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Articles 31 - 60 of 185

Full-Text Articles in Molecular Biology

Unraveling The Role Of Hid-1: Insights Into Sgii Regulation, Breanna L. Sellers Aug 2024

Unraveling The Role Of Hid-1: Insights Into Sgii Regulation, Breanna L. Sellers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The regulated secretory pathway is important for the secretion of hormones and neuropeptides from large dense core vesicles (LDCVs). Dysregulation of the biogenesis of LDCVs can result in metabolic and neurological diseases. Recent studies have suggested that the peripheral membrane protein HID-1 plays a role in the sorting and storage of granins which contribute to LDCV biogenesis. To further understand how HID-1 influences the regulation of granins, we investigated potential HID-1 interactors. We determined that while HID-1 is likely functioning in the same pathway as USP25, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), the cause of reduced cellular SgII levels is likely not …


Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander May 2024

Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander

Student Theses and Dissertations

Aerobic metabolism is known to generate damaging ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that have the potential to cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. ROS are highly reactive atoms or molecules that rapidly interact with other molecules within a cell. Intracellular accumulation can result in oxidative damage, dysfunction, and cell death. Due to the limitations of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) detectors, other impacts of ROS exposure may have been missed. HyPer7, a genetically encoded sensor, measures hydrogen peroxide emissions precisely and sensitively, even at sublethal levels, during …


The Effect Of Novel Microtubule Modulators On Experimental Lewy Body Disease, Anuj S. Jamenis May 2024

The Effect Of Novel Microtubule Modulators On Experimental Lewy Body Disease, Anuj S. Jamenis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Lewy body disorders, α-synuclein aggregates are believed to destabilize the microtubular framework. However, microtubules are a challenging therapeutic target, as excessive rigidity or flexibility afforded by microtubule modulators may be neurotoxic. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate dual-acting microtubule- stabilizing/destabilizing agents in cellular and animal models of early-stage Lewy body disease.

In Aim 1 we tested the dual-acting tricylic pyrimido[4,5-b]indole analogs AG161-47 and AG161-41 in an in vitro preformed fibril induced model of Lewy body disease. We found that both compounds reduced preformed fibril-seeded α-synucleinopathy without toxicity in primary hippocampal cultures. AG161-47 subtly impacted microtubule …


Unveiling The Nexus Of Cellular Quality Control: Exploring The Interplay Between Ribosome-Associated Protein Quality Control And Mitochondrial Quality Control Pathways, Foozhan Tahmasebinia May 2024

Unveiling The Nexus Of Cellular Quality Control: Exploring The Interplay Between Ribosome-Associated Protein Quality Control And Mitochondrial Quality Control Pathways, Foozhan Tahmasebinia

Biological Sciences Theses and Dissertations

In eukaryotic cells, the intricate interplay between cellular quality control mechanisms is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and safeguarding the integrity of vital processes, spanning from macromolecule synthesis to the renewal of entire cellular organelles.

Disruption of these networks can lead to severe diseases such as metabolic disorders, underscoring the interconnected nature and feedback control mechanisms inherent in biological systems, including cellular quality control systems. This interconnectedness extends to the intricate communication between organelles, enabling coordinated functioning and adaptation to changing cellular conditions, particularly in response to stressors.

While the exact mechanisms governing these communications within cellular quality control systems remain …


Pipecolic Acid And Novel Insights Into Cerebral Malaria, Akua E. Mensah May 2024

Pipecolic Acid And Novel Insights Into Cerebral Malaria, Akua E. Mensah

Theses and Dissertations

Cerebral malaria (CM), a severe manifestation of Plasmodium infection, prompts our investigation into the nuanced role of pipecolic acid in its pathophysiology. To unravel the molecular intricacies, we conducted in vitro lysine labeling techniques of mice infected with P. berghei ANKA parasites, and human P. falciparum grown in vitro, aiming to discern the impact of Plasmodium on pipecolic acid production. Previous observations indicated an elevation in pipecolic acid levels correlating with neurological decline in children with CM. In our study, confirming elevated pipecolic acid presence in the plasma and brain tissues of CM patients and the animal model of CM, …


In Silico Identification Of Small Molecule Agonist Binding Sites On Kcc2, Kenyon Mitchell, Alfred Amendolara, Ruth Hunter, Jaden Miner, Andrew Payne Apr 2024

In Silico Identification Of Small Molecule Agonist Binding Sites On Kcc2, Kenyon Mitchell, Alfred Amendolara, Ruth Hunter, Jaden Miner, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 (KCC2) is a neuronal membrane protein specific to the central nervous system. It is responsible for removing Cl- ions from the intracellular space, maintaining a normal Cl- gradient essential for proper function at inhibitory synapses. Dysregulation causes an upward shift in the Cl- reversal potential resulting in a hyperexcitable state of the postsynaptic neuron. Existing literature indicates that KCC2 may be involved in the addiction pathway of a variety of drugs of abuse, including opioids and alcohol. This makes KCC2 an attractive potential drug target when treating substance use disorders. A novel direct KCC2 agonist, VU0500469, …


A Potential Role Of Urinary P75ecd As A Biomarker For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis In An American Cohort, Swati Dhasmana, Anupam Dhasmana, Sheema Khan, Acharan S. Narula, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan Mar 2024

A Potential Role Of Urinary P75ecd As A Biomarker For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis In An American Cohort, Swati Dhasmana, Anupam Dhasmana, Sheema Khan, Acharan S. Narula, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Neurological disorders present a unique complexity compared to other diseases, involving multiple risk factors, causes, treatments, and outcomes. These disorders often exhibit various molecular and morphological changes indicative of disruptions in cellular plasticity and resilience. The pathogenesis of many neurological disorders remains unclear, necessitating ongoing investigations. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exemplifies an idiopathic and fatal neurodegenerative disease marked by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The average life expectancy post-diagnosis is a mere 36 months, primarily attributed to respiratory muscle denervation.The persistent challenges in ALS clinical trials and the absence of effective therapeutic options have intensified interest …


Calcium And Proteasomal Regulation Of Er-To-Golgi Protein Transport In Neurons, Samuel A. Galindo Jan 2024

Calcium And Proteasomal Regulation Of Er-To-Golgi Protein Transport In Neurons, Samuel A. Galindo

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Regulatory mechanisms of protein trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are critical to understand since neurodegenerative diseases involve defects in this process leading to chronic ER stress and cell death. This study aimed to better understand the calcium regulatory mechanisms of ER-to-Golgi trafficking in hybrid neuroglioblastoma cells (NG108). Specifically, we asked whether proteasomal degradation of transport machinery was involved in the previously demonstrated upregulation of ER-to-Golgi transport evoked by calcium signaling. Based upon previous literature, we believe that the calcium induced increase in transport is due to the activation of the calcium sensitive regulatory protein apoptosis linked gene 2 (ALG-2) …


The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, Dalton J. Anderson Jan 2024

The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, Dalton J. Anderson

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this research is to improve understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of embryonic exposure to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress induced by the antipyretic drug acetaminophen (APAP). Our study was the first to examine the interactive effects of APAP and inflammation in zebrafish embryos and how the treatments affect brain development and larval behavior. Experimental groups of zebrafish larvae were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation, APAP, or LPS + APAP and larval behavior was analyzed using Ethovision automated behavioral tracking software. We also measured changes in whole-brain Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta (GSK3B) and GSK3B phosphorylation, …


Investigating The Roles Of Dapk, P53/Cep-1, And Mitochondrial Damage In Necrotic Neurodegeneration In C. Elegans, Anil Singh Jan 2024

Investigating The Roles Of Dapk, P53/Cep-1, And Mitochondrial Damage In Necrotic Neurodegeneration In C. Elegans, Anil Singh

Dissertations and Theses

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., with minority groups, suffering higher fatality rates. Stroke is caused by ischemia, where occlusion of blood supply to the brain results in neurodegeneration. Most of the damage is attributed to excitotoxicity, where an accumulation of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the synapse overstimulates postsynaptic neurons and ultimately leads to cell death (largely by necrosis). Stroke treatments are often ineffective, due to the delay between the onset of stroke and the delivery of effective treatment. To address this, we focus our study on putative later-acting mediators of excitotoxicity such as …


Structural And Functional Consequences Of Pde6 Prenylation In Rod And Cone Photoreceptors, Faezeh Moakedi Jan 2024

Structural And Functional Consequences Of Pde6 Prenylation In Rod And Cone Photoreceptors, Faezeh Moakedi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) serves as a pivotal component in the phototransduction pathways of both cone and rod photoreceptors. In cones, PDE6 consists of tetrameric subunits: inhibitory (γ') and catalytic (α'). The catalytic subunit, PDE6α', contains a C-terminal prenylation motif. Deletion of this motif is associated with achromatopsia (ACHM), a form of color blindness. The mechanisms underlying the disease and the roles of PDE6 lipidation in vision remain elusive. Meanwhile, rod PDE6 is composed of α and β catalytic subunits and γ inhibitory subunits, with alterations in the C-terminal "prenylation motif" of PDE6β linked to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pathology. In this comprehensive …


Human Schwann Cells In Vitro I. Nerve Tissue Processing, Pre-Degeneration, Isolation, And Culturing Of Primary Cells, Gabriela I. Aparicio, Paula V. Monje Nov 2023

Human Schwann Cells In Vitro I. Nerve Tissue Processing, Pre-Degeneration, Isolation, And Culturing Of Primary Cells, Gabriela I. Aparicio, Paula V. Monje

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

This paper presents versatile protocols to prepare primary human Schwann cell (hSC) cultures from mature peripheral nervous system tissues, including fascicles from long spinal nerves, nerve roots, and ganglia. This protocol starts with a description of nerve tissue procurement, handling, and dissection to obtain tissue sections suitable for hSC isolation and culturing. A description follows on how to disintegrate the nerve tissue by delayed enzymatic dissociation, plate the initial cell suspensions on a two-dimensional substrate, and culture the primary hSCs. Each section contains detailed procedures, technical notes, and background information to aid investigators in understanding and managing all steps. Some …


Increasing Glutathione Levels By A Novel Posttranslational Mechanism Inhibits Neuronal Hyperexcitability, Ashwini Sri Hari, Rajeswari Banerji, Li-Ping Liang, Ruth E Fulton, Christopher Quoc Huynh, Timothy Fabisiak, Pallavi Bhuyan Mcelroy, James R Roede, Manisha Patel Nov 2023

Increasing Glutathione Levels By A Novel Posttranslational Mechanism Inhibits Neuronal Hyperexcitability, Ashwini Sri Hari, Rajeswari Banerji, Li-Ping Liang, Ruth E Fulton, Christopher Quoc Huynh, Timothy Fabisiak, Pallavi Bhuyan Mcelroy, James R Roede, Manisha Patel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Glutathione (GSH) depletion, and impaired redox homeostasis have been observed in experimental animal models and patients with epilepsy. Pleiotropic strategies that elevate GSH levels via transcriptional regulation have been shown to significantly decrease oxidative stress and seizure frequency, increase seizure threshold, and rescue certain cognitive deficits. Whether elevation of GSH per se alters neuronal hyperexcitability remains unanswered. We previously showed that thiols such as dimercaprol (DMP) elevate GSH via post-translational activation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme. Here, we asked if elevation of cellular GSH by DMP altered neuronal hyperexcitability in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of …


Protocol For Optimizing Production And Quality Control Of Infective Ecohiv Virions, Hammodah Rawhi Hammodah Alfar, Daphne N. Pariser, Harry Chanzu, Smita Joshi, Daniёlle M. Coenen, Joshua Lykins, Kanakanagavalli Shravani Prakhya, Mary Jane Potash, Wei Chao, Jennifer Kelschenbach, David J. Volsky, Kelly Metcalf-Pate Sep 2023

Protocol For Optimizing Production And Quality Control Of Infective Ecohiv Virions, Hammodah Rawhi Hammodah Alfar, Daphne N. Pariser, Harry Chanzu, Smita Joshi, Daniёlle M. Coenen, Joshua Lykins, Kanakanagavalli Shravani Prakhya, Mary Jane Potash, Wei Chao, Jennifer Kelschenbach, David J. Volsky, Kelly Metcalf-Pate

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

EcoHIV is a model of HIV infection that recapitulates aspects of HIV-1 pathology in mice. However, there are limited published protocols to guide EcoHIV virion production. Here, we present a protocol for producing infective EcoHIV virions and essential quality controls. We describe steps for viral purification, titering, and multiple techniques to analyze infection efficacy. This protocol produces high infectivity in C57BL/6 mice which will aid investigators in generating preclinical data.


Utilizing Crispr Cas9 To Visualize Dopamine Receptors In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Lauren Michelle Velasquez Aug 2023

Utilizing Crispr Cas9 To Visualize Dopamine Receptors In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Lauren Michelle Velasquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter with imperative implications in many functions including movement, reward, and cognition. Studying the pathways of dopaminergic neurons at multiple levels allows us to understand the ways in which these systems can go wrong. We study dopamine in a model system such as the worm Caenorhabditis elegans because of its relatively simple and well-characterized nervous system. DA is involved in regulating chemosensory behaviors in worms. The purpose of this research project is to definitively answer the following question: Are the dopamine receptors DOP-1 and DOP-4 expressed in chemosensory neurons? Previous reporter assays show that neither of …


Role Of Chronic Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation In Rodent Locus Coeruleus Physiology And Anxiety-Like Behaviors, Arthur Anthony Alfonso Reyes Jun 2023

Role Of Chronic Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation In Rodent Locus Coeruleus Physiology And Anxiety-Like Behaviors, Arthur Anthony Alfonso Reyes

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations

The locus coeruleus (LC), the primary site of brain norepinephrine (NE), is a key anatomical brain region implicated in the stress response. Stress is a neuroendocrine physiologic response to a stressor that promotes organism survival through adaptive change and restoration of homeostasis. The central stress response, which drives behavioral and physiological change, is primarily mediated by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. While advantageous in the short term, chronic stress exposure can lead to HPA axis and LC dysregulation, which are thought to contribute to the etiology of anxiety disorders. Previous studies demonstrate the effects of acute stress in increasing LC …


All The Rage: Assessing The Age/Rage Signaling Pathway’S Effects On Healthspan And The Physiological Processes Of Aging, Brandon Ashmore May 2023

All The Rage: Assessing The Age/Rage Signaling Pathway’S Effects On Healthspan And The Physiological Processes Of Aging, Brandon Ashmore

Honors Theses

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are protein, lipid, or nucleotide molecules that have been combined with sugars through nonenzymatic, irreversible glycation and oxidation reactions. Their accumulation in the body has been associated with the natural aging process and a wide range of pathologies, including chronic inflammation, sustained oxidative stress, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Their interaction with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been linked to several proinflammatory signaling pathways associated with neurotoxicity and vascular lesions. While some research has been done on the possible health benefits of RAGE inhibition to extend lifespan, our study hopes …


Functional Domains Of The Hsv-1 Ul37 Protein In Virus Infectivity And Retrograde Transport In Neurons, Carolyn Clark Apr 2023

Functional Domains Of The Hsv-1 Ul37 Protein In Virus Infectivity And Retrograde Transport In Neurons, Carolyn Clark

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is large alphaherpesvirus with 20 envelope proteins and 23 tegument proteins. Virus entry is via fusion of the viral envelope with cellular membranes mediated by a complex of viral glycoproteins. Glycoprotein B (gB) is the only fusogenic glycoprotein, while other viral glycoproteins and membrane proteins including gD, gH, gL, gK and UL20 membrane protein modulate gB’s fusogenicity. Previously, Our laboratory developed the HSV-1 (VC2) vaccines strain with partial deletions in the amino termini of gK (ΔgK(31–68)) and the UL20 membrane protein (ΔUL20(4–22)). VC2 enters epithelial cells only via endocytosis followed by release of the capsid …


Neuronal Sirt3 Deletion Predisposes To Female-Specific Alterations In Cellular Metabolism, Memory, And Network Excitability, Jennifer N Pearson-Smith, Ruth Fulton, Christopher Q Huynh, Anna G Figueroa, Gia B Huynh, Li-Ping Liang, Lindsey B Gano, Cole R Michel, Nichole Reisdorph, Richard Reisdorph, Kristofer S Fritz, Eric Verdin, Manisha Patel Mar 2023

Neuronal Sirt3 Deletion Predisposes To Female-Specific Alterations In Cellular Metabolism, Memory, And Network Excitability, Jennifer N Pearson-Smith, Ruth Fulton, Christopher Q Huynh, Anna G Figueroa, Gia B Huynh, Li-Ping Liang, Lindsey B Gano, Cole R Michel, Nichole Reisdorph, Richard Reisdorph, Kristofer S Fritz, Eric Verdin, Manisha Patel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early event in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders and aging. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) regulates mitochondrial function in response to the cellular environment through the reversible deacetylation of proteins involved in metabolism and reactive oxygen species detoxification. As the primary mitochondrial deacetylase, germline, or peripheral tissue-specific deletion of SIRT3 produces mitochondrial hyperacetylation and the accelerated development of age-related diseases. Given the unique metabolic demands of neurons, the role of SIRT3 in the brain is only beginning to emerge. Using mass spectrometry-based acetylomics, high-resolution respirometry, video-EEG, and cognition testing, we report targeted deletion of SIRT3 from select neurons …


Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis And Sample Collection For 3d Electron Microscopy Analysis, Smita Joshi, Alexis N. Smith, Kanakanagavalli Shravani Prakhya, Hammodah Rawhi Hammodah Alfar, Joshua Lykins, Ming Zhang, Irina D. Pokrovskaya, Maria A. Aronova, Richard D. Leapman, Brian Storrie, Sidney W. Whiteheart Mar 2023

Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis And Sample Collection For 3d Electron Microscopy Analysis, Smita Joshi, Alexis N. Smith, Kanakanagavalli Shravani Prakhya, Hammodah Rawhi Hammodah Alfar, Joshua Lykins, Ming Zhang, Irina D. Pokrovskaya, Maria A. Aronova, Richard D. Leapman, Brian Storrie, Sidney W. Whiteheart

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Aberrant thrombosis is a common feature of systemic conditions like diabetes and obesity, and chronic inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Upon vascular injury, usually the coagulation system, platelets, and endothelium act in an orchestrated manner to prevent bleeding by forming a clot at the site of the injury. Abnormalities in this process lead to either excessive bleeding or uncontrolled thrombosis/insufficient antithrombotic activity, which translates into vessel occlusion and its sequelae. The FeCl3-induced carotid injury model is a valuable tool in probing how thrombosis initiates and progresses …


Probing Amyloid-Beta Protein Structure And Dynamics With A Selective Antibody, Shikha Grover Feb 2023

Probing Amyloid-Beta Protein Structure And Dynamics With A Selective Antibody, Shikha Grover

Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The AD brain is characterized by significant neuronal loss and accumulation of insoluble fibrillar amyloid-β protein (Aβ) plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, over the last decade, many studies have shown that the neurodegenerative effect of Aβ may in fact be caused by various soluble oligomeric forms as opposed to the insoluble fibrils. Furthermore, the data suggest that a pre-fibrillar aggregated form, termed protofibrils, mediates direct neurotoxicity, and triggers a robust neuroinflammatory response.

Antibodies targeting the various conformation of Aβ are important therapeutic agents to prevent the progression …


Brain Glycogen – Beyond Energy Storage In Glycogen Storage Diseases, Kia H. Markussen Jan 2023

Brain Glycogen – Beyond Energy Storage In Glycogen Storage Diseases, Kia H. Markussen

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Glycogen is a carbohydrate molecule that is traditionally viewed as a convenient and easily accessible energy storage form of glucose. However,emerging evidence supports the role of glycogen as more than a glucose storage form. During the last 20 years, glycogen has been shown to play pivotal roles in learning and memory, signaling events, viscosity, protein glycosylation, and be acritical hallmark in devastating diseases. Not only, does glycogen play a role as an energy substrate and critical metabolite during energy deprivation, glycogen is central for neurotransmitter homeostasis, tumor initiation, and ontributes to proper protein glycosylation in the brain. In this work, …


Metoprolol Disrupts Sterol Biosynthesis Through Inhibition Of 7-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase (Dhcr7), Luke B. Allen Dec 2022

Metoprolol Disrupts Sterol Biosynthesis Through Inhibition Of 7-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase (Dhcr7), Luke B. Allen

Theses & Dissertations

Cholesterol is essential for life. It is particularly important in the brain as it relies on de novo synthesis of cholesterol following the formation of the blood brain barrier (BBB). As such, disrupting sterol biosynthesis during neurodevelopment can have devastating outcomes. The most common post-lanosterol sterol biosynthesis disorder, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, arises from a faulty DHCR7 enzyme. DHCR7 has also been shown to be inhibited by several psychotropic medications. Here we assess six beta-blockers and their effects on sterol biosynthesis in vitro. Two beta-blockers, metoprolol and nebivolol strongly inhibit DHCR7 in four separate in vitro models of both mouse and …


Successful Use Of Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks In A Patient With Variant Angina After Large Ventral Hernia Repair, Alexandra L Belfar, Yi Deng, Raymond C Yu, Annas Sabbagh Nov 2022

Successful Use Of Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks In A Patient With Variant Angina After Large Ventral Hernia Repair, Alexandra L Belfar, Yi Deng, Raymond C Yu, Annas Sabbagh

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Coronary artery spasm constitutes the primary underlying pathology of variant angina. Because provocation of coronary artery spasm may occur with both excess sympathetic and excess parasympathetic stimulation, patients with this disorder have extremely limited options for perioperative pain control. This is especially true for procedures involving extensive abdominal incision/manipulation. Whereas neuraxial analgesia might otherwise be appropriate in these cases, several studies have demonstrated that coronary artery spasm can occur as a result of epidural placement, and therefore, that this may not be an optimal choice for patients with variant angina. This report discusses the case of a patient with a …


Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Neuroprotection In Excitotoxicity Driven Neurodegeneration In C. Elegans, Zelda Z. Mendelowitz Sep 2022

Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Neuroprotection In Excitotoxicity Driven Neurodegeneration In C. Elegans, Zelda Z. Mendelowitz

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Excitotoxicity is notorious for triggering neuronal cell death in both developmental and adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases. In excitotoxicity, excessive concentrations of Glutamate in the synapse overstimulate Glutamate Receptors (GluRs) on postsynaptic neurons. While GluR mediated degenerative mechanisms remain obscure, GluR activation was surprisingly found to also have a neuroprotective effect through activation of specific transcriptional programs. To identify evolutionarily conserved transcriptional programs in neuroprotection we use a C. elegans model of excitotoxic necrosis (glt-3;nuIs5). We have identified that non-canonical activation of the transcription factor CRH-1/CREB mediates neuroprotection in our excitotoxicity model. We found the Histone Acetyl Transferase, MYS-1/KAT6, and the neuronal …


Innate Immunity In The Pathobiology And Treatment Of Infectious And Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mai Mostafa May 2022

Innate Immunity In The Pathobiology And Treatment Of Infectious And Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mai Mostafa

Theses & Dissertations

Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs; monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells) are the governors of innate immunity which is the body’s first line of defense against microbial pathogens. They act beneficial or detrimental. They are crucial for an effective non-specific immune response to invading pathogens by engulfing, destroying, then eliciting an adaptive specific immune response. Given their pivotal functions in the host immune defense, studying MP immune responses in disease is paramount important for understanding disease pathobiology and uncovering therapeutic strategies.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the driver of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amongst …


Morphine-Induced Hyperactivity Is Attenuated By Intra-Accumbens Administration Of The Highly-Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonist Vk4-40, Mansi Patel, Desta M. Pulley, Daniel Manvich May 2022

Morphine-Induced Hyperactivity Is Attenuated By Intra-Accumbens Administration Of The Highly-Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonist Vk4-40, Mansi Patel, Desta M. Pulley, Daniel Manvich

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Opioids exert their abuse-related effects by enhancing dopamine (DA) neurotransmission within the brain’s mesolimbic reward system, a neural projection involving DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that project to medium spiny neurons within the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Mu (MOR) are expressed by several populations of GABAergic neurons that tonically inhibit VTA DA neurons. By inhibiting these GABAergic neurons in a MOR-dependent manner, opioids indirectly enhance DA neurotransmission via disinhibition of DAergic neurons. Accumulating evidence indicates that selective pharmacological antagonism of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) attenuates the abuse-related effects of several opioids, but the neurobiological mechanisms mediating this …


Vitamin D And Its In Vitro Therapeutic Action Mediated Through Vdr Rather Than Pdia3, Jaeden Pyburn May 2022

Vitamin D And Its In Vitro Therapeutic Action Mediated Through Vdr Rather Than Pdia3, Jaeden Pyburn

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Brain calcification is a common occurrence in the aging process, with >20% of individuals over the age of 65 showing hardened plaques in the basal ganglia. Loss of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in transgenic mice leads to formation of calcified plaques in the basal ganglia and thalamus within the mice. Vitamin D signals through two known vitamin D responsive proteins, protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3) and VDR. In vitro, vitamin D has been demonstrated to suppress calcification in osteoblast-like cells. Here, we aim to elucidate which of either PDIA3 or VDR transduce vitamin D mediated suppression of calcification in …


The Pathophysiological Mechanisms Of Alzheimer's Disease; Investigating Therapeutic Interventions For Disease Onset, Alexandra A. Sandberg Jan 2022

The Pathophysiological Mechanisms Of Alzheimer's Disease; Investigating Therapeutic Interventions For Disease Onset, Alexandra A. Sandberg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s Disease is a multifarious disease that progressively affects more people as both the proportion of older adults in the population and life expectancy increase in both the United States and worldwide. This devastating disease is a result of rampant neuronal loss in the memory centers of the brain that robs the independence of those who are diagnosed and places a heavy burden on those who care for them. Traditionally speaking, research has focused on the hallmark pathology of amyloid plaques, targeting them to try and prevent disease onset. However, countless failures in clinical trials aimed at this said pathology …


Exploring The Roles Of Stress, Codon Usage, And Rna Modifications In Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, Afrooz Golestanian Jan 2022

Exploring The Roles Of Stress, Codon Usage, And Rna Modifications In Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, Afrooz Golestanian

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Myotonic dystrophy (DM), the most common form of muscular dystrophy, is a neuromuscular disease caused by microsatellite repeat expansions. It can represent a multi-systemic autosomal dominant disease with DM1 and DM2 subtypes. A cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) triplet repeat in the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene causes DM1 disease, which leads to the production of a longer, abnormal and toxic mRNA. The toxic DMPK mRNA sequester the splicing proteins such as Muscle blind-like (MBNL) and rbFOX which leads to gene expression alteration. Repeat associated non-AUG (RAN) translation also occurs in DM1. Mitochondrial dysregulation has also been …