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Water Molecules: A Closer Look At Their Behavior At Protein-Protein Interfaces And Their Contributions To The Docked Model Of Pyridoxal Kinase - Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Complex, Mostafa H. Ahmed Aug 2011

Water Molecules: A Closer Look At Their Behavior At Protein-Protein Interfaces And Their Contributions To The Docked Model Of Pyridoxal Kinase - Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Complex, Mostafa H. Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

The work in this thesis is divided into two aims. The first aim is to provide a detailed analysis of water molecules at protein-protein interfaces as well as quantifying their contributions with respect to different residue types. To achieve this aim a data set of 4741 water molecules abstracted from 179 high-resolution (≤ 2.30 Å) X-ray crystal structures of protein-protein complexes was analyzed with a suite of modeling tools based on HINT. The second aim is to observe the effect of adding interfacial water molecules in developing a model for the protein-protein interaction between pyridoxal kinase and serine hydroxymethyltransferase. This …

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Determining The Mechanism Of Double-Stranded Rna-Induced Cell Death In Ovarian Cancer., Danielle Van Aug 2011

Determining The Mechanism Of Double-Stranded Rna-Induced Cell Death In Ovarian Cancer., Danielle Van

Theses and Dissertations

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecological cancers. Current ovarian cancer drug regimens, including taxanes and platinum-based agents, are susceptible to chemoresistance necessitating the development of novel chemotherapeutics. Within tumors pathogen-derived ligands, such as dsRNA, can activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are capable of inducing apoptosis. In this dissertation we have found that in ovarian cancer cell lines (DOV-13, SKOV-3, CAOV-3, and OVCAR-3), dsRNA treatment alters cell survival. When treated with dsRNA, ovarian cancer cell lines and patient samples could be divided into two categories, responsive which undergo significant levels of apoptosis (CAOV-3 and OVCAR-3) or non-responsive …

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The Abundance And Infection Status Of Anopheles Spp. Mosquitoes At Three Sites In Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, Priya Krishnan Aug 2011

The Abundance And Infection Status Of Anopheles Spp. Mosquitoes At Three Sites In Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, Priya Krishnan

Theses and Dissertations

Malaria is a re-emerging infectious disease with approximately half of the world's population at risk. In the US, since the 1950’s the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been reporting between 1,000 and 1,500 cases of malaria every year. A majority of these cases were among US travellers and were attributed to Plasmodium falciparum. In August 2002, two cases of human malaria due to Plasmodium vivax were reported in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that these cases were acquired locally. This was because of an absence of other risk factors such as international …

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Legacy Sediments In Streams - Effects On Nutrient Partitioning During Simulated Re-Suspension Events., Molly Sobotka Aug 2011

Legacy Sediments In Streams - Effects On Nutrient Partitioning During Simulated Re-Suspension Events., Molly Sobotka

Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic inputs of nutrients and sediment are a widespread problem in U.S. streams causing localized impairment and contributing to eutrophication of coastal habitats. Sediments and dissolved nutrients interact through diverse processes including ion exchange, sorption and biotic assimilation by particle-bound bacteria. This study examined the effects of sediment re-suspension on nutrient partitioning in lab microcosms using fine benthic matter collected from two Virginia Coastal Plain streams. Kimages Creek was recently restored following dam removal and was characterized by large deposits of legacy sediments. Courthouse Creek was characterized by sandy substrates typical of Coastal Plain streams. Sediment characteristics differed between the …

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Simulation, Measurement And Image Analysis Of Corrosion Initiation And Growth Rate For Aluminum 2024 And Steel 304, Yan Fang Aug 2011

Simulation, Measurement And Image Analysis Of Corrosion Initiation And Growth Rate For Aluminum 2024 And Steel 304, Yan Fang

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract SIMULATION, MEASUREMENT AND IMAGE ANALYSIS OF CORROSION INITIATION AND GROWTH RATE OF ALUMIUM 2024 AND STEEL 304 By Yan Fang, MS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of M.S. of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Dr. Brian Hinderliter, Ph. D Associate professor, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Time: 11 a.m. Place: Room E3210 Engineering East Hall Date: Friday August 12, 2011 Corrosion initiation and growth rate are important properties in maintaining structural integrity, especially for surface and pit corrosion of common infrastructure and transportation metals. …

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Let's Get Physical: The Role Of Physical Activity In The Training Of Graduate Mental Health Students, Cassandra Pasquariello Aug 2011

Let's Get Physical: The Role Of Physical Activity In The Training Of Graduate Mental Health Students, Cassandra Pasquariello

Theses and Dissertations

There is growing awareness of the role of physical activity (PA) in the prevention and treatment of health disorders. Mental health practitioners are well positioned to provide PA counseling and may have ethical obligations to address PA. Researchers have cited insufficient training as a barrier to PA counseling, yet little is known about training in mental health. This exploratory study examines the need for training students in PA counseling. A national sample of 361 current graduate students in psychology, social work, rehabilitation counseling, and psychiatric nursing completed a Web-based survey on their training, knowledge, attitude towards PA, personal PA, and …

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Pre- And Post-Migration Attitudes Among Ghanaian International Students Living In The United States: A Study Of Acculturation And Psychological Well-Being, Nicole Fischer Aug 2011

Pre- And Post-Migration Attitudes Among Ghanaian International Students Living In The United States: A Study Of Acculturation And Psychological Well-Being, Nicole Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated attitudes among international students prior to their departure and following their arrival in the United States through a phenomenological research approach. Eight participants completed individual interviews in Accra, Ghana, and four participants completed follow-up email correspondence. The purpose of the study was to explain pre-migration expectations, post-migration experiences, and compare similarities and differences between perceptions and actual encounters. The researcher investigated five principle components of pre-migration: satisfaction with life prior to departure from the country of origin, impressions and expectations of the host country and predominate influences, awareness of discrimination in the host country, and culture-specific …

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Adjustment Of Families With Children Adopted From Eastern Europe, Maria Kuznetsova Aug 2011

Adjustment Of Families With Children Adopted From Eastern Europe, Maria Kuznetsova

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the adjustment of older children and adolescents adopted from Eastern Europe and the impact of their preadoption history and family’s functioning on their adjustment. This is a follow-up study of families first surveyed in 2005 with an addition of new families. One hundred and forty-five families reporting on 194 adopted children (9 to 19 years; 104 girls) participated in this study at Time 2. The project was conducted as an internet-based survey. Parents and adopted children reported on children’s emotional, behavioral and social problems (CBCL and YSR), as well as family environment …

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Association Between T Cells-Related Gene Expression And Fibrosis Progression In Hcv Recurrence Disease., Alexander Philip Aug 2011

Association Between T Cells-Related Gene Expression And Fibrosis Progression In Hcv Recurrence Disease., Alexander Philip

Theses and Dissertations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide and a leading cause for liver transplant. Unfortunately, graft HCV infection is a universal phenomenon despite of pre-transplant prophylactic strategies. Acute HCV infection and innate immune responses elicit an inflammatory scenario that triggers the recruitment of adaptive immune response cells. Of those chronically infected, 30% experience accelerated fibrosis with concomitant cirrhosis development within 5 years post-LT and require re-transplant. With many patients responding unfavorably to antivirals and ineffective vaccines, much attention is now placed on T cell immunity in controlling HCV infection. This study represents a retrospective analysis …

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A Pre And Post Exercise Comparison Of Three Assessment Tools Commonly Employed To Assess Vascular Function, Lorena Salom Aug 2011

A Pre And Post Exercise Comparison Of Three Assessment Tools Commonly Employed To Assess Vascular Function, Lorena Salom

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is one of the earliest subclinical indicators of impaired cardiovascular health and several non-invasive tools have been developed to evaluate vascular function, including strain gauge plethysmography (SGP), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) via ultrasound, and peripheral artery tonometry (PAT). While these tools have extensively been studied during a resting condition, the responses following acute exercise are not as well characterized. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the pre- and post-exercise vascular function values obtained with SGP, FMD, and PAT. Relationships among the primary outcome variables obtained with each assessment tool were also evaluated. …

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Managing The Healthcare Needs Of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Parents' Experience, Julie Strunk Aug 2011

Managing The Healthcare Needs Of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Parents' Experience, Julie Strunk

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of parents who manage the health needs of an adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Qualitative interviews were conducted with parents from 10 families of adolescents with ASD residing in Virginia. Data were analyzed using Clark Moustakas’ method of analysis of data in which the phenomenologist asks the following questions: What are the individual’s experiences, and in what context did they experience them? This study maximized credibility by using three strategies: prolonged engagement, peer debriefing, and member checking. “Parents needing help” emerged as the essence of the parents’ experiences. …

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Molecular Pathways Involved In Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity In Kidney Allograft Transplants, Huong Nguyen Aug 2011

Molecular Pathways Involved In Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity In Kidney Allograft Transplants, Huong Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND GENE SIGNATURES INVOVLED IN CALCINEURIN INHIBITOR NEPHROTOXICITY IN KIDNEY ALLOGRAFT By Huong Le Diem Nguyen, M.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Physiology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011. Major Director: Valeria Mas, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Pathology Director of Molecular Transplant Research Laboratory, Division of Transplant Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), cyclosporin A and tacrolimus, are potent immunosuppressive agents but induce toxicities causing damages and graft dysfunction, and have been suggested to contribute to late-term loss of graft in kidney transplant …

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Characterizing The Distribution Of Planktonic Fecal Bacteria In The James River, Richmond, Virginia, John Furry Aug 2011

Characterizing The Distribution Of Planktonic Fecal Bacteria In The James River, Richmond, Virginia, John Furry

Theses and Dissertations

Surface waters containing fecal bacteria present significant public health risks. Understanding the sources of and factors affecting the distribution of fecal-indicating bacteria is necessary to predict potential illnesses more effectively. This thesis presents two studies on the distribution of fecal bacteria in the James River through Richmond, Virginia. Chapter 1 describes nearly 11 years of water quality, climate, and hydrologic data that occurred with changes in Escherichia coli concentrations, concluding that Richmond contributes significant quantities of fecal bacteria to the James River, and that the distribution of these bacteria varies seasonally. Chapter 2 details the development of Polymerase Chain Reaction …

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Role Of Autophagy In Radiosensitization Of Breast Tumor Cells, Molly L. Bristol Aug 2011

Role Of Autophagy In Radiosensitization Of Breast Tumor Cells, Molly L. Bristol

Theses and Dissertations

In MCF-7 breast tumor cells, ionizing radiation promoted autophagy that was cytoprotective; pharmacological or genetic interference with autophagy induced by radiation resulted in growth suppression and/or cell killing (primarily by apoptosis). The hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1,25D3, also promoted autophagy in irradiated MCF-7 cells, sensitized the cells to radiation and suppressed the proliferative recovery that occurs after radiation alone. 1,25D3 also enhanced radiosensitivity and promoted autophagy in MCF7 cells that overexpress Her-2/neu as well as in p53 mutant Hs578t breast tumor cells. In contrast, 1,25D3 failed to alter radiosensitivity or promote autophagy in the BT474 breast tumor cell …

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The Potential For Eutrophication Mitigation From Aquaculture Of The Native Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica, In Chesapeake Bay: Quantitative Assessment Of An Ecosystem Service, Colleen Higgins Aug 2011

The Potential For Eutrophication Mitigation From Aquaculture Of The Native Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica, In Chesapeake Bay: Quantitative Assessment Of An Ecosystem Service, Colleen Higgins

Theses and Dissertations

Native oysters have been promoted as a means to improve water quality in Chesapeake Bay. This project added important insights into the potential of oyster aquaculture to process and remove nutrients from Bay waters. Results clarified that nutrient removal of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and carbon (C) through harvest of cultivated oyster biomass can be quantified and modeled with high levels of statistical confidence. A simple, yet accurate, method is now available for estimating the amount of nutrients removed via harvesting aquacultured oysters. Based on model estimates, 106 harvest sized oysters (76 mm TL) remove 132 kg TN, 19 kg …

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Mosaicism For Trisomy21: Utility Of Array-Based Technology For Its Detection And Its Influence On Telomere Length And The Frequency Of Acquired Chromosome Abnormalities, Chariyawan Charalsawadi Aug 2011

Mosaicism For Trisomy21: Utility Of Array-Based Technology For Its Detection And Its Influence On Telomere Length And The Frequency Of Acquired Chromosome Abnormalities, Chariyawan Charalsawadi

Theses and Dissertations

The primary aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of array-based technology for detecting and quantifying the presence of mosaicism. This aim was achieved by studying individuals having mosaicism for Down syndrome. SNP arrays were performed on 13 samples from individuals with mosaicism for trisomy 21, 13 samples from individuals with normal chromosome 21complements (negative controls) and 5 samples from individuals with full or partial trisomy 21 (positive controls). In addition, BAC arrays were processed on 6 samples from individuals with mosaicism for trisomy 21, 3 negative controls and 1 positive control. These studies have shown that array-based …

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The Effects Of Hypothermia On Status Epilepticus-Induced Acquired Epilepsy, Kristin Phillips Aug 2011

The Effects Of Hypothermia On Status Epilepticus-Induced Acquired Epilepsy, Kristin Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Status epilepticus (SE) is a type of neurological injury characterized by continuous seizure activity and can lead to molecular and pathophysiological alterations leading to plasticity changes. SE can lead to the development of AE by the process of epileptogenesis, which is a phenomenon that describes the transformation of normal brain tissue into a hyperexcitable neuronal population. It has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro that calcium (Ca2+) dynamics are severely altered during and after SE, and these changes play a major role in the progression of epileptogenesis. It has also been reported that preventing the rise in intracellular …

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Medicalization As A Trojan Horse: Changes In Erectile Enhancement Advertising, Robert Wood Aug 2011

Medicalization As A Trojan Horse: Changes In Erectile Enhancement Advertising, Robert Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Medicalization as a Trojan Horse: Changes in Erectile Enhancement Advertising By Robert D Wood, M.S. A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Sarah Jane Brubaker, PhD, Graduate Program of Sociology This thesis investigates the medicalization of “inadequate penis size” through an analysis of online advertising of “male enhancement,” or erectile enhancement (EE) products. The process of medicalization, as defined by Peter Conrad, is the process by which non-medical problems become defined and treated as such (2007). With the advent and success …

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Morphology, Material And Vibratory Properties Of The Swimbladder In The Carp, Cyprinus Carpio, Yasha Mohajer Jul 2011

Morphology, Material And Vibratory Properties Of The Swimbladder In The Carp, Cyprinus Carpio, Yasha Mohajer

Theses and Dissertations

The carp Cyprinus carpio has a two-chambered swimbladder and excellent hearing. I explored the hypothesis that the anterior chamber, which connects to Weberian ossicles, is adapted for hearing by testing both chambers for material properties. I also determined displacement and auditory responses to mechanical strikes. Wall stress is higher in the posterior, strain in the anterior and modulus lower in the anterior chamber. Strikes increase pressure followed by a variable rebound that rapidly decays. Displacement and sound amplitude increase with hammer force, and amplitude is similar in both chambers for within chamber strikes but lower across chambers. Normalized for equivalent …

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Functional Characterization Of The Streptococcus Sanguinis Com Regulon, Jill Callahan Jul 2011

Functional Characterization Of The Streptococcus Sanguinis Com Regulon, Jill Callahan

Theses and Dissertations

Streptococcus sanguinis is an important component of the dental plaque biofilm and is believed to play a beneficial role in the oral cavity. S. sanguinis is also a leading cause of infective endocarditis (IE), a potentially lethal infection of the cardiac valves. S. sanguinis possesses genetic competence, the ability to acquire exogenous DNA into its genome. In the well characterized system of S. pneumoniae, genetic competence requires a quorum sensing system encoded by the early comCDE genes, as well as late genes controlled by the alternate sigma factor, ComX. Previous studies in other streptococcal species have suggested functions for the …

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Sphingosine-1-Phosphate In Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Responses, Megan Price Jul 2011

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate In Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Responses, Megan Price

Theses and Dissertations

Mast cells play a critical role in both acute and chronic inflammation and mature in peripheral tissues from bone marrow-derived progenitors that circulate in the blood as immature precursors. Mast cell progenitors are likely to encounter the serum-borne bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), during migration to target tissues. Mast cells developed from human cord blood-derived progenitors cultured with stem cell factor (SCF) alone express intragranular tryptase (MCT), the phenotype predominant in the lung. S1P accelerated the development of cord blood-derived mast cells (CB-MCs) and strikingly increased the numbers of mast cells expressing chymase. These mast cells have functional FcepsilonRI, and …

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Silk Fibroin-Based Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications, Jennifer Mccool Jul 2011

Silk Fibroin-Based Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications, Jennifer Mccool

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the comparison of the electrospun silk scaffolds to the electrospun silk fibroin gel scaffolds. Moreover, this study examined the differences in cross-linking effects of genipin and methanol as well as solvents on the mechanical properties and cell compatibility of the scaffolds. Silk scaffolds were electrospun from an aqueous solution or 1,1,1,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) without genipin, immediately after 8 % (wt) genipin was added to the solution, and 18 hours after genipin blended with the solution. Uniaxial tensile testing determined that the silk scaffolds electrospun from water exhibit a higher modulus and peak stress than that of the …

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A Review Of Common And Rare Genetic Variants In Schizophrenia, Jonathan Luedders Jul 2011

A Review Of Common And Rare Genetic Variants In Schizophrenia, Jonathan Luedders

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic epidemiology has shown a large role for genetic influences on schizophrenia. However, the nature of the variants involved is debated. The common disease-common variant (CDCV) hypothesis suggests that schizophrenia is caused by common alleles with small effect sizes. According to the common disease-rare variant (CDRV) hypothesis, schizophrenia is caused by rare variants with large effect sizes. In recent years, evidence has been found for both common and rare variants in schizophrenia. Several SNPs have been associated with schizophrenia through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), supporting the CDCV hypothesis. In support of the CDRV hypothesis, individuals with schizophrenia have been found …

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Opioid Addiction Treatments During Pregnancy And Their Effects On Axonal Growth And Myelination In The Developing Central Nervous System, Manisha Magar Jul 2011

Opioid Addiction Treatments During Pregnancy And Their Effects On Axonal Growth And Myelination In The Developing Central Nervous System, Manisha Magar

Theses and Dissertations

Treatment with buprenorphine represents a promising alternative for pregnant opioid addicts but there is a need to understand potential effects on nervous system development. We previously showed effects of perinatal exposure to buprenorphine on axonal caliber and myelination in 26-day-old rat corpus callosum. These changes, detected at the end of rapid brain myelination and accompanied by earlier oligodendrocyte maturation, suggested interference with mechanisms coordinating axonal growth and myelination. To better understand buprenorphine actions and to establish whether these effects extend to the spinal cord, we analyzed the corpus callosum and corticospinal tract at 16 days of age, just before the …

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A Comparative Study Of A Pathogenic Versus A Nonpathogenic Naegleria Species, Melissa Jamerson Jul 2011

A Comparative Study Of A Pathogenic Versus A Nonpathogenic Naegleria Species, Melissa Jamerson

Theses and Dissertations

Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) and Naegleria lovaniensis (N. lovaniensis) are closely related amebae found in the environment. N. fowleri causes Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fatal disease of the central nervous system, while N. lovaniensis is nonpathogenic. N. fowleri infection occurs when amebae enter the nasal passages, and migrate to the brain. The molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PAM are not well-defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to define phenotypic characteristics that may be functionally linked to the pathogenicity associated with N. fowleri. Studies revealed that N. fowleri has a faster growth rate and is more …

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Expression Profiling And Functional Validation Of Micrornas Involved In Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder, Albert H. Kim Jul 2011

Expression Profiling And Functional Validation Of Micrornas Involved In Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder, Albert H. Kim

Theses and Dissertations

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. MiRNAs have been shown to affect neuronal differentiation, synaptosomal complex localization and synapse plasticity, all functions thought to be disrupted in schizophrenia. We investigated the expression of 667 miRNAs (miRBase v.13) in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ, N = 35) and bipolar disorder (BP, N =35) using a real-time PCR-based Taqman Low Density Array (TLDA). After extensive QC steps, 441 miRNAs were included in the final analyses. At a FDR of 10%, 22 miRNAs were identified as …

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Natural Disasters And Older Adults: The Social Construction Of Disaster Planning, Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock Jul 2011

Natural Disasters And Older Adults: The Social Construction Of Disaster Planning, Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock

Theses and Dissertations

Examining older adults’ experiences with and response toward hurricanes within the context of the community of residence is key to both understanding their experiences and planning for future hurricanes. Specific to this research, the objective was to understand the current social network of older adults, or who provides care for whom under what circumstances, using the social constructionist perspective. Grounded theory combined with action research was the theoretical orientation guiding the study. Sources of data included the collection of household disaster plans, semi-structured interviews with older adult residents of housing authority neighborhoods, semi-structured interviews with community planners, and observation of …

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Structural Basis For Thermal Stability Of Thermophilic Trmd Proteins, Jamar Uzzell Jul 2011

Structural Basis For Thermal Stability Of Thermophilic Trmd Proteins, Jamar Uzzell

Theses and Dissertations

Thermal stability of theG37 tRNA methyltransferase proteins from Thermotoga maritima and Aquifex aeolicus have been compared using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. It was shown that the Thermotoga protein is remarkably stable and is denatured at temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Centigrade. The Aquifex aeolicus protein was less stable, denaturing broadly at temperatures between 55oC and 100oC. In contrast, the mesophilic E. coli protein was completely denatured at 55oC. Enzymatic activity of the proteins was measured at various temperatures. Both the Thermotoga and Aquifex enzymes are active at ambient temperatures, and display a significant decrease in activity when the temperature is …

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Analysis Of The Role Of Outer Surface Protein C (Ospc) In Borrelia Burgdorferi Pathogenesis, Delacy Rhodes Jul 2011

Analysis Of The Role Of Outer Surface Protein C (Ospc) In Borrelia Burgdorferi Pathogenesis, Delacy Rhodes

Theses and Dissertations

Lyme disease is an emerging infection that is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. These bacteria exist in nature through an enzootic life cycle involving Ixodes ticks and various reservoir hosts. One way that this bacterium adapts to the different hosts in the enzootic cycle is through the expression of outer surface protein C (OspC). OspC is a surface exposed lipoprotein encoded on circular plasmid 26 that forms homodimers on the bacterial surface and has distinct conserved and variable portions of sequence. When ospC is deleted, the spirochetes are unable to cause mammalian infection although the mechanism of …

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Helper Phage Capsid Size Redirection By Staphylococcal Pathogenicity Island Sapi1 Involves Internal Scaffolding Proteins., Priyadarshan Damle Jul 2011

Helper Phage Capsid Size Redirection By Staphylococcal Pathogenicity Island Sapi1 Involves Internal Scaffolding Proteins., Priyadarshan Damle

Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of nosocomial and community acquired infections. Many of the virulence factors are encoded on staphylococcal mobile genetic elements. Members of the SaPI family of S. aureus mobile elements encode superantigens and are mobilized at high frequency by specific helper bacteriophages. One remarkable feature of helper phage exploitation by SaPIs is remodeling of the normal T=7 bacteriophage capsid to produce smaller T=4 phage-like particles. These particles, composed entirely of helper phage proteins, can accommodate the smaller SaPI genome while excluding that of a complete helper phage. This study was designed to understand the …

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