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Investigation Of The Effect Of Hyperthyroidism On Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress And Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1 Channel In The Kidney, Nuri̇ye Ezgi̇ Bektur, Erhan Şahi̇n, Sedat Kaçar, Ridvan Bağci, Şeri̇fe Karakaya, Di̇lek Burukoğlu Dönmez, Varol Şahi̇ntürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hyperthyroidism is associated with results in increased glomerular filtration rate as well as increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation. The disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is associated with many diseases, including diabetic nephropathy and hyperthyroidism. Transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) channel is the first cloned TRPC family protein. Although it is expressed in many places in the kidney, its function is uncertain. TRPC1 is involved in regulating Ca2+ homeostasis, and its upregulation increases ER Ca2+ level, activates the unfolded protein response, which leads to cellular damage in the kidney. This study investigated the role of TRPC1 in …

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Affects Insulin Sensitivity/Resistance By Increasingadiponectin, Resistin, And Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-I In Rats, Cemi̇l Kahraman, Hüseyi̇n Yaman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) causes insulin sensitivity, but the reason for this is not known yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HBOT on insulin sensitivity via resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I), and adiponectin. Materials and methods: The study was designed using HBOT and control groups, with eight rats in each group. After 20 days of HBOT under 2.5 atmospheres for 90 min, the fasting insulin (FI), resistin, PAI-I, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance scores (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) …

Diagnostic Performance Of Shear Wave Elastography And Diffusion-Weighted Magneticresonance Imaging In Cervical Lymph Nodes: A Comparative Study, Veli̇ Süha Öztürk, Ersen Erteki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the potential diagnostic value of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) and the contribution of concurrent diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) to diagnostic performance in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 cervical lymph nodes of 94 patients. All lymph nodes were evaluated before the treatment or histopathological sampling. Gray scale ultrasonographic features, elastographic stiffness and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured and recorded. Lymph nodes were divided into benign and malignant groups with histopathological findings. Results: Short axis measurement, axis ratio, hilum morphology, vascularization patterns, pSWE, and ADC values were …

Prognostic Factors For 30-Days Mortality In Eighty Years Aged And Older Critically Illpatients: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Umut Sabri̇ Kasapoğlu, Osman Kaçmaz, Abdullah Gök, Meri̇h Yildiz Eglen, Hasan Şayan, Fati̇h Çolak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nowadays, with the rise in average life expectancy, the rate of hospitalization of the older population in intensive care unit (ICU) is gradually increasing. Unfortunately, there are no ideal combination of prognostic factors predicting the mortality in older patients admitted to the ICU. In the present study, we aim to determine the prognostic factors and their impacts on short-time mortality in older critically ill patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2019 and February 2020. We included 133 patients aged ≥80 years and hospitalized ≥24 h in the ICU. Results: A total of 133 …

Distal Spread And Tumor Regression Patterns Following Preoperative Chemoradiotherapyin Rectal Cancer Patients, İlter Özer, Nesli̇han İnci̇ Zengi̇n, Haci Murat Çayci, Adem Yüksel, Tahsi̇n Dalgiç, Murat Ulaş, Erdal Bi̇rol Bostanci, Musa Akoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the regression pattern with the distal intramural spread (DIS) of rectum cancer after preoperative chemoradiation. Materials and methods: Specimens from 56 patients who underwent radical resection after preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer were examined. The regression pattern (total, fragmented) of the tumor was recorded. DIS status was evaluated by creating sections 0.2 to 0.3 cm thick. Results: A single macroscopic residual area was detected in all specimens. In 10 patients (17.8 %), pathologically complete responses were identified, and DIS was detected in 33 patients (58.9%). The average DIS distance was 0.56 ± 0.3 cm …

Investigation Of The Correlation Between Mood Disorder Symptoms And Disease Activityand Functional Status In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Meli̇h Pamukcu, Tuğba İzci̇ Duran, Hasan Ulusoy, Kürşat Altinbaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the correlation between depressive-anxiety symptoms, mixed features, disease activity, and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the light of the shared underlying etiology in both disorders. Materials and methods: The study included 556 patients with RA. RA disease activity was measured using the Disease Activity Score 28-joint count C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and the patients were evaluated by a Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), and Modified Hypomania Checklist (mHCL) were used to evaluate the mixed depression and bipolarity status of the patients. Results: Of …

The Potential Role Of Human Hiv-1 Tat-Interactive Protein 2levels In The Pathogenesis Of Contact Dermatitis, Mahmut Sami̇ Meti̇n, Handan Bi̇len, Ömer Faruk Elmas, Necmetti̇n Akdeni̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Human HIV-1 TAT interactive protein 2 (HTATIP2/TIP30) is a gene that is extensively expressed in human tissues as well as in tumor tissues. This study aimed to explore the potential role of HTATIP2/TIP30 in contact dermatitis (CD), which is one of the most common inflammatory cutaneous conditions. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved adult patients with acute contact dermatitis who were admitted to the outpatient dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital and healthy adult volunteers without any cutaneous or systemic diseases. The blood concentration of HTATIP2/TIP30 was measured using ELISA kits. Results: The research sample consisted of 31 …

Three-Dimensional Assessment Of Pharyngeal Airway In Individuals With Myotonicdystrophy Type 1, Burcu Evli̇ce, Ayşe Fi̇li̇z Koç, Hazal Duyan, Damla Soydan Çabuk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objectives of this study were to assess pharyngeal airway volume (PAV) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate the impact of diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function tests on PAV. Materials and methods: Thirty DM1 patients (10 female and 20 male; mean age 42.40 ± 12.07) were included in the study. Age and sex-matched thirty patients were participated as control group. In DM1 group pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed. Independent t-test was used to compare PAV values of patients with DM1 and control group. The Mann-Whitney U test was …

Effect Of Cbd On D2 Dopamine Receptor And Cb1 Cannabinoid Receptor Function And Localization, Elizabeth Dull

Online Theses and Dissertations

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa and its array of therapeutic effects make it a popular target of pharmacological research. Though its properties are psychoactive in nature, abuse and dependence of CBD has never been reported. Its beneficial side effects are mediated through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as it functions as an antagonist at cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). However, recent evidence suggests that CBD may also be a CB1 negative allosteric modulator of (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Interestingly, the ECS is linked to the main circuit thought to modulate reward signaling when taking substances of abuse, …

Phenotypic Characterization Of Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients Harboring Variantsof Uncertain Significance, Alper Sari, Erdal Bodakçi̇, Berkan Armağan, Hasan Satiş, Nuh Ataş, Nazi̇fe Şule Yaşar Bi̇lge, Reyhan Bi̇li̇ci̇ Salman, Gözde Kübra Yardimci, Hakan Babaoğlu, Levent Kiliç, Mehmet Aki̇f Öztürk, Şemi̇nur Haznedaroğlu, Berna Göker, Umut Kalyoncu, Ti̇muçi̇n Kaşi̇foğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is the prototype of hereditary autoinflammatory disorders and caused by mutations on the MEFV gene located on the short arm of chromosome 16. Although some MEFV variants are clearly associated with disease phenotype, there are numerous variants with unknown clinical association which are termed as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Here, we present clinical correlations of VUS in a large cohort of adult FMF patients from three tertiary centers located in Central Anatolia. Materials and methods: All patients were recruited from FMF in Central Anatolia (FiCA) cohort. Demographic (sex, age at disease onset) and clinical …

Disruption Of Fdps/Rac1 Axis Radiosensitizes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma By Attenuating Dna Damage Response And Immunosuppressive Signalling, Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu, Sushanta Halder, Rama Krishna Nimmakayala, Satyanarayana Rachagani, Sanjib Chaudhary, Pranita Atri, Ramakanth C. Venkata, Michel M. Ouellette, Joseph Carmicheal, Shailendra K. Gautam, Raghupathy Vengoji, Shuo Wang, Sicong Li, Lynette M. Smith, Geoffrey A. Talmon, Kelsey Klute, Quan P. Ly, Bradley N. Reames, Jean L. Grem, Lyudmyla Berim, James C. Padussis, Sukhwinder Kaur, Sushil Kumar, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy, Maneesh Jain, Chi Lin, Surinder K. Batra

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT) has a suboptimal effect in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) due to intrinsic and acquired radioresistance (RR). Comprehensive bioinformatics and microarray analysis revealed that cholesterol biosynthesis (CBS) is involved in the RR of PDAC. We now tested the inhibition of the CBS pathway enzyme, farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS), by zoledronic acid (Zol) to enhance radiation and activate immune cells.

METHODS: We investigated the role of FDPS in PDAC RR using the following methods: in vitro cell-based assay, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunoblot, cell-based cholesterol assay, RNA sequencing, tumouroids (KPC-murine and PDAC patient-derived), orthotopic models, and PDAC patient's …

Differential Gene Expression-Based Connectivity Mapping Identified Novel Drug Candidate And Improved Temozolomide Efficacy For Glioblastoma, Raghupathy Vengoji, Pranita Atri, Muzafar A. Macha, Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu, Naveenkumar Perumal, Kavita Mallya, Yutong Liu, Lynette M. Smith, Satyanarayana Rachagani, Sidharth Mahapatra, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy, Maneesh Jain, Surinder K. Batra, Nicole Shonka

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) has a devastating median survival of only one year. Treatment includes resection, radiation therapy, and temozolomide (TMZ); however, the latter increased median survival by only 2.5 months in the pivotal study. A desperate need remains to find an effective treatment.

METHODS: We used the Connectivity Map (CMap) bioinformatic tool to identify candidates for repurposing based on GBM's specific genetic profile. CMap identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as top candidates. In addition, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) identified HDAC1 and HDAC2 as the most upregulated and HDAC11 as the most downregulated HDACs. We selected PCI-24781/abexinostat due to …

Fgdb: Database Of Follicle Stimulating Hormone Glycans, Sushil Kumar Shakyawar, Sanjit Pandey, David J. Harvey, George Bousfield, Chittibabu Guda

Journal Articles: Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy

Glycomics, the study of the entire complement of sugars of an organism has received significant attention in the recent past due to the advances made in high throughput mass spectrometry technologies. These analytical advancements have facilitated the characterization of glycans associated with the follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), which play a central role in the human reproductive system both in males and females utilizing regulating gonadal (testicular and ovarian) functions. The irregularities in FSH activity are also directly linked with osteoporosis. The glycoanalytical studies have been tremendously helpful in understanding the biological roles of FSH. Subsequently, the increasing number of characterized FSH …

Mitochondrial Aspects Of Neuronal Pathology In Triple-Transgenic Alzheimer’S Disease Mice, John Zachary Cavendish

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease afflicting millions of people in the United States alone and is the only one of the top leading causes of morbidity and mortality with no effective disease-modifying therapies. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting one in three people over the age of 85. While the hallmarks of the disease include accumulation of beta-amyloid-based extracellular plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau-based intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, treatment strategies centered on removing or mitigating these components of AD have all failed in humans. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been increasingly recognized as an early and consistent …

Neural Stem Cell Metabolic Changes In The Presence Of Interferon-Gamma, Dylan Mckibben

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Spinal cord injury results in significant disability and health care costs due to an inability of the mature central nervous system to regenerate. One potential therapy would be implantation of neural stem cells to the injury site and stimulation of their differentiation to mature neurons. Previous work has shown that the cytokine interferon-gamma can promote this process; however, the signaling pathways induced in neural stem cells have not been well-defined. This proposal examines neural stem cell metabolic responses to signaling induced by interferon-gamma. Two questions will be answered: i) What specific metabolic pathway is activated to guide neural stem cell …

A Biochemical Characterization Of The Fusion Proteins From Enveloped Rna Viruses, Chelsea T. Barrett

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Enveloped viruses must bind target cells and then fuse the viral membrane with a cell membrane to enter a host cell. These viruses use one or more surface glycoproteins to carry out these critical functions. The surface glycoprotein that carries out the fusion function, termed a fusion protein, is divided into three classes based on structural similarities. Some of the most studied human viral pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, influenza, measles, and the recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), possess class I fusion proteins. Following synthesis, class I fusion proteins associate as non-covalently …

Entry And Early Infection Of Non-Segmented Negative Sense Rna Viruses, Jean Mawuena Branttie

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Paramyxoviruses, pneumoviruses, and other non-segmented negative sense (NNS) RNA viruses have historically been of public health concern. Although their genomes are typically small (up to 19kbs) they are able to inflict large-scale detrimental pathologies on host cells. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a widespread pathogen and is a NNS RNA virus. HMPV results respiratory tract infections and is particularly dangerous for preterm infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Other viruses within the NNS RNA virus order include the deadly Ebola, Hendra, and Nipah viruses (EBOV, HeV, and NiV), as well as the re-emerging measles virus (MeV). Despite their public impact, there …

Cloning And Functional Characterizations Of Circular Rnas From The Human Mapt Locus, Justin R. Welden

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Under pathophysiological conditions, the microtubule protein tau (MAPT) forms neurofibrillary tangles that are the hallmark of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease as well as familial frontotemporal dementias linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17). In this work, I report that MAPT forms circular RNAs through backsplicing of exon 12 to either exon 10 or exon 7 (12→10; 12→7), and that these circular RNAs are translated into proteins.

Using stable cell lines overexpressing the circular tau RNAs 12→7 and 12→10, we have discovered that the tau circular RNA 12→7 is translated in a rolling circle, giving rise to multiple proteins. This circular RNA …

Pre-Clinical Advancements In Biomarkers, Tools, And Therapeutics For A Metabolic Neurodegenerative Disease, Zoë Simmons

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Glycogen is the storage form of glucose and a highly important substrate for cellular metabolism. Characterization of the enzymes and mechanisms of glycogen metabolism began over 70 years ago and over the last 20 years, a previously unknown protein called laforin has emerged as an important contributor to glycogen metabolism homeostasis. Multiple labs demonstrated that laforin is a glycogen phosphatase and mutations in the gene encoding laforin cause the formation of aberrant glycogen-like aggregates called Lafora bodies (LBs). LBs are cytoplasmic, water-insoluble aggregates that drive neurodegeneration and early death in Lafora disease (LD) patients. The direct relationship between mutated laforin, …

Special Issue: Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli, Rodney A. Moxley

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Globally, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important cause of diarrheal disease, most notably hemorrhagic colitis, and post-diarrheal sequela, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) [1]. Cattle are a major reservoir of STEC, with approx- imately half of the cases in humans attributable to foodborne exposure [2]. Prevention of human illness has mainly been through food safety measures [2]. Despite extensive research, no other generally accepted and effective preventive measures or therapies for STEC infections in human patients are available [3]. Many questions remain about STEC virulence factors, pathogenesis, detection, and other aspects that necessitate a continua- tion of basic …

Comparisons Of Oral, Intestinal, And Pancreatic Bacterial Microbiomes In Patients With Pancreatic Cancer And Other Gastrointestinal Diseases, Mei Chung, Naisi Zhao, Richard Meier, Devin C. Koestler, Guojun Wu, Erika De Castillo, Bruce J. Paster, Kevin Charpentier, Jacques Izard, Karl T. Kelsey, Dominique S. Michaud

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Background: Oral microbiota is believed to play important roles in systemic diseases, including cancer. Methods: We collected oral samples (tongue, buccal, supragingival, and saliva) and pancreatic tissue or intestinal samples from 52 subjects, and characterized 16S rRNA genes using high-throughput DNA sequencing.

Results: Bray–Curtis plot showed clear separations between bacterial communities in the oral cavity and those in intestinal and pancreatic tissue samples. PERMANOVA tests indicated that bacterial communities from buccal samples were similar to supragingival and saliva samples, and pancreatic duct samples were similar to pancreatic tumor samples, but all other samples were significantly different from each …

Utilizing Acoustic Levitation To Determine Ionic Liquid Effects On Enthalpy Of Polymerization, Davina V. Ho

Honors Theses

Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional organic compounds. The hope with ILs in this project is to incorporate them with resins used in 3D printing to act as plasticizers which will in turn help prolong the life of the printed object. A common issue with plasticizers like phthalate in particular is they can leach out of plastics due to their vapor pressure which leads to decreased performance and can also pose a health risk being released into its surroundings or atmosphere. A major benefit of incorporating ILs in with resins comes from their low volatility …

Glycosaminoglycan Modulation Of Key Proteins In Alzheimer's Disease, Tamim Chiba

Theses and Dissertations

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear polysaccharides whose disaccharide building blocks consist of an amino sugar (D-glucosamine) and either uronic acid (D-glucuronic acid or L-iduronic acid) or galactose. Nearly all GAGs (with the exception of hyaluronic acid) are covalently attached to proteins, forming proteoglycans, and are ubiquitous in nature. The monomeric units, chain length, degree and pattern of sulfation, and epimerization are important properties that determine the influence of these molecules. Through Coulombic forces, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, they regulate many physiological and pathophysiological processes such as blood coagulation, cell growth and differentiation, inflammatory processes, host defense and viral infection mechanisms. …

Identification Of Infant Feeding Practices In Eastern Kentucky And Southern West Virginia That Correlate With High Weight-For-Length, Havilah R. Adkins

DNP Projects

Background: Approximately 20% of children in the United States are obese. West Virginia and Kentucky rank in the top 10 for obesity rates in children as young as 2-4 years old. Obesity increases the risk for numerous short-term health problems and impacts long-term health, development, quality of life, and life expectancy. Research indicates that obesogenic behaviors can be addressed prior to the development of obesity or significant health problems to prevent, rather than treat. Interventions targeting caregivers of infants younger than 2-years can promote early development of healthy feeding habits that persist through the developmental stages of nutrition. Before a …

Osteocyte Activity And Skeletal Muscle Relative Gene Expression Profiling After Short-Term Muscle Paralysis, Michelle Gelbs

Dissertations and Theses

Mechanical loading is essential for maintaining bone tissue. Reduced mechanical loading has been shown to have a negative effect on bone, and can result in the development of disuse osteoporosis. Disuse models of muscle inactivity and immobilization, like the Botox model used in this study, result in changes in the bone microarchitecture, the mechanisms behind which are not fully understood. In a previous four-week Botox disuse study, skeletally mature 20- week-old rats experienced degradation of intracortical bone, increased vascular porosity, and decreased osteocyte lacunar density in the tibiae. The focus of this study was to explicate a potential source of …

Development Of Light Actuated Chemical Delivery Platform On A 2-D Array Of Micropore Structure, Hojjat Rostami Azmand, Hojjat Rostami Azmand

Dissertations and Theses

Localized chemical delivery plays an essential role in the fundamental information transfers within biological systems. Thus, the ability to mimic the natural chemical signal modulation would provide significant contributions to understand the functional signaling pathway of biological cells and develop new prosthetic devices for neurological disorders. In this paper, we demonstrate a light-controlled hydrogel platform that can be used for localized chemical delivery in a high spatial resolution. By utilizing the photothermal behavior of graphene-hydrogel composites confined within micron-sized fluidic channels, patterned light illumination creates the parallel and independent actuation of chemical release in a group of fluidic ports. The …

Association Of Palb2 Variants With Risk To Breast Cancer And Molecular Characterisation Of Palb2 Tumours, Ng Pei Sze

Student Works (2020-2029)

Purpose: Germline rare protein truncating variants (PTVs) in PALB2 are associated with an increased risk to breast cancer. At present, most of the available data on genetic predisposition to breast cancer are derived from studies in women of European descent, and it is unclear the extent to which population-specific differences in genetic and lifestyle factors may contribute to differences in lifetime risk to breast cancer in women of other ancestries. This study sought to determine the prevalence of, mutation spectrum in and the risk estimates associated with PALB2 in a multiethnic cohort of 7840 breast cancer cases and 7928 healthy …

Molecular Basis Of Cross-Sensitization In Colonic Inflammation-Induced Somatic Hypersensitivity, Parshva K. Mehta

Theses and Dissertations

A major portion of pain experienced by patients with an Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be attributed to visceral hypersensitivity. Visceral stimuli transmitted through primary afferent neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) induce a nociceptive response. Notably, a subset of patients has also experienced the development of somatic pain, such as leg pain, after diagnosis of a bowel disorder. The aim of this investigation is to ascertain which biochemical mediators are involved in the development of such viscerosomatic cross-sensitization. Initially, the Von Frey Test was used to find behavioral evidence of somatic referred pain; …

Role Of P53 Deficient Clonogenic Endothelial Cells In The Pathogenesis Of Pulmonary Hypertension, Aneel Roy Bhagwani

Theses and Dissertations

Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder of the small vessels of the pulmonary vasculature. It is characterized by occlusive vascular remodeling leading to right heart failure and ultimately death. PAH pathogenesis involves a multifactorial etiology leading to formation of occlusive lesions in small (preacinary) pulmonary arteries. These lesions contain hyper-proliferative, apoptosis resistant endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. ECs play a major role in the development of PAH. These ECs in vascular lesions are primitive and express progenitor cell markers, including CD117 (c-kit).

We have isolated clonally expanded, c-kit+ ECs from the lungs of Green Fluorescent …

Vasopressin Regulates Daily Rhythms And Circadian Clock Circuits In A Manner Influenced By Sex, Kayla Rohr, Adam Telega, Alexandra Savaglio, Jennifer A. Evans

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohormone that alters cellular physiology through both endocrine and synaptic signaling. Circadian rhythms in AVP release and other biological processes are driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. Loss of vasopressin signaling alters circadian behavior, but the basis of these effects remains unclear. Here we investigate the role of AVP signaling in circadian timekeeping by analyzing behavior and SCN function in a novel AVP-deficient mouse model. Consistent with previous work, loss of AVP signaling increases water consumption and accelerates recovery to simulated jetlag. We expand on these results to show that loss …