Life Sciences Commons^™

Relationships Of Protein Biomarkers Of The Urokinase Plasminogen Activator System With Expression Of Their Cognate Genes In Primary Breast Carcinomas., Seth B. Sereff

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

Background: Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor uPAR and serine protease inhibitors PAI-1 or PAI-2 play key roles in tissue membrane remodeling and invasion of basement membranes by induction of a fibrinolytic pathway. Earlier studies reported that uPA and PAI-1 protein levels in breast carcinomas assist in prediction of response to chemotherapy. Our goal is to develop molecular signatures of candidate genes and identify novel relationships with these four protein biomarkers that demonstrate clinical utility for assessment of breast carcinoma outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective study used de-identified biomarker results and clinical outcomes from primary breast cancers that were stored in …

A Bug Eat Bug World : Does Urbanization Decrease Survivorship Of Pollinators., Amy L. Cherry

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

Human impact on the environment is responsible for the sixth mass extinction on Earth as well as rapid population declines in many taxa. Land use change, via increasing urbanization and intensity of agricultural practices, is the most important aspect of human impact on the environment, and it is associated with population decline and extinction in several taxa, but especially in pollinator species. Pollinators, which are essential for crop production, are experiencing declines as a result of the loss of habitat and host plants associated with urbanization. Urbanization negatively affects pollinators, but in the wake of lost naturalized habitat, some researchers …

Pparγ And High Molecular Weight Adiponectin In White Adipose Tissue In An Obesity Model., Katelyn M. Mcdowell

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

Adiponectin is a protein secreted from adipose (fat) tissue. It is secreted into the blood as either a trimer (low molecular weight), hexamer (middle molecular weight) or an 18-mer (high molecular weight). Adiponectin, particularly the high molecular weight (HMW) isoform, has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which is important for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Adiponectin levels have been shown to be decreased in individuals who are obese, and this may play a role in the diabetes which often accompanies obesity. PPARγ is a protein that is highly expressed in white adipose tissue and is responsible for regulating portions …

Indole Sensitivity In Various Insect Herbivores., Rakhi Patel

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

When plants in nature are attacked by herbivores, they frequently release airborne volatiles. These herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) help plants defend themselves against herbivore attack by calling in natural enemies, but HIPVs may also be directly toxic to herbivores. Indole (C₈H₇N) is a common HIPV that is toxic to caterpillars, but its relative toxicity to different caterpillars has not been explored. I tested the toxicity of indole on six caterpillar species (Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Spodoptera exigua, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Heliothis virescens, and Helicoverpa zea). Results show that indole is …