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The Roles Of Pon2 In Mitochondrial Physiology, Lung Tumor Cell Proliferation, And Lung Tumorigenesis., Aaron Whitt
The Roles Of Pon2 In Mitochondrial Physiology, Lung Tumor Cell Proliferation, And Lung Tumorigenesis., Aaron Whitt
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) is an intracellular, multifunctional enzyme with near-ubiquitous tissue distribution. Within cells, PON2 is localized to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it mitigates the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). PON2’s chief enzymatic function is its lactonase activity, through which it catalyzes the hydrolysis of a bacterial quorum-sensing molecule, N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (C12), effectively disrupting bacterial intercellular communication and protecting against infection. C12 is produced by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has been shown to disrupt various aspects of eukaryotic host cell physiology and evoke apoptotic cell death through the activity of PON2. Additionally, PON2 has garnered …
A Novel Role For Rassf1a In The Regulation Of Ras Activation., Desmond Ramón Harrell Stewart
A Novel Role For Rassf1a In The Regulation Of Ras Activation., Desmond Ramón Harrell Stewart
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Ras is the most frequently activated oncogene in human cancer. It is not only the most frequently mutated oncogene, but is also rendered hyperactive in the wild-type form by aberrant regulation. Ras drives transformation and contributes to tumor aggressiveness by activating multiple downstream mitogenic effectors. Ras also possesses the paradoxical ability to induce apoptosis and senescence. Ras-induced apoptosis is not well understood, but has been largely attributed to the RASSF tumor suppressors, particularly RASSF1A. RASSF1A mediates Ras-induced apoptosis by activating pro-apoptotic proteins such as the MST kinases and BAX. RASSF1A is among the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressors in human …