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Articles 4021 - 4050 of 5010
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Three Models Of Anthrax Toxin Effects On The Map-Kinase Pathway And Macrophage Survival, Daniel J. Schneider
Three Models Of Anthrax Toxin Effects On The Map-Kinase Pathway And Macrophage Survival, Daniel J. Schneider
Theses and Dissertations
Lethal factor (LF), a component of anthrax toxin, is the primary virulence factor that allows Bacillus anthracis to evade the immune response by blocking the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) enzymes. This research modifies three published MAPK models to reflect this signal inhibition and to estimate a first-order reaction rate by fitting the models to published viability data for two macrophage cell lines cultured with the LF-producing Bacillus anthracis-Vollum1B strain. One model appears to be ill-suited for this purpose because not all relevant MAPK components could be integrated into the inhibition equations. Despite different underlying parameters and values, the …
The Maya Footprint: Soil Resources Of Chunchucmil, Yucatan, Mexico, Ryan V. Sweetwood
The Maya Footprint: Soil Resources Of Chunchucmil, Yucatan, Mexico, Ryan V. Sweetwood
Theses and Dissertations
Agricultural yields in Northwest Yucatán are constrained by climate, thin soils, and low fertility. Despite this, the ancient Maya city of Chunchucmil Yucatán, Mexico, boasted an immense, dense, and wealthy population during the Middle Classic period (ca A.D. 400-700). Soil physical and chemical properties were explored to determine how the ancient Maya of Chunchucmil fed themselves. Soil profiles were collected from various locations within ancient Chunchucmil's suspected sustaining area. The physical and chemical properties, carbon isotopes, black carbon, and coprostanols of soil profiles sampled were compared to ancient rural settlement and remotely sensed images, such as AIRSAR (airborne synthetic aperture …
The Effects Of A Resveratrol Derivative On Regulatory Behaviors And Reproductive Health In Male And Female Long-Evans Rats, Kimberly Michelle Fabick
The Effects Of A Resveratrol Derivative On Regulatory Behaviors And Reproductive Health In Male And Female Long-Evans Rats, Kimberly Michelle Fabick
Theses and Dissertations
Phytoestrogens are chemicals produced by plants that act like estrogens and have the ability to bind to the mammalian estrogen receptor system. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new phytoestrogen analog called 4-acetoxy Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen that has been found in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol has been shown to be able to bind to the estrogen receptors and has a similar molecular structure as estradiol. Resveratrol has been shown to have many positive health benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, serving as a neuroprotective agent, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, working as an anti-cancer …
Characterization Of A Fluorescent Protein Reporter System, Sandra J. Dias
Characterization Of A Fluorescent Protein Reporter System, Sandra J. Dias
Theses and Dissertations
Chemical and biological threats are ever present and attacks have occurred throughout the world in both war and peace-time. Multiple government agencies, academia, and private industry are developing detection capabilities to address such threats. The research presented in this paper supports development of a modular synthetic biology based system that detects and reports the presence of a threat agent. Synthetic biology builds upon past research in genetic engineering and seeks to combine broad applications within biotechnology in novel ways. This basic research project will help to demonstrate a proof-of-concept design which will guide future studies on the development of a …
Mechanisms By Which Apoptotic Membranes Become Susceptible To Secretory Phospholipase A2, Rachel Williams Bailey
Mechanisms By Which Apoptotic Membranes Become Susceptible To Secretory Phospholipase A2, Rachel Williams Bailey
Theses and Dissertations
During apoptosis, changes occur in T-lymphocyte membranes that render them susceptible to hydrolysis by secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). To study the relevant mechanisms, a simplified model of apoptosis using a calcium ionophore was first applied. Kinetic and flow cytometry experiments provided key observations regarding ionophore treatment: initial hydrolysis rate was elevated, total reaction product was increased four-fold, and adsorption of the enzyme to the membrane surface was unaltered. Analysis of these results suggested that susceptibility during calcium-induced apoptosis is limited by substrate availability rather than enzyme adsorption. Fluorescence experiments identified three membrane alterations that might affect substrate access to the …
The Effects Of Prenatally Administered Phytoestrogens On The Reproductive And Behavioral Development Of Long-Evans Rats, Crystal Blake
The Effects Of Prenatally Administered Phytoestrogens On The Reproductive And Behavioral Development Of Long-Evans Rats, Crystal Blake
Theses and Dissertations
Equol is known to be a selective androgen modulator and has the ability to bind and inhibit 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT). Equol is also a selective estrogen receptor modulator and is able to bind beta estrogen receptors with high affinity. As estrogen receptors are found in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads, prenatally administered equol could affect the morphological and reproductive development of offspring. To test this hypothesis, during gestational days 14 to 20, forty-two pregnant Long-Evans rats were given one of six treatments: 1) no treatment, 2) injection with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 3) injection with 10 mg/kg equol, 4) injection with …
In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Human Keratinocytes, Stephanie Mccormack-Brown
In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Human Keratinocytes, Stephanie Mccormack-Brown
Theses and Dissertations
Nanotechnology promises to be the defining technology of the 21st century. At an annual investment of $1B, it provides significant contributions to manufacturing, medicine, energy conservation, and the environment. Nanoparticles are structures with at least one dimension in the 1 to 100 nanometer (nm) range. DoD and US Air Force interest in aluminum nanoparticles (AL NPs) stems from its ability to enhance combustion jet fuel, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The addition of AL NPs to JP-8 may pose a unique dermal hazard to aircraft maintenance workers. There is no published data on AL NP toxicity effects on human skin. This …
In Vitro Toxicity And Inflammation Response Induced By Copper Nanoparticles In Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Brian M. Clarke
In Vitro Toxicity And Inflammation Response Induced By Copper Nanoparticles In Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Brian M. Clarke
Theses and Dissertations
Nanotechnology is a thriving industry and has the potential to benefit society in numerous ways. However, not all environmental and human health concerns of nanomaterials have been addressed. Thus, the purpose of this research was to investigate the toxicity and inflammation potential (using cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 as indicators) of various sized copper nanoparticles (40, 60, and 80 nm) in rat alveolar macrophages. Toxicity measurements were accomplished by means of in vitro techniques and toxicity mechanisms were studied by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, cytokine measurements used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Results show copper nanoparticles as …
Optimization Of Therapeutic Strategies For Organophosphate Poisoning, Gregory G. Seaman
Optimization Of Therapeutic Strategies For Organophosphate Poisoning, Gregory G. Seaman
Theses and Dissertations
The National Preparedness Vision requires the U.S. be prepared to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards associated with a chemical attack. Results of this study demonstrate that we cannot protect service members and first responders as required following a nerve agent attack. The research presented herein aimed to construct a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to determine optimal therapeutic strategies for organophosphate (nerve agent) poisoning. The constructed model integrated organophosphates and two antidotes, atropine and oximes. Model results reasonably mirrored literature data and anecdotal observations of organophosphate poisoning. Results suggest a symptoms-based dosing strategy of atropine and …
Statistical Approach To The Characterization And Recognition Of Human Gaits, Derrick M. Chelliah
Statistical Approach To The Characterization And Recognition Of Human Gaits, Derrick M. Chelliah
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis addresses the final portion of a complete process for human gait recognition. The thesis takes as input information that has been generated from videotaping walking individuals and converting their gaits into numerical data that measures the locations of various points on the body through time. Beginning with this data, this thesis uses a variety of mathematical and statistical methods to create identifying signatures for each individual and identify them on the basis of that signature. The end goal is to achieve under controlled laboratory conditions human gait recognition, an identification method which does not require contact or cooperation …
Effect Of Food Deprivation On The Metabolic Profile Of Llamas (Lama Glama) In The Letanias Experimental Station - Viacha, Edwin Eddy Ali Quisbert
Effect Of Food Deprivation On The Metabolic Profile Of Llamas (Lama Glama) In The Letanias Experimental Station - Viacha, Edwin Eddy Ali Quisbert
Theses and Dissertations
In the highlands, where regular agriculture and livestock are not viable, raising camelids is the only means of subsistence for rural families. While grazing during the dry season in the high Andean region, llamas face serious nutritional deficiencies due to limited forage availability. This study was done at the experimental station of the Benson Agriculture and Food Institute located in the community of Letanias which is in the municipality of Viacha. The objective was to determine the effect of food deprivation on the metabolic profile of blood plasma (concentration of urea-nitrogen, total protein, albumin, and creatinine) as well as the …
Gliotoxin Production In Aspergillus Fumigatus, Susan Musyimi
Gliotoxin Production In Aspergillus Fumigatus, Susan Musyimi
Theses and Dissertations
Aspergillus fumigalus is a ubiquitous fungus that causes an infection called aspergillosis in immune-compromised surgery patients (Latge, 2001, 384; Bok et al. 2006). Aspergillosis cases have increased in the past decade due to the increasing number of patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy and receiving organ transplants (Bok et al. 2006). Although there is still disagreement as to the causative agent of the symptoms accompanying aspergillosis, many scientists suspect that the compound, gliotoxin, plays a major role, hi this study, we compared the amounts of gliotoxin produced from clinical and environmental isolates of A. fumigatus. We hypothesized that the amount of gliotoxin …
Transcriptional Profiling Of Aphid Resistant And Susceptible Melon (Cucumis Melo) Following Cotton -Melon Aphid (Aphis Gossypii) Feeding, Preethi Samuel
Transcriptional Profiling Of Aphid Resistant And Susceptible Melon (Cucumis Melo) Following Cotton -Melon Aphid (Aphis Gossypii) Feeding, Preethi Samuel
Theses and Dissertations
The interaction between phloem feeding aphids Aphis gossypii (cotton-melon aphid) and Cucumis melo (melon) provides an opportunity to elucidate the means by which a host plant defends itself against aphid attack. The relationship is of scientific as well as economic importance since A. gossypii is among the most destructive insects to agriculture in the U.S. and abroad. The resistance to A. gossypii in melon is controlled at the Vat (Virus aphid transmission) locus by a major dominant gene, Vat that has the unique feature of conferring resistance to A. gossypii and resistance to transmission of non-persistent viruses by A. gossypii …
Effect Of Thyroid Hormones On At1r Mrna Levels In Hek 293 Cells: Implications For Early-Onset Hypertension In Children Born Of Preeclamptic Women, Amanda Eddins
Theses and Dissertations
This experiment tested the effect of thyroid hormones, T3 or T4, on angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA levels in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK). Maternal preeclampsia is a prediction of higher ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in the exposed offspring. The mother's blood pressure affects the blood pressure of the fetus since the placenta mediates blood flow. Thyroid hormone can increase production of angiotensinogen, which is a part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). RAS regulates blood pressure. Hypothesis: HEK 293 cells treated with T3 and T4 will have more angiotensin II type I receptors than those not treated with T3 …
Biodiversity Of Insects From The Syrphidae And Carabidae Families In Three Ecological Niches (Forest, Forest Boarder, And Farming Area) In Three Communities Of The Coroico Municipality, Nor Yungas, La Paz, Eddy Alarcón
Theses and Dissertations
Today, biodiversity is one of the most studied disciplines because it encompasses all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that exist and act within an ecosystem. In recent decades, biodiversity has been degrading rapidly due to the simplification of agricultural systems, and the irrational use of pesticides that alter the normal function of ecosystems. Within nature, each insect population is attacked by one or more natural enemies. In this investigation, during a six month period from June to December 2006, the biodiversity of predatory insects from the syrphidae and carabidae families was determined in three ecological niches of three communities …
Resistance Of Different Tomato Varieties (Lycopersicon Esculentum) To Late Blight (Phytophthora Infestans) In Laboratory Conditions At Uac Carmen Pampa, In The Province Of Nor Yungas, Department Of La Paz, Andrez Faustino Florez Paxi
Resistance Of Different Tomato Varieties (Lycopersicon Esculentum) To Late Blight (Phytophthora Infestans) In Laboratory Conditions At Uac Carmen Pampa, In The Province Of Nor Yungas, Department Of La Paz, Andrez Faustino Florez Paxi
Theses and Dissertations
In order to respond to the low economic and harvesting yields caused by diseases that attack the tomato, we considered using tomato varieties resistant to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum). The evaluation of the percentage of infestation was performed with tomato leaflets over a 168 hour period. The percentage of infestation was recorded every eight hours from the time of inoculation until maximum infestation was reached. The methodology applied was at random and included six treatments and five replications. The experiment consisted of collecting healthy leaflets from five improved varieties and one local …
Effect Of Three Cryoconservation Diluents On Sperm Motility And Vitality In The Ejaculate Of Bulbourethal-Ectomized Llamas (Lama Glama), Department Of La Paz, Edwin Eddy Maceda Tintaya
Effect Of Three Cryoconservation Diluents On Sperm Motility And Vitality In The Ejaculate Of Bulbourethal-Ectomized Llamas (Lama Glama), Department Of La Paz, Edwin Eddy Maceda Tintaya
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different diluents used during the cryopreservation process on the motility and vitality of sperm cells. The three diluters used in this study were: A) trice-serum-egg yolk-glycerin, B) serum-egg yolk-glycerin, and C) Dulbecco’s serum-egg-yolk- glycerin. Diluters were tested in proportions of 64-15-15-6% (N1), 54-20-20-6% (N2), and 44-35-15-6% (N3). Llama semen was collected at the Mejoramiento Genético y Diagnóstico Clínico Del Servicio Agropecuario (SEDAG) in the Los Andes Province of the Department of La Paz. The procedure took place at the Unidad Académica Campesina de Tiahuanaco by a direct optimized …
The Effect Of Cell Type On The Efficacy Of Cmv Antiviral Drugs, Benjamin Meza
The Effect Of Cell Type On The Efficacy Of Cmv Antiviral Drugs, Benjamin Meza
Theses and Dissertations
Until recently, all in vitro drug susceptibility assays of cytomegalovirus (CMV) were performed in clinically irrelevant fibroblast cells. This study sought to test if drug susceptibility was affected by cell type. MRC-5 embryonic lung fibroblasts and ARPE-19 retinal pigmented epithelial cells were infected with BADrUL131-Y4 epithelial/fibroblast tropic virus under serial concentrations of ganciclovir (GCV) or maribavir (MBV). Virus was quantified using plaque reduction, GFP fluorescence, and yield reduction. Both drugs performed less efficiently in ARPE-19 cells. A cell type effect was observed for both plaque reduction and yield reduction assays with implications for the treatment of CMV retinitis as well …
Quantification Of Pollinating Insects Of The Superfamily Apoidea In Three Ecological Niches Of Three Communities In The Municipality Of Coroico-Nor Yungas, Department Of La Paz, Óscar Jaime Claros Sossa
Quantification Of Pollinating Insects Of The Superfamily Apoidea In Three Ecological Niches Of Three Communities In The Municipality Of Coroico-Nor Yungas, Department Of La Paz, Óscar Jaime Claros Sossa
Theses and Dissertations
The superfamily Apoidea (commonly referred to as bees), are insects whose diet consists of the nectar and pollen from flowering plants. Therefore, they are essential pollinators of many species, both wild and cultivated.
Bees are similar to other Hymenoptera in appearance, size, and color variety. The superfamily Apoidea contains 17,000 known species and could possibly contain up to 30,000. Bees perform many tasks that benefit humanity such as pollinating the flowers of both wild and cultivated plants. Without this work, fruits and seeds necessary for the survival of different species, for our own food supply, and for industry would not …
Evaluation Of Five Lines Of Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus) In Three Locations Within The Imbabura Province, Lorena Marivel Dávila Pullas
Evaluation Of Five Lines Of Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus) In Three Locations Within The Imbabura Province, Lorena Marivel Dávila Pullas
Theses and Dissertations
The following lines of white-seeded amaranth were tested in three locations within the Imbabura province of Ecuador: Ecu-0113, Ecu-0014, Ecu-2210, Ecu-4737, and Ecu-4744. The three locations used were Caranqui, Urcuquí, and Pucará which are 2228, 2423, and 2513 meters above sea level respectively. The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify which of the five experimental amaranth lines respond best at each altitude, 2) to establish which of the three locations is most appropriate for cultivation, 3) to understand the vegetative period of the five lines in each location, 4) to analyze which of the five experimental lines possesses …
Evaluating Cancer Protein Identification From Mass Spectroscopy Data, Philip Hudson Williams
Evaluating Cancer Protein Identification From Mass Spectroscopy Data, Philip Hudson Williams
Theses and Dissertations
Early detection of ovarian cancer substantially increases patient survivability. Mass spectrometry data sets for the purpose of research into early detection methods have been funded by the National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program, gynecologic oncology clinic at Northwestern University Chicago IL, USA. Researchers have applied different machine learning methods for classification on several of the spectra data sets, (including the most recent produced on an ABI Hybrid Pulsar QqTOF instrument (Q-Star) mass spectrometer) for the purpose of predicting cancer. While identification of the proteins or metabolites within these spectra is not required for early detection, it would give a better …
Participatory Strategic Plan For The Marketing Of Chicken Broilers Produced By Beneficiary Families In The Area Of Influence Of The Benson Institute, In The City Otavalo, A. Lourdes Paola García
Participatory Strategic Plan For The Marketing Of Chicken Broilers Produced By Beneficiary Families In The Area Of Influence Of The Benson Institute, In The City Otavalo, A. Lourdes Paola García
Theses and Dissertations
This study was done with the objective of helping families that produce poultry to market their product. Therefore, we determined that it is important to develop a strategic marketing plan to help producers reach their sales targets.
As such, this research is focused on the development of chapters that sustain and support the importance and benefits that will be achieved through the development and execution of the plan. This will help with the satisfaction of demand expectations.
The first chapter shows the theoretical framework, which explains basic concepts about diagnosis, marketing plan, marketing, projects, chicken broilers, and other related topics. …
Mechanical Abrasion And Electroporation In The Transformation Of Intact Pleurotus Ostreatus Hyphæ And Nutrient-Dependant Resistance To Hygromycin B, Alexander Cordesman
Mechanical Abrasion And Electroporation In The Transformation Of Intact Pleurotus Ostreatus Hyphæ And Nutrient-Dependant Resistance To Hygromycin B, Alexander Cordesman
Theses and Dissertations
ABSTRACT 1: Abrasive treatment and subsequent electroporation of the basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus in a hypertonic buffer was investigated as a potential method of transforming of intact hyphæ. Mycelia, which are not capable of being transformed via electroporation due to interference by the cell wall, were abraded in an attempt to mechanically degrade the cell wall prior to electroporation. An electroporation field strength of 12,500 V/cm for 500 μs to 1.25 ms was found to be optimal based upon mortality effects. A 32 μm carborundum abrasive was initially evaluated but was quickly found to be inappropriately large so a corundum abrasive …
Role Of Vegf-C In Proliferation And Migration In A Cancer Model, Emily Marie Benke
Role Of Vegf-C In Proliferation And Migration In A Cancer Model, Emily Marie Benke
Theses and Dissertations
Head and neck cancer ranks high among the most common cancers world wide. In addition, there is a high recurrence rate, as well as a high prevalence of loco-regional tumor spread. Among many factors contributing to metastasis is vascular endothelial cell growth factor C. VEGF-C is primarily an inducer of new lymph vessel formation, typically during embryogenesis; however, some advanced cancers show a significant increase in VEGF-C expression, suggesting a role in metastasis. In the current study, the effects of VEGF-C expression were tested in HN12 cells, which are highly metastatic and known to express high levels of the chemokine …
Augmentation Of T Cell Expansion For Adoptive Immunotherapy By Alternate Gamma Chain Cytokines And By Gemcitabine Mediated Inhibition Of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells, Hanh Le
Theses and Dissertations
Successful treatment of cancer with adoptive immunotherapy (AIT) is dependent on the ability to produce large numbers of tumor-specific, functional T cells. The purpose of this thesis is to explore ways in which T cell expansion could be augmented. We have focused on exploring alternate gamma chain cytokines as stimulators of T cell proliferation and differentiation in addition to investigating the potential usefulness of gemcitabine (GEM) in abrogating the immunosuppressive effects of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). B16 melanoma sensitized draining lymph node cells that have been activated in vitro with bryostatin-1 and ionomycin (B/I) were expanded in either IL-7/15 …
Camk-Ii Promotes Beta-Catenin-Dependent Transcription By Binding Flightless-I, Jamie Mcleod
Camk-Ii Promotes Beta-Catenin-Dependent Transcription By Binding Flightless-I, Jamie Mcleod
Theses and Dissertations
Transient intracellular elevations of Ca2+ are common signaling mechanisms used to allosterically regulate proteins. One potential target of Ca2+ is Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase type II (CaMK-II). CaMK-II is a multi-functional protein kinase known to influence cellular pathways such as cell motility and cell cycle progression. Within the cell cycle, CaMK-II promotes the expression of the regulator protein cyclin D1, which is necessary for cell cycle progression. To further understand CaMK-II’s role in cyclin D1 expression, the binding partners of cytosolic CaMK-II were studied using mass spectrometry. Several proteins were identified including β actin, β tubulins, tropomodulin- 3 and Flightless-I. …
Fibronectin-Dependent Activation Of Camk-Ii Promotes Focal Adhesion Turnover By Inducing Tyrosine Dephosphorylation Of Fak And Paxillin, Charles Easley Iv
Fibronectin-Dependent Activation Of Camk-Ii Promotes Focal Adhesion Turnover By Inducing Tyrosine Dephosphorylation Of Fak And Paxillin, Charles Easley Iv
Theses and Dissertations
Transient elevations in Ca2+ have previously been shown to promote focal adhesion disassembly and cell motility. Yet the targets of these Ca2+ transients have not been fully examined. In this study, we demonstrate that CaMK-II, a Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase, is activated in response to β1 integrin engagement with fibronectin to influence fibroblast adhesion and motility. We also show that CaMK-II is dynamically localized to the cell surface using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscopy (TIRFm) and that inhibition of CaMK-II with two mechanistically distinct, membrane permeant inhibitors accelerates spreading on fibronectin, enlarges paxillin-containing focal adhesions and …
Regulation Of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase By Oxidized Phospholipids And Proinflammatory Cytokines, Muralikrishna Mukkamala
Regulation Of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase By Oxidized Phospholipids And Proinflammatory Cytokines, Muralikrishna Mukkamala
Theses and Dissertations
Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase (PAFAH) is a monocyte-derived phospholipase A2 that catalyzes the hydrolysis of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and has been implicated in atherosclerosis. Although PAF and other proinflammatory stimuli are postulated to induce the enzyme, mechanisms controlling PAFAH expression are largely unknown at present. We have shown that PAFAH induction in monocytes is increased in response to oxidized phospholipids. The PAFAH 5' flanking region has at least 10 putative Stat elements, and IL-6 has been shown to be downstream from the prostaglandin receptor, EP2, which has been shown to bind oxidized phospholipids, prompting the hypothesis that Stat proteins might regulate …
Role Of The Small Terminase Subunit Encoded By Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenicity Island Sapi1 In Formation Of Sapi1 Transducing Particles, Nicholas Paul Olivarez
Role Of The Small Terminase Subunit Encoded By Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenicity Island Sapi1 In Formation Of Sapi1 Transducing Particles, Nicholas Paul Olivarez
Theses and Dissertations
Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island SaPI1 is a genomic element that is mobilized and transduced at high frequency by helper phage 80α. SaPI1 encodes a small terminase protein that belongs to the phage small terminase subunit family. The presence of SaPI1-encoded small terminase suggests that it plays a role in SaPI1-specific packaging into transducing particles by complexing with the 80α large terminase subunit and redirecting recognition to a pac site on SaPI1 DNA from 80α DNA. The effects of deleting the small terminase genes in SaPI1 and in a prophage copy of 80α are consistent with this hypothesis. Induction of the …
Inflammation-Associated Gene Regulation In Primary Astrocytes, Glial Tumors And Cellular Differentiation, Katarzyna Marta Wilczynska
Inflammation-Associated Gene Regulation In Primary Astrocytes, Glial Tumors And Cellular Differentiation, Katarzyna Marta Wilczynska
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation elucidates several independent molecular mechanisms that function in astrocytes and glial tumor cells, and suggest that developmental and inflammatory signals may contribute to the development of brain tumors. First, we analyzed the mechanism of TIMP-1 activation in astrocytes and glioblastoma cells. TIMP-1 expression is activated by IL-1, which is the major neuroinflammatory cytokine, via simultaneous activation of IKK/NF-kB and MEK3/6/p38/ATF-2 pathways in primary human astrocytes. In contrast to astrocytes, TIMP-1 is expressed at lower levels in glioblastomas, and is not regulated by IL-1 due to either dysfunctional IKK/NF-kB or MEK3/6/p38/ATF-2 activation. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism of …