-Scales, Himansu Kumar, Zikang Chen, Abayomi Adegunlehin, Loren Trowbridge, Leonardo Aguilar, Pora Kim May 2025

Kinasefusiondb: An Integrative Knowledge Of Kinase Fusion Proteins In Multi-Scales, Himansu Kumar, Zikang Chen, Abayomi Adegunlehin, Loren Trowbridge, Leonardo Aguilar, Pora Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Kinase fusion genes were the most targeted fusion gene group among multiple major cellular gene groups. Kinase inhibitors disrupt aberrant signaling cascades and inhibit tumor progression, yet the specific mechanisms of action of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved inhibitors in the context of kinase fusion oncoproteins remain largely unknown. This gap limits our ability to develop personalized therapies and next-generation kinase inhibitors. To address this, we developed a novel in silico pipeline for predicting 3D structures of kinase fusion proteins and performing structure-based virtual screening. This approach enables large-scale structural annotation and drug screening across pan-cancer kinase fusions. …


Development Of Small-Molecule Inhibitors For Bacteroides, Naegleria, And Toxoplasma Microorganisms And Synthesis Of N-Heterocycles From Thiolated Ene-Ynes And Azodicarboxylates, Samuel Kwain May 2025

Development Of Small-Molecule Inhibitors For Bacteroides, Naegleria, And Toxoplasma Microorganisms And Synthesis Of N-Heterocycles From Thiolated Ene-Ynes And Azodicarboxylates, Samuel Kwain

All Dissertations

Humans and microorganisms are intricately interconnected, with microbes constituting an essential component of human biology and ecology. This interdependence necessitates a delicate balance between leveraging beneficial microbes and mitigating the impact of harmful ones. The human gut microbiome, home to trillions of microorganisms, predominantly comprises commensal species that support health. However, dysbiosis within this ecosystem has been linked to serious diseases. For instance, an overrepresentation of Bacteroides species is associated with Type I diabetes mellitus (T1D) and various chronic gut disorders, including ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. Similarly, Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba, causes …


Quantifying Temperature Effects On Developmental Rate And Plant Quality Of Compact Container-Grown Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), Morgan Humphrey May 2025

Quantifying Temperature Effects On Developmental Rate And Plant Quality Of Compact Container-Grown Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), Morgan Humphrey

Horticulture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mean daily temperature effects on plant development rates and quality were evaluated for compact container-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Compact tomato varieties ‘Siam’ and ‘Red Velvet’ were grown in greenhouses at 18 to 26 °C (Experiment 1) and 20 to 30 °C (Experiment 2) under supplemental high-pressure sodium lighting and 16-hour photoperiod. The number of days to first open flower, first ripe fruit, and from flower to ripe fruit were measured and development rates calculated by taking the reciprocal (e.g. 1/days). Temperature effects were predicted by fitting a linear (for first open flower) and a nonlinear exponential function (for …


Identification Of Mitochondrial Defects And Metabolic Consequences In Lynch Syndrome-Related Endometrial Cancer, Mikayla Bowen May 2025

Identification Of Mitochondrial Defects And Metabolic Consequences In Lynch Syndrome-Related Endometrial Cancer, Mikayla Bowen

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Lynch syndrome (LS), defined by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes including MSH2, carries a 60% lifetime risk of developing endometrial cancer (EC). Mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd) causes hypermutability, which is assumed to be the main driver of LS-related EC development. However, incomplete penetrance of EC development in women with LS suggests that other modulators are at play. The broad hypothesis of this dissertation is that MMRd causes consequences beyond hypermutability to impact LS-related EC development. Recent studies utilizing our lab’s Msh2-deficient mouse model for LS-EC revealed mitochondrial dysfunction in EC pathogenesis. This new insight led to the …


Gene Promoters Are Genomically Encoded To Facilitate Histone Exchange/Incorporation, Blaine Bartholomew May 2025

Gene Promoters Are Genomically Encoded To Facilitate Histone Exchange/Incorporation, Blaine Bartholomew

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Gene promoters are intrinsically hardwired not only to facilitate transcription preinitiation complex formation but also the release of paused RNA polymerase by H2A.Z. A new PLOS Biology study reveals poly (dA) tracts at promoters positively stimulate H2A.Z incorporation by the SWR complex in yeast.


Risky Genes: The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On Dna Methylation In Indigenous Communities, Ella Martin May 2025

Risky Genes: The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On Dna Methylation In Indigenous Communities, Ella Martin

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Epigenetics is the study of molecular modifications to DNA structure that do not impact the sequence of the DNA itself. This biological study works to link health outcomes later in life with environmental interactions that affect our genetic predispositions. These complex factors can greatly impact longevity and quality of life. DNA methylation is one type of epigenetic mark that happens through natural biological processes. However, this marking has been shown to be detrimental to the process of aging and can be accelerated by harmful exposures such as stress, substance-use, or chemicals in the environment. Exposure to these compounds is exasperated …


Metabolic And Microbial Crossroads: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors And Urinary Tract Infections In (Asian) Diabetes Care, Rob E. Carpenter Apr 2025

Metabolic And Microbial Crossroads: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors And Urinary Tract Infections In (Asian) Diabetes Care, Rob E. Carpenter

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

The global rise of type 2 diabetes, particularly in Asian populations, has led to widespread adoption of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for glycemic control. While effective, these agents elevate the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by inducing glycosuria, which creates a nutrient-rich environment that favors uropathogen growth. Asian individuals may be disproportionately vulnerable to SGLT2 inhibitor–associated UTIs due to a confluence of factors, including lower body mass index, increased visceral adiposity, congenital urinary tract anomalies, and genetic polymorphisms that impair uroepithelial integrity and immunity. This review integrates emerging evidence on the molecular, anatomical, and immunometabolic mechanisms that underlie infection …


Idh Status Dictates Ohsv Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming Affecting Anti-Tumor Immunity, Upasana Sahu, Matthew P Mullarkey, Sara A Murphy, Joshua C Anderson, Vasanta Putluri, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Jun Hyoung Park, Tae Jin Lee, Alexander L Ling, Benny A Kaipparettu, Ashok Sharma, Nagireddy Putluri, Pamela L Wenzel, Christopher D Willey, E Antonio Chiocca, James M Markert, Balveen Kaur Apr 2025

Idh Status Dictates Ohsv Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming Affecting Anti-Tumor Immunity, Upasana Sahu, Matthew P Mullarkey, Sara A Murphy, Joshua C Anderson, Vasanta Putluri, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Jun Hyoung Park, Tae Jin Lee, Alexander L Ling, Benny A Kaipparettu, Ashok Sharma, Nagireddy Putluri, Pamela L Wenzel, Christopher D Willey, E Antonio Chiocca, James M Markert, Balveen Kaur

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations has uncovered the crucial role of metabolism in gliomagenesis. Oncolytic herpes virus (oHSV) initiates direct tumor debulking by tumor lysis and activates anti-tumor immunity, however, little is known about the role of glioma metabolism in determining oHSV efficacy. Here we identify that oHSV rewires central carbon metabolism increasing glucose utilization towards oxidative phosphorylation and shuttling glutamine towards reductive carboxylation in IDH wildtype glioma. The switch in metabolism results in increased lipid synthesis and cellular ROS. PKC induces ACSL4 in oHSV treated cells leading to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is critical to launch an …


Biochemical And Structural Insights Into The Yersinia Effector Yopm And Its Negative Regulation Of The Pyrin Inflammasome, Bethany Wairimu Mwaura Apr 2025

Biochemical And Structural Insights Into The Yersinia Effector Yopm And Its Negative Regulation Of The Pyrin Inflammasome, Bethany Wairimu Mwaura

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Bacteria utilize sophisticated secretion systems to inject effectors into host cells in order to facilitate their survival and replication in the host. Some pathogenic species of Gram-negative bacteria use a conserved contact-dependent T3SS to inject a wide array of effectors. While the effectors diverge in their structures, functions and cell-localization, the T3SS is well conserved. Several effectors discussed in this thesis target key host inflammasome responses. The focus of this work is how the Yersinia effector YopM inhibits the pyrin inflammasome. During Yersinia infection, two effectors, YopE and YopT inadvertently activate the pyrin inflammasome while targeting RhoA to avoid phagocytosis. …


Fusionpub, A Therapeutic Landscape Of Human Fusion Genes, Himansu Kumar, Abayomi Adegunlehin, Zikang Chen, Pora Kim Mar 2025

Fusionpub, A Therapeutic Landscape Of Human Fusion Genes, Himansu Kumar, Abayomi Adegunlehin, Zikang Chen, Pora Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

To advance the development of fusion protein-targeting therapeutics, it is crucial to understand how patients with fusion oncoproteins have been treated and what small molecules have been studied. To fill this gap, we developed FusionPub, a knowledgebase of the therapeutic landscape of human fusion genes. We searched PubMed abstracts for 107K human fusion genes with 14K drugs. We also searched PubMed abstracts for 18K human fusion proteins, considering all gene synonyms of individual partner genes with 14K drugs. After manual curation, we found 17 342 records from 9623 PubMed abstracts. For these fusion genes and drugs, we provide a summary …


Taming Biological Complexity Through The Use Of Symmetries, Luis A. Álvarez-García Feb 2025

Taming Biological Complexity Through The Use Of Symmetries, Luis A. Álvarez-García

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The study of biological systems is, inherently, the study of very complex systems. This is essentially due to the fact that they are made up of numerous, often very complicated, interactions between an extensive number of components. Often necessitating an abundance of quantitative parameters and details for a precise description. The human brain for ex- ample, consisting of ∼ 80 billion neurons with ∼ 800 to 100 trillion connections between them, each of them depending on a large set of parameters. Even simpler examples such as bacterial organisms, such as E. coli and B. subtilis, which we focus on …