Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons^™

The Effects Of Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Nag-1 Transgenic Mice, Nicholas Werner

All Master's Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of infertility among women in the US and the most common endocrine disorder among women. PCOS is characterized by cystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism (heightened levels of male sex hormones), altered menstrual cycles and various metabolic dysfunctions. The metabolic symptoms associated with PCOS are difficult to treat, as they are a result of hormonal imbalances, rather than diet. The human Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Activated Gene (NAG-1) been shown to prevent diet-induced metabolic disorders and weight gain in mice. We hypothesized that the expression of NAG-1 may also prevent hormonal-induced metabolic disorders. To test this …

Therapeutic Dna: Delivery And As A Delivery Vehicle, Natalie J. Holl

Masters Theses

"A review of gene delivery methods and gene editing methods, as well as original research utilizing DNA as a delivery vehicle is presented in the following thesis. Thousands of diseases have been linked to genes. Gene therapy, either delivering therapeutic genes or editing DNA bases, has arisen as a treatment option with the potential to cure diseases, rather than just ease symptoms. Genes and editing tools need to be delivered to cells for these therapies to be effective and many techniques have been developed to address the issue of delivery. Nonviral and viral methods have been used to deliver nucleic …

Genomic-Based Identification Of Environmental And Clinical Listeria Monocytogenes Strains Associated With An Abortion Outbreak In Beef Heifers, Katherine J. Whitman, James L. Bono, Michael L. Clawson, John D. Loy, Joseph M. Bosilevac, Terrance M. Arthur, Jeff D. Ondrak

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: In a beef cattle facility an outbreak of abortions occurred over a 36-day period and included samples from two aborted (non-viable) fetuses and 21 post-abortion clinical cases. There are numerous etiologies, including clinical listeriosis. At the species level, Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitous in cattle production environments, including soil, feed, and occasionally water sources, and is a common enteric resident of cattle and other mammals. There are four genetically distinct lineages of L. monocytogenes (I-IV), with most lineage III and IV isolates obtained from ruminants. Definitive diagnosis of L. monocytogenes as a causative agent in disease outbreaks relies upon case …

Novel Insights Into The Critical Role Of Cardiolipin In Cellular Metabolism And Mitochondrial Physiology, Jiajia Ji

Wayne State University Dissertations

Cardiolipin (CL) is the signature phospholipid of mitochondria. CL and its remodeling exert critical roles in biological processes both inside and outside of mitochondria. CL abnormalities have been associated with various mitochondrial disorders and aging. Understanding the role of CL in mitochondrial physiology and cellular metabolism could provide valuable insights into cell biology and human health. Several metabolic alterations have been reported in CL-deficient cells, including accumulated lactate, decreased PDH activity, and decreased TCA cycle function. This dissertation connected these findings by showing abnormal NAD+ metabolism in various models lacking CL. Importantly, it shows that NAD+ supplementation improves mitochondrial function …

Non-Invasive Method For Leptin Supplementation In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Regan Mcnamara

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I tested the hypothesis that recombinant leptin protein can be introduced to zebrafish in vivo through non-invasive soaking in a solution containing the protein. One way to study various molecules’ effects in vivo is through intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular injections during the embryonic or larval stage, which is invasive, difficult to administer, and can have a high mortality rate. 48 hours post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish were soaked in a His-tagged recombinant leptin protein solution at 10 nM and 100 nM concentrations (produced by Genscript). After soaking, zebrafish larvae were washed extensively to remove all recombinant protein on their exterior before homogenization. …

Uterine Torsion Dystocia Complicated By Perosomus Elumbis In An Angus Calf Associated With A Consanguineous Mating, Alyssa B. Helms, Riley E. Thompson, Sam Lawton, Jessica L. Petersen, Allison Watson, Mee-Ja Sula, David J. Steffen, Brian K. Whitlock

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

A six-year-old multiparous Angus cow was presented for dystocia. Vaginal and rectal examinations revealed an approximately 360° counterclockwise uterine torsion. The torsion was corrected by rolling the cow counterclockwise (three episodes) with the aid of a plank coupled with manual detorsion via the vagina. The placement of obstetric chains followed by manual traction ultimately delivered a stillborn male calf with evidence of vertebral aplasia, arthrogryposis, and abdominal organ herniation. Patient history and subsequent parentage verification revealed that the calf was the result of a consanguineous (mother to son) mating. Tissue samples from the affected calf and blood samples from the …

Identification Of Immunogenic Epitopes That Permit The Detection Of Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses In Multiple Serotypes Of Group B Coxsackievirus Infections, Ninaad Lasrado, Arunakumar Gangaplara, Rajkumar Arumugam, Chandirasegara Massilamany, Sayli Pokal, Yuzhen Zhou, Shi-Hua Xiang, David Steffen, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Coxsackievirus group B (CVB) contains six serotypes that can affect various organs. Some of these organ-specific diseases such as myocarditis and pancreatitis can be caused by more than one serotype. Thus, development of immunological tools common to multiple serotypes is desired. This is especially critical for analyzing antigen-specific T cell responses at a single cell level. To this end, we made efforts to identify the immunogenic epitopes of CVB3 leading us to localize three T cell epitopes within the viral protein 1 (VP1) namely, VP1 681–700, VP1 721–740 and VP1 771–790. First, we confirmed their immunogenicity in the immunization settings. …

First Records Of Established Populations Of Ixodes Scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected From Three Nebraska Counties, Lindsey E. Nielsen, Roberto Cortinas, Paul D. Fey, Peter C. Iwen, David H. Nielsen

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Reported cases of Lyme disease in Nebraska have been assumed to be imported from other endemic areas. Previous surveillance efforts provided no evidence of established populations as only individual specimens of Ixodes scapularis (Say) had been collected. In the winter of 2018, adult I. scapularis were found on a dog at Two Rivers State Recreation Area, Douglas County, prompting tick collection at the site and nearby natural areas. In May 2019, all life stages of host-seeking I. scapularis were collected using dragging and flagging techniques in sites located near the Platte River in Douglas, Sarpy, and Saunders counties. This is …

Methods Of Treating Or Preventing Zika Virus Infection, Shi-Hua Xiang, Nicholas Palermo, Asit K. Pattnaik, Aryamay Pattnaik

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

This document relates to methods and materials for treating a mammal having a Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. For example, a composition including one or more non-nucleoside RNA polymerase inhibitors can be administered to a mammal having, or at risk of developing, a ZIKV infection to treat the mammal.

Recent Advances In The Diagnosis Of Classical Swine Fever And Future Perspectives, Lihua Wang, Rachel Madera, Yuzhen Li, D. Scott Mcvey, Jishu Shi

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs, including wild boar. It is regarded as one of the major problems in the pig industry as it is still endemic in many regions of the world and has the potential to cause devastating epidemics, particularly in countries free of the disease. Rapid and reliable diagnosis is of utmost importance in the control of CSF. Since clinical presentations of CSF are highly variable and may be confused with other viral diseases in pigs, laboratory diagnosis is indispensable for an unambiguous diagnosis. On an international level, well-established diagnostic tests …

Evaluation Of A Baculovirus-Expressed Vp2 Subunit Vaccine For The Protection Of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) From Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, Sun Young Sunwoo, Leela E. Noronha, Igor Morozov, Jessie D. Trujilo, In Joong Kim, Erin E. Schirtzinger, Bonto Faburary, Barbara S. Drolet, Kinga Urbaniak, D. Scott Mcvey, David A. Meekins, Mitchell V. Palmer, Velmurugan Balaraman, William C. Wilson, Juergen A. Richt

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is an arthropod-transmitted RNA virus and the causative agent of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in wild and domestic ruminants. In North America, white-tailed deer (WTD) experience the highest EHD-related morbidity and mortality, although clinical disease is reported in cattle during severe epizootics. No commercially licensed EHDV vaccine is available in North America. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a subunit vaccine candidate to control EHD in WTD. Recombinant VP2 (rVP2) outer capsid proteins of EHDV serotypes 2 (EHDV-2) and 6 (EHDV-6) were produced in a baculovirus-expression system. Mice and cattle vaccinated …

Amphiphilic Cyclobutenes And Cylobutanes, Wantanee Sittiwong, Patrick H. Dussault, Raul G. Barletta, Robert Powers

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

This disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds containing a cyclobutene or cyclobutane moiety. In some embodiments, the compounds are useful for treating infection by Mycobacterium such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cyclobutene containing compounds are also useful as monomers in the preparation of amphiphilic polymers.

Non-Neuroinvasivevirusesand Uses Thereof, Gregory A. Smith, Patricia J. Sollars, Gary E. Pickard, Ekaterina E. Heldwein

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Provided herein are compositions and methods for vaccination and research applications. In particular, provided herein are non-neuroinvasive herpesviruses and alpha herpesviruses and uses thereof.

Mitochondrial Metabolism In Astrocytes Regulates Brain Bioenergetics, Neurotransmission And Redox Balance, Jordan Rose, Christian Brian, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidi, Rodrigo Franco

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

In the brain, mitochondrial metabolism has been largely associated with energy production, and its dysfunction is linked to neuronal cell loss. However, the functional role of mitochondria in glial cells has been poorly studied. Recent reports have demonstrated unequivocally that astrocytes do not require mitochondria to meet their bioenergetics demands. Then, the question remaining is, what is the functional role of mitochondria in astrocytes? In this work, we review current evidence demonstrating that mitochondrial central carbon metabolism in astrocytes regulates overall brain bioenergetics, neurotransmitter homeostasis and redox balance. Emphasis is placed in detailing carbon source utilization (glucose and fatty acids), …

Mechanisms Of Sex Hormones In Autoimmunity: Focus On Eae, Ninaad Lasrado, Ting Jia, Chandirasegaran Massilamany, Rodrigo Franco, Zsolt Illes, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Sex-related differences in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases is well documented, with females showing a greater propensity to develop these diseases than their male counterparts. Sex hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone and estrogens, have been shown to ameliorate the severity of inflammatory diseases. Immunologically, the beneficial effects of sex hormones have been ascribed to the suppression of effector lymphocyte responses accompanied by immune deviation from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In this review, we present our view of the mechanisms of sex hormones that contribute to their ability to suppress autoimmune responses with an emphasis on the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Evidence For Anti-Viral Effects Of Complete Freund’S Adjuvant In The Mouse Model Of Enterovirus Infection, Arunakumar Gangaplara, Chandirasegaran Massilamany, Ninaad Lasrado, David J. Steffen, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Group B coxsackieviruses (CVBs) belonging to the genus, Enterovirus and contain six serotypes that induce various diseases, whose occurrence may involve the mediation of more than one serotype. We recently identified immunogenic epitopes within coxsackieviruses B3 (CVB3) viral protein 1 that induce anti-viral T cell responses in mouse models of CVB infections. In our investigations to determine the protective responses of the viral epitopes, we unexpectedly noted that animals immunized with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) alone and later challenged with CVB3 were completely protected against myocarditis. Similarly, the pancreatitis-inducing ability of CVB3 was remarkably reduced to only 10% in the …

Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus Reverse Genetics And The Major Applications, Jayeshbhai Chaudhari, Hiep Vu

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus that is known to infect only pigs. The virus emerged in the late 1980s and became endemic in most swine producing countries, causing substantial economic losses to the swine industry. The first reverse genetics system for PRRSV was reported in 1998. Since then, several infectious cDNA clones for PRRSV have been constructed. The availability of these infectious cDNA clones has facilitated the genetic modifications of the viral genome at precise locations. Common approaches to manipulate the viral genome include site-directed mutagenesis, deletion of viral genes or …

An Evidence For Surface Expression Of An Immunogenic Epitope Of Sarcoplasmic/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Atpase2a On Antigen-Presenting Cells From Naive Mice In The Mediation Of Autoimmune Myocarditis, Rajkumar Arumugam, Bharathi Yalaka, Chandirasegara Massilamany, Ms Shihabudeen Haider Ali, Ninaad Lasrado, Sabarirajan Jayaraja, Jean-Jack Riethoven, Xinghui Sun, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

We recently reported identification of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase2a (SERCA2a) 971–990, which induces atrial myocarditis by generating autoreactive T cells in A/J mice. However, it was unknown how antigen-sensitized T cells could recognize SERCA2a 971–990, since SERCA2a-expression is confined to an intracellular compartment. In this report, we present evidence that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs in naïve animals present SERCA2a 971–990 and stimulate antigen-specific T cells. Using major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II dextramers for SERCA2a 971–990, we created a panel of T cell hybridomas and demonstrated that splenocytes from naïve A/J mice stimulated the hybridoma cells without …

Viral Myocarditis Involves The Generation Of Autoreactive T Cells With Multiple Antigen Specificities That Localize In Lymphoid And Non-Lymphoid Organs In The Mouse Model Of Cvb3 Infection, Rakesh H. Basavalingappa, Rajkumar Arumugam, Ninaad Lasrado, Bharathi Yalaka, Chandirasegara Massilamany, Arunakumar Gangaplara, Jean-Jack Riethoven, Shi-Hua Xiang, David Steffen, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Autoreactive T cells may contribute to post-viral myocarditis induced with Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), but the underlying mechanisms of their generation are unclear. Here, we have comprehensively analyzed the generation of antigen-specific, autoreactive T cells in the mouse model of CVB3 infection for antigens implicated in patients with myocarditis/dilated cardiomyopathy. First, comparative analysis of CVB3 proteome with five autoantigens led us to identify three mimicry epitopes, one each from adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT), sarcoplasmic/ endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and cardiac troponin I. None of these induced cross-reactive T cell responses. Next, we generated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class …

The Exploration Of Nanotoxicological Copper And Interspecific Saccharomyces Hybrids, Matthew Joseph Winans Phd

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nanotechnology takes advantage of cellular biology’s natural nanoscale operations by interacting with biomolecules differently than soluble or bulk materials, often altering normal cellular processes such as metabolism or growth. To gain a better understanding of how copper nanoparticles hybridized on cellulose fibers called carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) affected growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the mechanisms of toxicity were explored. Multiple methodologies covering genetics, proteomics, metallomics, and metabolomics were used during this investigation. The work that lead to this dissertation discovered that these cellulosic copper nanoparticles had a unique toxicity compared to copper. Further investigation suggested a possible ionic or molecular mimicry …

Role Of Ciliary Proteins Adp Ribosylation Factor Like Gtpase 13b (Arl13b) And Bardet-Biedl Syndrome-8 (Bbs8) In Photoreceptor Outer Segment Morphogenesis, Maintenance, And Viability, Tanya L. Dilan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Photoreceptor neurons are modified primary cilia with an extended ciliary compartment known as the outer segment (OS). The mechanisms behind the elaboration of photoreceptor cilia, OS morphogenesis, and maintenance remain poorly understood. In this work, we focused on dissecting the role of two ciliary proteins, the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor-like GTPase 13B (ARL13B) and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome-8 (BBS8) in the context of photoreceptor biology. Both BBS8 and ARL13B are linked to defects in ciliogenesis (cilia development) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (vision loss). ARL13B is implicated in regulating ciliary length, and BBS8 is part of the Bardet-Biedl Syndrome complex (BBSome); the BBSome is …

Investigation Of Glutamate Carboxypeptidase Ii Roles In The Folate Cycle Dependent Reproduction And Development Of Caenorhabditis Elegans, Jessica M. Derham

Masters Theses

Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) is a transmembrane, zinc metallopeptidase that is expressed in a wide range of organisms, including roundworms, mice, and humans. In humans, GCPII is primarily expressed in the prostate, kidneys, small intestine, and central nervous system. Within the small intestine, the expected function of GCPII is to aid in the absorption of dietary folate from the intestinal lumen. GCPII cleaves excess glutamates from folate to yield monoglutamated folate which is then readily transported into the enterocyte. Folate can then be used through the one carbon metabolic cycle for the synthesis of nucleotides, conversion of homocysteine to methionine, …

Reprograming Neuronal Cells By Overexpression Of Fibroblast-Specific Transcription Factors, Abdulmohsen Alanazi

Masters Theses

In mammals, a complex system of regulatory signals distinguishes tissues, structures and functions. Combinations of transcription factors and co-factors regulate activation and repression of genes that result in cellular differentiation. Whole genome arrays allow the monitoring of genomic expression in specific tissues. Fibroblast microarray studies have shown candidate genes that may be involved in fibroblast identification, including genes that express transcription factors Prrx1, Snai2 and Twist1. A previous study showed that the Prrx1 and Snai2 could reactivate a fibroblast phenotype in hybrid cells that had lost fibroblast identity. Furthermore, overexpression of these factors in liver-derived cells strongly repressed liver gene …

Evaluation Of Wound Healing Potential, Antioxidant Activity, Acute Toxicity And Gastro Protective Effect Of 2-Pentadecanone In Ethanol Induced Gastric Mucosal Ulceration In Rats, Kamran Sareh

Student Works (2020-2029)

Wound is an injury to normal tissue that can happen either externally or internally such as wound in skin tissue or stomach tissue. Compound 2-pentadecanone a ketone derivative, has been identified in some plants, and was reported to have anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate skin wound healing and gastro-protective potential effect of 2-pentadecanone in Sprague dawley rats. Acute toxicity assay was performed to detect safety of 2-pentadecanone. In the evaluation of skin wound healing, dorsal neck of rats were induced wounds and topically treated with 2-pentadecanone for 10 days. Meanwhile, for gastroprotective …

Seasonal Variation In Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Of The Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis Macrochirus, From A Shallow Midwest River, Derick Isaac Lamptey

Masters Theses

As average global temperature increase, the frequency and magnitude of extreme temperatures in shallow aquatic ecosystems are more ubiquitous. In order to understand how these changing thermal regimes affect aquatic ectotherms, it is essential to develop studies evaluating the response of ectotherms to seasonal fluctuating thermal regimes. Previous studies on fluctuating temperature regimes have reported an increased physiological stress leading to morphological, behavioral and biochemical adaptations. From the latter, the adaptive capacity and seasonal performance associated with optimal function of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) are key for species persistence. However, studies on this matter are scarce. This study explores …

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Induces Silver Nanoparticle Uptake, Oxidative Dissolution And Enhanced Cytotoxicity In Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells, Eline Manaloto, Aoife Gowen, Anna Lesniak, Zhonglei He, Alan Casey, Patrick J. Cullen, James Curtin

Articles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) emerged as a promising reagent for cancer therapy with oxidative stress implicated in the toxicity. Meanwhile, studies reported cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species has selectivity towards cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles display synergistic cytotoxicity when combined with CAP against cancer cells but there is a paucity of information using AgNP, prompting to investigate the combined effects of CAP using dielectric barrier discharge system (voltage of 75 kV, current is 62.5 mA, duty cycle of 7.5kVA and input frequency of 50–60Hz) and 10 nm PVA-coated AgNP using U373MG Glioblastoma Multiforme cells. Cytotoxicity in …

The Impact Of Aging And Mechanical Injury On Alveolar Epithelial And Macrophage Responses In Acute Lung Injury And Inflammation, Michael S. Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

Patients with severe lung pathologies, such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), often require mechanical ventilation as a clinical intervention; however, this procedure frequently exacerbates the original pulmonary issue and produces an exaggerated inflammatory response that potentially leads to sepsis, multisystem organ failure, and mortality. This acute lung injury (ALI) condition has been termed Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury (VILI). Alveolar overdistension, cyclic atelectasis, and biotrauma are the primary injury mechanisms in VILI that lead to the loss of alveolar barrier integrity and pulmonary inflammation. Stress and strains during mechanical ventilation are believed to initiate alveolar epithelial mechanotransduction signaling mechanisms that contribute …

Peroxiredoxin 6 And Inflammation In Alzheimer's Disease, Jared Ferrell-Penniman

Biological Sciences Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is known for its debilitating symptoms and poor prognosis. However, despite intense research into neurodegenerative diseases, there are few therapies targeted at the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are cellular phenomena thought to be key to the progression of the disease. Critically, peroxiredoxin 6 (Prx6), an antioxidant protein with multiple functions, has been identified from mammalian studies as a potential regulator of both OS and inflammation that may have a specific effect on AD. This project seeks to elucidate the role of Prx6 in AD as well as the underlying mechanisms. Drosophila …

Delivery Of Small Molecule And Rna Using Synthetic Polymeric Micelles And Multifunctional Exosomes For The Treatment Of Type 1 Diabetes, Yang Peng

Theses & Dissertations

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most challenging chronic autoimmune diseases. The destruction and dysfunction of insulin-secreting β cells are the results of inflammatory infiltration and the synergistic effect of multiple immune cells. The aim of this dissertation is to develop novel and reliable therapeutic approaches to advance the treatment of T1D: including chemical modification of a broad-spectrum immunosuppressant, co-application of small molecule based immune intervention and siRNA based β cell preservative therapy, and administration of a PI3K-δ/γ dual inhibitor to specifically target immune cells, utilizing synthetic polymeric micelles or natural produced multi-functional exosomes derived from human bone marrow …

Ecdysoneless, A Novel Regulator Of Ca2+ Homeostasis And Metabolism, Aniruddha Sarkar

Theses & Dissertations

The hallmarks of cancer include sustained proliferation and survival in the face of cellular stresses imposed by the oncogenic drive, as well as metabolic rewiring for tumor growth under adverse nutritional conditions. Adaptive alterations in key biochemical networks that underlie metabolic rewiring represent potential opportunities to develop new therapeutic strategies against cancer.

My thesis focuses on mammalian Ecdysoneless (ECD), a conserved homolog of the fly Ecdysoneless gene product, which engages fundamental cell biological processes of ER stress, Ca²⁺ signaling and metabolism to help sustain the oncogenic drive in tumor cells. Recent studies from our laboratory provide a clear evidence …