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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Role Of Xenopus Laevis Reck In Ecm Remodeling And Tissue Patterning, Jessica Willson
The Role Of Xenopus Laevis Reck In Ecm Remodeling And Tissue Patterning, Jessica Willson
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Proper cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are vital for cell migration and patterning of the vertebrate embryo. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, reversion-inducing cysteine-rich proteins with Kazal motifs (RECK) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), are all differentially expressed during embryogenesis to regulate such ECM remodeling events and cell interactions. While TIMPs are a family of 4 secreted proteins that share overlapping substrate specificities of MMPs, RECK is unique in that it is a membrane-anchored MMP inhibitor that is embryonic lethal in mice. I used Xenopus laevis as a model organism to investigate the role of RECK as …
A Role For Shh And Bmp4 In Regulating The Dorsal-Ventral Patterning Of The Developing Pharyngeal Region, Alex Szpak
A Role For Shh And Bmp4 In Regulating The Dorsal-Ventral Patterning Of The Developing Pharyngeal Region, Alex Szpak
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
The pharynx is crucial to the survival of all vertebrates since it facilitates respiration by connecting the nasal and oral cavity to the larynx and digestion by connecting the oral cavity to the esophagus. The developing pharyngeal region displays dorsoventral patterning, and currently there is little information identifying the underlying mechanisms that regulate this patterning. This is in part due to the complexity of the developing pharyngeal region that requires contributions from all three germ layers along with neural crest cells. The expression profiles of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (Bmp4) adjacent to the developing pharyngeal region …
Developmental Characterization Of Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase Domain Functions In Xenopus Laevis, Michelle A. Nieuwesteeg
Developmental Characterization Of Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase Domain Functions In Xenopus Laevis, Michelle A. Nieuwesteeg
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
During development the extracellular matrix is cleaved and remodeled to facilitate the large-scale cell rearrangements that are necessary for processes like gastrulation, neurulation, angiogenesis and organogenesis. ECM remodeling occurs primarily through secreted enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Regulation of MMP activity is achieved through the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), a small family of secreted proteins that bind MMPs in a 1:1 manner to inhibit their activity. Although TIMPs were originally characterized based on their MMP-inhibitory activities, in vitro studies have revealed that TIMPs are multifunctional proteins, with structurally and functionally distinct N- and C-terminal domains. TIMP N-terminal domains bind …
Cloning And Analysis Of Reck During Early Xenopus Laevis Development, Jessica Willson
Cloning And Analysis Of Reck During Early Xenopus Laevis Development, Jessica Willson
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is crucial for the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Degradation of ECM components occurs through the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene encodes a membrane-anchored protein and plays an important role in mediating ECM remodeling by inhibiting MMPs. To date, few in vivo studies exist examining RECK during development. The present study focuses on cloning and examining the expression of RECK during early Xenopus laevis development. A mature cDNA clone of the RECK gene was generated. RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were used to …
The Role Of Pex11-Beta In Peroxisome Biogenesis, Intracellular Relationship To Reactive Oxygen Species Levels And Redox-Sensitive Cell Signaling, Mark A. Fox
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Peroxisomes are organelles whose roles in fatty acid metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination have contributed much attention in understanding their origin and biogenesis. Many studies have shown that de novo peroxisome biogenesis is an important regulatory process, while yeast studies suggest that total peroxisome numbers are in part regulated by proteins such as Pex11, which can facilitate the division of existing peroxisomes. Although de novo biogenesis and divisions are likely important mechanisms to peroxisome functioning, the regulation of peroxisome numbers during embryonic development is poorly understood. Peroxisome number and function are particularly crucial in oviparous animals such as …