Life Sciences Commons^™

Structure-Function Relationship Of Ash1l And Histone H3k36 And H3k4 Methylation, Kendra R Vann, Rajal Sharma, Chih-Chao Hsu, Maeva Devoucoux, Adam H Tencer, Lei Zeng, Kevin Lin, Li Zhu, Qin Li, Catherine Lachance, Ruben Rosas Ospina, Qiong Tong, Ka Lung Cheung, Shuai Yang, Soumi Biswas, Hongwen Xuan, Jovylyn Gatchalian, Lorena Alamillo, Jianlong Wang, Suk Min Jang, Brianna J Klein, Yue Lu, Patricia Ernst, Brian D Strahl, Scott B Rothbart, Martin J Walsh, Michael L Cleary, Jacques Côté, Xiaobing Shi, Ming-Ming Zhou, Tatiana G Kutateladze

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The histone H3K36-specific methyltransferase ASH1L plays a critical role in development and is frequently dysregulated in human diseases, particularly cancer. Here, we report on the biological functions of the C-terminal region of ASH1L encompassing a bromodomain (ASH1LBD), a plant homeodomain (ASH1LPHD) finger, and a bromo-adjacent homology (ASH1LBAH) domain, structurally characterize these domains, describe their mechanisms of action, and explore functional crosstalk between them. We find that ASH1LPHD recognizes H3K4me2/3, whereas the neighboring ASH1LBD and ASH1LBAH have DNA binding activities. The DNA binding function of ASH1LBAH is a driving force for the association of ASH1L with the linker DNA in the …

Identification Of Genes Associated With Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Susceptibility Through A Transcriptome-Wide Association Study, Emilio Ugalde-Morales, Rona Wilf, John Pluta, Alexander Ploner, Mengyao Fan, Mohammad Damra, Katja K Aben, Lynn Anson-Cartwright, Chu Chen, Victoria K Cortessis, Siamak Daneshmand, Alberto Ferlin, Marija Gamulin, Jourik A Gietema, Anna Gonzalez-Niera, Tom Grotmol, Robert J Hamilton, Mark Harland, Trine B Haugen, Russ Hauser, Michelle A T Hildebrandt, Robert Karlsson, Lambertus A Kiemeney, Jung Kim, Davor Lessel, Ragnhild A Lothe, Chey Loveday, Stephen J Chanock, Katherine A Mcglynn, Coby Meijer, Kevin T Nead, Jeremie Nsengimana, Maja Popovic, Thorunn Rafnar, Lorenzo Richiardi, Maria S Rocca, Stephen M Schwartz, Rolf I Skotheim, Kari Stefansson, Douglas R Stewart, Clare Turnbull, David J Vaughn, Sofia B Winge, Tongzhang Zheng, Alvaro N Monteiro, Kristian Almstrup, Peter A Kanetsky, Katherine L Nathanson, Fredrik Wiklund, Testicular Cancer Consortium

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) have the potential to identify susceptibility genes associated with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). We conducted a comprehensive TGCT TWAS by integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data with predicted expression models from normal testis, TGCT tissues, and a cross-tissue panel that encompasses shared regulatory features across 22 normal tissues, including the testis. Gene associations were evaluated while accounting for variant-level effects from GWASs, followed by fine-mapping analyses in regions exhibiting multiple TWAS signals, and finally supplemented by colocalization analysis. Expression and protein patterns of identified TWAS genes were further examined in relevant tissues. Our analysis …

A Role For The Actin Cytoskeleton And Plastin-3 In Osteoblast Mineralization And Mechanosensation, Samantha Meagan Chin

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The great diversity in actin network architectures and dynamics is exploited by cells to drive fundamental biological processes including cell migration, intracellular trafficking, and cell division. One such system that relies on the actin cytoskeleton to fulfill its physiological function are osteoblasts, which are mesenchymal lineage bone cells that promote bone formation through depositing a collagen scaffold and subsequently promoting mineralization of this matrix. A number of factors are known to drive osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblast cells including extracellular matrix cues such as substrate stiffness, which are primarily detected via mechanosensitive machinery linked to the actin cytoskeleton. Disruptions to β-actin, …

Drbioright 20: An Llm-Powered Bioinformatics Chatbot For Large-Scale Cancer Functional Proteomics Analysis, Wei Liu, Jun Li, Yitao Tang, Yining Zhao, Chaozhong Liu, Meiyi Song, Zhenlin Ju, Shwetha V Kumar, Yiling Lu, Rehan Akbani, Gordon B Mills, Han Liang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Functional proteomics provides critical insights into cancer mechanisms, facilitating the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We have developed a comprehensive cancer functional proteomics resource using reverse phase protein arrays, incorporating data from nearly 8000 patient samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and approximately 900 samples from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia. Our dataset includes a curated panel of nearly 500 high-quality antibodies, covering all major cancer hallmark pathways. To enhance the accessibility and analytic power of this resource, we introduce DrBioRight 2.0 ( https://drbioright.org ), an intuitive bioinformatic platform powered by state-of-the-art large language models. DrBioRight enables researchers …

Biological Infections Associated With Wearing Cosmetic Contact Lenses: Risks, Pathogens, And Preventative Measures: Mini Review, Lina M. Shaker, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Cosmetic contact lenses are increasingly favored worldwide for their ability to enhance or alter aesthetic appearance. However, their use carries a higher risk of ocular infections, particularly when proper hygiene practices are neglected. This narrative review explores the biological and clinical aspects of infections associated with cosmetic lens usage, with a focus on pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Acanthamoeba. Key factors influencing infection susceptibility include microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, reduced oxygen permeability, and the effects of cosmetic pigments. The review further evaluates the role of lens material properties, including advancements in antimicrobial materials, …

Methylene Blue Dye Removal From Aqueous Solution Using Activated Carbon Prepared From Corn Cob Stem: Kinetics, Isotherms And Mechanism Studies, Gopi Narasimha Murthy, Uttam Kumar Sahu

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

In this study, a waste-to-wealth work has been proposed where activated carbon was synthesized from waste corn cob stems and used for methylene blue (MB) dye removal. Corn cob stems activated carbon (CCSAC) had been prepared in microwave technique using H₃PO₄ as an activating agent where the impregnation ratio of corn cob stems to H₃PO₄ was 1:4. Then CCSAC characterized by FTIR, BET, XRD, SEM, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy. The CCSAC showed the mesoporous with a good surface area of 54.61 m²/g. Around 150 mg adsorbent dose, 120 min contact time, pH …

Assessing The Biological Impacts And Health Risks Of Uv Radiation In The Context Of Sustainable Development Goals: Review, Ruaa H. Abbas, Lina M. Shaker

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while essential for certain biological processes, presents significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Increased UV exposure, driven by ozone depletion and climate change, heightens threats such as DNA damage, skin cancer, immune suppression, and eye disorders, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. Additionally, UV radiation disrupts marine and terrestrial ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and productivity, relevant to SDGs 14 and 15. This review evaluates the health and environmental impacts of UV radiation and highlights recent advancements in UV monitoring technology. Key findings reveal substantial evidence linking UV exposure to accelerated skin …

A Look In The Fast Lane, Joseph Mceachon

Osmosis Magazine

An Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Leary, M.D., Emergency Medicine, Richmond Emergency Physicians Inc.

Challenges Associated With Organ Transplants, George Qiao

Osmosis Magazine

In 1954, the first successful kidney transplant was performed by Dr. Joseph E. Murray. Since then, organ transplantation has served as a life-saving operation, as it replaces a failed organ with a healthy and functioning organ. Recent decades have experienced great success for organ transplants due to advancement in the surgical industry as well as the availability of immunosuppressive drugs that fight against organ rejection.

Conservation In A Developing Country, Melanie Lippert

Osmosis Magazine

Amour Mohammad started farming in Pemba Island, Tanzania in 1994 and soon became an icon for sustainable land management on the island. Climate change has caused droughts, salt water intrusion into farms, and nutrient runoff from the land in Pemba. Despite this, Mohammad viewed climate change not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to be innovative.

Phage Therapy: A Fresh Look At Last Century's Candidate For Fighting Bacteria, Savannah Del Cid

Osmosis Magazine

Humanity has fought infectious bacteria for ages, but it wasn't until recently that humans began to distil chemicals from nature to fight bacteria, which we know as antibiotics. At first, bacteria were easily treated with antibiotics, such as the well-known penicillin. However, the improper and overuse of antibiotics over the decades has created the perfect environment for mutated bacteria to thrive despite antibiotic treatments. This has become a major concern for doctors and patients because the need to utilize methods beyond the pharmaceutical has not become widely apparent until now.

A Biologically Modified World, Maxim Ermoshkin

Osmosis Magazine

The field of synthetic biology has received more attention in the last decade to become a leading emerging technology. The field merges engineering concepts with the study and manipulation of biology. Synthetic biology fosters new solutions to biological problems by reconstructing biological phenomena as well as creating entirely new organisms. Venture capitalists and governments have dramatically increased investment and funding in this field because of its potential in reimagining how medicine, energy, and food are developed.

Origins And Ethics Of Biohacking, Lindsey Paul

Osmosis Magazine

Since its first mention in a 1988 Washington Post article, the biohacking movement has taken on many definitions, with the overarching goal of disseminating information and techniques to allow people outside of the traditional scientific community to modify biological systems. Biohackers, then, are the members of this movement, viewing themselves as boundary-pushers and explorers.

Youth Football: Risk Of Brain Injury, Justin Airas

Osmosis Magazine

Recent studies have increased concerns of the impact of youth tackle football on later neurological health.

Vaping: Is It Better Or Worse For You Thank Smoking?, Madeline Ustanik

Osmosis Magazine

Electronic cigarettes, otherwise referred to as "vapes", "juuls", or "e-cigs", have rapidly risen in popularity since their initial introduction in 2003. The explosion of vape shops, the sight of vape pens in public spaces, and the prevalence of vaping within popular culture is now commonplace. Also available in a variety of flavorings, such as strawberry, mango, and mint, e-cig pods have risen in popularity, particularly among high schoolers and young adults.

Disorder Of Sex Development (Dsd), Dana Oriana Morcillo

Osmosis Magazine

A parent's greatest joy is the moment their child is born. However, this moment can become confusing and even, stressful when their newborn child has different or additional genitalia than the one expected. In moments like this, an important decision lies ahead for both the parents and the physicians in treating the child with caution and more importantly, the appropriate care. Children born with disorder of sex development (DSD) introduce a new medical dilemma that extends beyond the physical, but to psychological, social and ethical concerns as well.

The Effect Of Sleep On Performance In School, Sam Bottum

Osmosis Magazine

As college students, we have all heard that sleep is key to performing well in the classroom. Just how true is this? This article will delve into several studies to get to the bottom of the age-old question.

The Genes To Success: Are You Naturally Gifted?, Adriana Grimes

Osmosis Magazine

Have you ever wondered why it seems that some people struggle in school despite working just as hard as everyone else, yet others can get away with barely studying and still have a 4.0 GPA? Well it turns out there may be some hints in your genome.

Science And The Supreme Court, Nathan Dinh

Osmosis Magazine

On the first Monday of October, the eight justices of the Supreme Court sat on the bench to hear the first oral arguments of the new term, Weyerhauser Company v. United States Fish and Wildlife Services. This case did not involve niche tax laws or contracts, nor did it involve hot button topics like immigration or abortion rights. Rather, it involved the lowly dusky gopher frog.

Letter From The Editor, Mckenzie (Mickey) Survin

Osmosis Magazine

Dear Reader,

Thanks for picking up the fifth - yes, fifth! issue of Osmosis Magazine. I am so proud of how far Osmosis has come! The articles in this issue are more relevant than ever, and ifs inspiring to see so many passionate people coming together to write about them.

We have welcomed so many new faces-shout out to my new design team - as well as some loyal returners. I would like to personally thank Sanitra Desai for sticking this out with me, especially the early days when it was a design team party of two. It's going to …

Osmosis Magazine - Fall 2018

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Is Birth Control Harming The Environment?, Missy Schrott

Osmosis Magazine

In recent years the "go green" mentality that more and more people are adopting has led to concern about the environmental impacts of contraceptives, especially birth control pills, on aquatic life and drinking water supplies.

Food Deserts In Richmond, Jesse Conway

Osmosis Magazine

The term "food desert" is one of recent origin but describes a growing phenomenon throughout the United States. "Food desert" refers to a town or area with limited access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy whole foods.l These areas are often impoverished and thus devoid of nearby supermarkets and farmers' markets, as low profit margins lead to a wide array of challenges for incoming businesses. With limited access to these food sources, families often turn to cheaper and more processed options that are high in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates. This problem worsens for households without a car or with …

Genetic Testing As A Screening Tool For Mental Health Medication, Rachel Bringewatt

Osmosis Magazine

No abstract provided.

Is There More To Big Pharma Than Its Big Profits?, Dana Morcillo

Osmosis Magazine

At over $1 trillion a year, the prescription drug market is one of the largest markets in the world. The United States leads the global market ·with an expenditure of over $300 billion, as of 2014. This number is expected to grow to between $370 and $400 billion dollars by 2020. This market, popularly known as Big Pharma, is heavily invested in researching, testing and advertising pharmaceutical drugs for the sole purpose of creating a profit, or so many people believe. This can be achieved through lobbying efforts and various advertising techniques. However, is there more to Big Pharma than …

To Study Abroad Or To Not Study Abroad: A Big Question For Pre-Health Students, Rachel Bringewatt

Osmosis Magazine

Judging from pre-health students' varying approaches there is no right answer.

The Elephant In The Room: Why Don't The Largest Animals Get Cancer, Abigail Watterson

Osmosis Magazine

There is a famous conundrum in the field of cancer research called the Peto Paradox that questions why animal body mass and rates of cancer development are not actually correlated. It seems reasonable to think that more cells and more cell division would lead to a higher rate of developing mutations that lead to cancer. But as it turns out, larger animals have hidden mechanisms that can fight off cancer and prevent tumor growth.

Anxiety: Unraveling The Miconceptions, Annie Ryan

Osmosis Magazine

Since it's addition to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980, generalized anxiety disorder has highlighted what could only be described as an epidemic.

You Reap What You Sow: Herbicide Atrazine Linked To Cancer, Mary Burns

Osmosis Magazine

Atrazine is an herbicide that is used on more than 50% of the corn grown in the United States, and it is the second most commonly used herbicide in the country. Over 73 million pounds of atrazine are used every year in the United States. ... The use of atrazine increase s the corn harvest and therefore the country's food and fuel supplies. However, atrazine also poses harmful effects.

Reinventing Drug Delivery: Microneedle Technology, Niamh Sutherburg

Osmosis Magazine

Conventionally, hypodermic needles have been used to administer a wide range of drugs from common vaccines to insulin. There are, however, several downsides to this traditional route of drug delivery, including the pain of injections, storage and temperature requirements , and the potential for infections. Microneedles, an idea initially introduced in the 1970s with recent developments in the past decade, offer a painless alternative to traditional needles.