Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons^™

Comparison Of Genes In Meiothermus Ruber And Escherichia Coli In The Thiamine Biosynthesis Pathway, Erin E. Frye, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation – Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_2046 and Mrub_2041.We predict that Mrub_2046 encodes the enzyme phosphomethylpyrimidine kinase (DNA coordinates 2082772..2083572 on the reverse strand), which is the second step of the Thiamine Metabolism pathway (KEGG map number mrb00730). It catalyzes the conversion of 4-Amino-2-methyl-5-phosphomethylpyrimidine to 4-Amino-2-methyl-5-hydroxymethyl diphosphate The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b2103, which has the gene identifier thiD. We …

Meiothermus Ruber Mrub_0976 And Mrub_1641 Share The Same Functions As Escherichia Coli B3940 And B3433 In The Biosynthesis Of Homoserine, Cody Stephans, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_0976 and Mrub_1641. We predict that Mrub_0976 encodes the enzyme aspartate kinase (DNA coordinates 964404..965630) which is the 1^st step of the homoserine biosynthesispathway (KEGG map number M00018). It catalyzes the conversion L-aspartate to L-asparyl-4-phospate. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b3940, which has the gene identifier ‘thrA’. We …

Possible Orthologs Of Trpa And Trpb Genes Between E. Coli (B1260 And B1261) And M. Ruber (Mrub_1512 And Mrub_1511), John J. Stenger, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

Mrub_1512 encodes the enzyme tryptophan A (DNA coordinates 1544300..1545091), which is the 6th step of the Tryptophan Biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00400). It catalyzes the conversion of Chorismate to L-Tryptophan. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b1260, which has the gene identifier trpA. We predict that Mrub_1512 (DNA coordinates 1544300..1545091) is a alpha subunit of the Tryptophan Synthase (KEGG map number 00400). Mrub_1511 encodes the enzyme tryptophan B (DNA coordinates 1543083..1544303), which is the 7th step of the Tryptophan Biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00400). It catalyzes the conversion of Chorismate to L-Tryptophan. The E. …

Mrub_2765 Is The Version Of E. Coli Fabz In Meiothermus Ruber, While Mrub_0266 Is The Version Of E. Coli Fabi In Meiothermus Ruber, Amanda M. Narkis, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation – Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_2765 and Mrub_0266. We predict that Mrub_2765 encodes the enzyme β-hydroxyacyl-Acyl carrier protein (ACP) dehydratase (DNA coordinates 2805770..2806213 on the reverse strand), which is the 3^rd step of the fatty acid elongation pathway (KEGG map number 00780). It catalyzes the conversion of (3R)-3-hydroxyacyl-[ACP] to trans-2-enoyl-[ACP]. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be …

Pyruvate Metabolism In M. Ruber When Compared To E. Coli, Amanda M. Johnson, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_0476, Mrub_1516, Mrub_1517, Mrub_0477, and Mrub_2322. We predict that Mrub_0476, Mrub_1516, and Mrub_1517 (DNA coordinates 461643..464366, 1548957..1549955, 1549952..1550986, respectively) are a paralogous a subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1(KEGG map number 00620). We predict that Mrub_0477 and Mrub_2322 (DNA coordinates 464402..465697 and 2371690..2373090, respectively) are a paralogous subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex …

A Bioinformatics Study On Whether Or Not Mrub_2763 Gene In M. Ruber Is Similar To The Lpxb Gene In E. Coli And If Mrub_2768 Is Similar To The Lpxd Gene In E. Coli., Frank J. Habura, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the gene Mrub_2768 and Mrub_2763. We predict that Mrub_2768 (DNA coordinates 2808186..2809178 on the reverse strand) encodes the enzyme UDP-3-O-(3-hydroxymyristoyl)glucosamine N-acyltransferase (LpxD), which is the third step of the Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00540). It catalyzes the conversion of UDP-3-O-(3-hydroxymyristoyl)-α-D-glucosamine + a(3R)-3-hydroxymyristoyl-[acp] → a holo-[acyl-carrier protein] + UDP-2-N,3-O-bis[(3R)-3-hydroxytetradecanoyl]-α-D-glucosamine. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b0179, which …

Comparing Meiothermus Ruber And Myxococcus Xanthus In The Purine Metabolism Pathway, Linnea J. Ritchie, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation – Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. I investigated the biological functions of Mrub_1053 Mrub_2281 and Mrub_2299. I predicted that Mrub_1053 and Mrub_2281 (DNA coordinates 1053364..1054359 on the forward strand and 2333172..2334113 on the forward strand respectively) encodes the enzyme phosphoribose-1-pyrophosphate synthetase (PRS) which is the first step of the purine synthesis pathway (KEGG). I also predicted that Mrub_2299 (DNA coordinates: 2352378..2353775 on the forward strand) encodes for Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) amidotransferase, which is …

Valine Biosynthesis: Mrub_2994 Is Orthologous To E. Coli B3770 And Mrub_1844 Is Orthologous To E. Coli B3771, Bennett A. Hartmann, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation – Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_2994 and Mrub_1844. We predict that Mrub_1884 encodes the enzyme dihydroxy-acid dehydratase (DNA coordinates 1901362..1903026 on the forward strand), which is the third step of the valine biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00290). It catalyzes the conversion of 2,3-dihydroxy-3methylbutanoate to 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b3771, which has the gene identifier ilvD. …

Bioinformatic Comparison Of Genes In The Leucine Biosynthesis Pathway Of Escherichia Coli To Meiothermus Ruber, Isaac D. Schmied, Benjamin T. Ryan, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

We predict that Mrub_1905 and Mrub_1906 encode the enzyme 2-isopropylmalate synthase (Mrub_1906 DNA coordinates complement(1965044..1966603) Mrub_1905 DNA coordinates complement(1963455..1965041)), which is the first step of the leucine biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00290). It catalyzes the conversion of (2S)-2-isopropylmalate to 2-isopropylmaleate. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b0074, which has the gene identifier leuA. We predict that Mrub_1846 encodes the enzyme 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (DNA coordinates complement(1903909..1904961)), which is the third step of the leucine biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00290). It catalyzes the conversion of (2R,3S)-3-isopropylmalate to (2S)-2-isopropyl-3-oxosuccinate. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted …

Riboflavin Metabolism: A Study To See If Mrub_1256 Is Orthologous To E. Coli B0415, And If Mrub_1254 Is Orthologous To E. Coli B1662, Anish Sora Reddy, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_1256 and Mrub_1254. We predict that Mrub_1256 encodes the enzyme 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine synthase (Dna Coordinates 1282509..1282982 forward strand), which is part of the Riboflavin Metabolism pathway (KEGG map number 00740). It catalyzes the conversion of 3,4-Dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate or 5-amino-6-ribityl-aminouracil to Quinone. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be E. coli b0415, which has the gene identifier …

The Meiothermus Ruber Mrub_2572 Gene Is An Ortholog Of The Escherichia Coli Pyre B3642 Gene And The Meiothermus Ruber Mrub_2071 Gene Is An Ortholog Of The Escherichia Coli Pyrf B1281 Gene, Cale J. Mccormick, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_2572 and Mrub_2071. We predict that Mrub_2572 encodes the enzyme orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (DNA coordinates 2617545..2618096 on the forward strand), which is the 5^th step of the UMP biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00240). It catalyzes the conversion of orotate + PRPP to orotidine 5’-phosphate. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b3642, which has the gene …

Bioinformatics Indicates That Meiothermus Ruber Genes Mrub_1710 And Mrub_1712 Are Homologs Of The Escherichia Coli Genes B2903 (P-Protein; Glycine Dehydrogenase) And B2905 (T-Protein; Aminomethyltransferase), Respectively, Malory J. Groen, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation – Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_1710 and Mrub_1712. We predict that Mrub_1710 encodes the enzyme glycine dehydrogenase (DNA coordinates 3046168.. 3049041 on the reverse strand), which is the first step of the glycine degradation pathway (KEGG map number 00260). It catalyzes the conversion of glycine to S-Amino-methyldihydro-lipoylprotein. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b2903, which has the gene identifier gcvP. …

E. Coli B3639 And B3634 Are Orthologs Of Mrub_2047 And Mrub_1372, Rong Zheng, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_2047 and Mrub_1372. We predict that Mrub_2047 encodes the enzyme fused 4'-phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase/phosphopantothenoylcysteine synthetase, FMN-binding (DNA coordinates 2083590..2084816 on the forward strand), which is the first and the second steps of the CoA biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 00770). It catalyzes the conversion of (R)-4’-phosphopantothenate to (R)-4’-phosphopantothenoyl-L-cysteine and the conversion of (R)-4’-phosphopantothenoyl-L-cysteine to 4’-phosphopantetheine. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog …

Mrub_0258 Gene Is An Ortholog Of The B4226 Gene (Ppa) Found In Escherichia Coli; Mrub_1198 Gene Is An Ortholog Of The B2501 Gene (Ppk) Found In Escherichia Coli;, Brandon M. Wills, Dr. Lori Scott

Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_0258 and Mrub_1198. We predict that Mrub_0258 encodes the enzyme inorganic pyrophosphatase (226403..226942), which is indirectly involved with the oxidative phosphorylation pathway (KEGG map number 00190). It catalyzes the conversion of the diphosphate ions made by Mrub_1198 into two orthophosphate ions, which can then be used by ATP synthase to produce energy. The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted …

Analogous Cellular Contribution And Healing Mechanisms Following Digit Amputation And Phalangeal Fracture In Mice, Lindsay A. Dawson, Jennifer Simkin, Michelle Sauque, Maegan Pela, Teresa Palkowski, Ken Muneoka

Biology Faculty Publications

Regeneration of amputated structures is severely limited in humans and mice, with complete regeneration restricted to the distal portion of the terminal phalanx (P3). Here, we investigate the dynamic tissue repair response of the second phalangeal element (P2) post amputation in the adult mouse, and show that the repair response of the amputated bone is similar to the proximal P2 bone fragment in fracture healing. The regeneration-incompetent P2 amputation response is characterized by periosteal endochondral ossification resulting in the deposition of new trabecular bone, corresponding to a significant increase in bone volume; however, this response is not associated with bone …

Chamber-Specific Patterns Of Epicardium Formation In Zebrafish, Sana Khan

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The outer cardiac layer, the epicardium, coordinates the final steps of vertebrate heart development. This cardiac tissue arises from cells in the proepicardial organ (PEO) that forms around the base of the inflow tract. Its general location is conserved across species despite morphological differences. Cellular mechanisms of migration differ across species. Three strategies of PEO migration are described: 1) The floating cyst model - PEO cells released into the pericardial cavity are directed by fluid movements to migrate onto the myocardium; 2) Villi transfer - cardiac contractions may mediate multicellular PEO villi contact to the myocardium; and 3) Tissue bridge-mediated …

Consequences Of Secondary Calibrations On Divergence Time Estimates, John J. Schenk

Biology: Faculty Publications

Secondary calibrations (calibrations based on the results of previous molecular dating studies) are commonly applied in divergence time analyses in groups that lack fossil data; however, the consequences of applying secondary calibrations in a relaxed-clock approach are not fully understood. I tested whether applying the posterior estimate from a primary study as a prior distribution in a secondary study results in consistent age and uncertainty estimates. I compared age estimates from simulations with 100 randomly replicated secondary trees. On average, the 95% credible intervals of node ages for secondary estimates were significantly younger and narrower than primary estimates. The primary …

Analysis Of Alternative Storage Conditions For Dna Recovery From Field Samples, Alison Schutt, Emily Stricklin, Britta Ten Haken, Joseph Tolsma, Laurie Furlong, Sara S. Tolsma

Northwestern Review

As ecologists increasingly employ molecular methods, they find that tried and true preservation solutions (e.g. ethanol or formalin) may not be optimal when samples are targeted for genetic analyses. Before traveling to remote sample sites, researchers need to consider which preservation methods are likely to yield the largest quantity and highest quality of DNA based on their travel times and field conditions. They also need to consider whether they will have access to preservatives at remote sites and whether those preservatives can be safely transported. To determine which preservation methods would most reliably preserve tissue for genetic analysis under a …

Mir494 Reduces Renal Cancer Cell Survival Coinciding With Increased Lipid Droplets And Mitochondrial Changes, Punashi Dutta, Edward Haller, Arielle Sharp, Meera Nanjundan

Molecular Biosciences Faculty Publications

Background: miRNAs can regulate cellular survival in various cancer cell types. Recent evidence implicates the formation of lipid droplets as a hallmark event during apoptotic cell death response. It is presently unknown whether MIR494, located at 14q32 which is deleted in renal cancers, reduces cell survival in renal cancer cells and if this process is accompanied by changes in the number of lipid droplets.

Methods: 769-P renal carcinoma cells were utilized for this study. Control or MIR494 mimic was expressed in these cells following which cell viability (via crystal violet) and apoptotic cell numbers (via Annexin V/PI staining) were …

Direct Analysis In Real Time (Dart) Of An Organothiophosphate At Ultrahigh Resolution By Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry And Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Laszlo Prokai, Stanley M. Stevens Jr.

Molecular Biosciences Faculty Publications

Direct analysis in real time (DART) is a recently developed ambient ionization technique for mass spectrometry to enable rapid and sensitive analyses with little or no sample preparation. After swab-based field sampling, the organothiophosphate malathion was analyzed using DART-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Mass resolution was documented to be over 800,000 in full-scan MS mode and over 1,000,000 for an MS/MS product ion produced by collision-induced dissociation of the protonated analyte. Mass measurement accuracy below 1 ppm was obtained for all DART-generated ions that belonged to the test compound in the …

Effect Of Hydroxychloroquine And Characterization Of Autophagy In A Mouse Model Of Endometriosis, A. Ruiz, S. Rockfield, N. Taran, E. Haller, Robert Engelman, I Flores, P Panina-Bordignon, Meera Nanjundan

Molecular Biosciences Faculty Publications

In endometriosis, the increased survival potential of shed endometrial cells (which normally undergo anoikis) is suggested to promote lesion development. One mechanism that may alter anoikis is autophagy. Using an autophagic flux inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), we identified that it reduces the in vitro survival capacity of human endometriotic and endometrial T-HESC cells. We also identified that HCQ could decrease lesion numbers and disrupt lesion histopathology, as well as increase the levels of peritoneal macrophages and the IP-10 (10 kDa interferon-γ-induced protein) chemokine in a mouse model of endometriosis. We noted that RNA levels of a subset of autophagic …

Membrane Glycerolipidome Of Soybean Root Hairs And Its Response To Nitrogen And Phosphate Availability, Fang Wei, Brian Fanella, Liang Guo, Xuemin Wang

Biology Department Faculty Works

Root hairs are tubular extensions of specific root epidermal cells important in plant nutrition and water absorption. To determine membrane glycerolipids in root hairs and roots may differ, as well as their respective response to nutrient availability, this study analyzed the membrane glycerolipid species in soybean root hairs and in roots stripped of root hairs, and their response to nitrogen (N) and phosphate (Pi) supplementation. The ratio of phospholipids to galactolipids was 1.5 fold higher in root hairs than in stripped roots. Under Pi deficiency, the ratio of phospholipids to galactolipids in stripped roots decreased with the greatest decrease found …

Site-Specifically Labeled Immunoconjugates For Molecular Imaging—Part 1: Cysteine Residues And Glycans, Pierre Adumeau, Sai Kiran Sharma, Colleen Brent, Brian M. Zeglis

Publications and Research

Due to their remarkable selectivity and specificity for cancer biomarkers, immunoconjugates have emerged as extremely promising vectors for the delivery of diagnostic radioisotopes and fluorophores to malignant tissues. Paradoxically, however, these tools for precision medicine are synthesized in a remarkably imprecise way. Indeed, the vast majority of immunoconjugates are created via the random conjugation of bifunctional probes (e.g., DOTA-NCS) to amino acids within the antibody (e.g., lysines). Yet antibodies have multiple copies of these residues throughout their macromolecular structure, making control over the location of the conjugation reaction impossible. This lack of site specificity can lead to the formation of …

Akap150 Dynamics In Anterior Pituitary Cells, Kristen E. Dew

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cellular communication occurs as a result of changes in signaling pathways. A well-studied signaling pathway is through G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In gonadotropes, GPCR stimulation by GnRH leads to the activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Activated PKA can phosphorylate ion channels, potentially causing an influx of calcium, depolarization and secretion of hormones. A scaffolding protein known as AKAP150 anchors PKA near L-type calcium channels. In addition, AKAP150 anchors phosphatases, which provides temporal control during signaling events. It was recently shown that AKAP150 is mobile in neuronal dendrites, providing regulation to where the signaling cascade occurs in the cell. …

The Heterocyst Regulatory Protein Hetp And Its Homologs Modulate Heterocyst Commitment In Anabaena Sp. Strain Pcc 7120, Patrick Videau, Orion S. Rivers, Kathryn Hurd, Blake Ushijima, Reid T. Oshiro, Rachel J. Ende, Samantha M. O'Hanlon, Loralyn M. Cozy

Research & Publications

The commitment of differentiating cells to a specialized fate is fundamental to the correct assembly of tissues within a multicellular organism. Because commitment is often irreversible, entry into and progression through this phase of development must be tightly regulated. Under nitrogen-limiting conditions, the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 terminally commits ∼10% of its cells to become specialized nitrogen-fixing heterocysts. Although commitment is known to occur 9–14 h after the induction of differentiation, the factors that regulate the initiation and duration of this phase have yet to be elucidated. Here, we report the identification of four genes that share …

The Role Of Arp2/3 In Ring Canal Development In Drosophila Melanogaster, Marina Tipold

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Infertility and impaired fecundity affect 8.2 million women in the United States. Intercellular bridges are essential to the proper formation of germ cells in many organisms; therefore, learning more about how they are formed and regulated during the formation of sperm and eggs could provide insight into how defects in their structure can impact fertility. Intercellular bridges are actin-rich structures that connect developing germ cells to each other and allow the transfer of materials. I used the development of the fruit fly egg as a model system to study formation and regulation of intercellular bridges. Specifically, I investigated the role …

Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Reveals A Novel Sgta/Peroxiredoxin I Complex That Regulates Androgen Receptor Activity, Yenni Alejandra Garcia

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The dynamic Hsp70-90 chaperone machinery along with its cochaperone partners are well-characterized for their ability to fold, assemble, and regulate steroid hormone receptors (SHRs). Human small glutamine rich tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) containing protein alpha (SGTA) is a recently identified protein that has a characteristic Hsp90-binding TPR domain and is a key participant in the androgen, glucocorticoid, and progesterone receptor signaling pathway. In addition, SGTA plays a role in cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and apoptosis. We have demonstrated that SGTA binds directly to both Hsp70 (kd = 6 μM) and Hsp90 (kd = 11 μM). In a cell-free …

The Gammaturc Nanomachine Mechanism And Future Applications, Timothy Riehlman

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The complexity and precision of the eukaryotic cell’s cytoskeletal network is unrivaled by any man-made systems, perfected by billions of years of evolution, mastering elegant processes of self-assembly, error correction, and self-repair. Understanding the capabilities of these networks will have important and far reaching applications in human medicine by aiding our understanding of developmental processes, cellular division, and disease mechanisms, and through biomimicry will provide insights for biosynthetic manufacturing at the nanoscale and across scales. My research utilizes cross species techniques from Human to the model organism of Fission Yeast to investigate the structure and mechanisms of the g-tubulin ring …

Computational Studies Of Paradifluorobenzene Cations And Hydrogen Cyanide Molecule, John C. Rowe Iv

Honors Theses

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hypothesized to comprise a significant portion of interstellar carbon identified from the Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs). Gas phase cation-molecule reactions between compounds that previously existed as weakly bound species provides the best explanation for the emergence of PAHs in the interstellar medium (ISM). In this work, we use computational methods to characterize one of these weakly-bound systems. We discovered that intramolecular charge distribution (calculated using the Natural Population Analysis) dictate the complexes formed between a paradifluorobenzene cation and either one or two HCN molecules. Additionally, the relative stabilities of the complexes and the binding energies …

Characterization Of Catecholamine Receptors And Transporters In Murine Macrophages, Elizabeth Gonye

Honors Theses

Macrophages are a critical part of the immune response. When circulating monocytes move into tissues they differentiate int macrophages to mount the first line of defense against pathogens.