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Articles 181 - 210 of 751

Full-Text Articles in Physiology

Developing A New Fluctuating-Charge Force Field For Charmm, Soren Harward, David Busath Sep 2013

Developing A New Fluctuating-Charge Force Field For Charmm, Soren Harward, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Molecular Dynamics (hereafter abbreviated MD) is a method of simulating on a computer the behavior of molecules. For over twenty years, it had been a valuable tool that has allowed chemists and physicists to observe chemical interactions that would are difficult or impossible to measure with standard laboratory equipment. The rapid growth of computing power has made feasible simulations of larger and larger systems, so that now biologists can use MD to study the complex chemistry of living organisms.

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Erythrocyte Shape Change And Vesicle Release With Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin, Jeremy Fairbourn, Dr. John Bell Sep 2013

Erythrocyte Shape Change And Vesicle Release With Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin, Jeremy Fairbourn, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The study of membrane properties has direct applications in many branches of science. These properties influence the shape and behavior of the cell. With respect to erythrocytes, the membrane becomes susceptible to the action of secretory Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) following treatment with ionophores such as ionomycin. The changes produced by ionomycin are experimental analogs to occurrences in the body. The normal actions of the immune system and metabolism cause changes to the cells such that apoptosis is eventually the endpoint of the cell.

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Influenza A Virus M2 Protein Selectivity And Permeability Of Ammonium Ions At Varying Ph, Jared Kevin Pearson, David D. Busath Sep 2013

Influenza A Virus M2 Protein Selectivity And Permeability Of Ammonium Ions At Varying Ph, Jared Kevin Pearson, David D. Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The M2 protein inside the Influenza A virus capsid is vital to the virus’ replication. When the virus enters a cell, the M2 protein forms ion channels that allow the viral RNA to dissociate from stabilizing proteins, enter the host cell nucleus, and replicate. Blocking the formation of these ion channels, or disabling M2 protein ion transport therefore is an important area of research; inactivating the channel will prevent Influenza A replication.

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The Effects Of Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, And Tumor Necrosis Factor On Aldosterone Release From The Bovine Adrenal Cortex, Todd A. Richards, Dr. Allan M. Judd Sep 2013

The Effects Of Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, And Tumor Necrosis Factor On Aldosterone Release From The Bovine Adrenal Cortex, Todd A. Richards, Dr. Allan M. Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The adrenal is an endocrine gland that is important for the release of steroid hormones and cathecholamines. The adrenal gland is closely associated with the immune system. This association is closely linked by the release of cytokines. Cytokines are a diverse group of proteins first isolated within the immune system but have now been identified in numerous tissues, including those of the endocrine system. The principle cytokines affecting the adrenal gland are interleukin-1 (IL-alpha and IL-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These cytokines can regulate adrenal function, particularly during increased stress and disease, and because they are produced …

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Degeneration Of Articular Cartilage In The Temporomandibluar Joint Of Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm), Robert R. Seegmiller Sep 2013

Degeneration Of Articular Cartilage In The Temporomandibluar Joint Of Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm), Robert R. Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease affecting humans today. This disease leads to premature degradation of articular cartilage in joints, such as the knee, and it can be caused by mutations in collagen coding genes. Collagen is the basic building block of cartilage, so any mutations would affect the response of collagen to outside factors.

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Type Iia Procollagen – Osteoarthritis Biomarker In Dmm Mice, John Mcallister, Kenneth Merrell, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller Sep 2013

Type Iia Procollagen – Osteoarthritis Biomarker In Dmm Mice, John Mcallister, Kenneth Merrell, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA), results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Ethical and practical issues limiting the availability of human tissue in OA research necessitate the use of animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Use of Dmm as a model of OA may lead a discovery of a common mechanism associated …

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Does Addition Of The Snare Protein Snap-25 To Syntaxin 1a Enhance Fusion Rates Of Modified Synaptic Vesicles In A System Containing The Minimum Vesicle Fusion Machinery?, Jeremy Curtis, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Sep 2013

Does Addition Of The Snare Protein Snap-25 To Syntaxin 1a Enhance Fusion Rates Of Modified Synaptic Vesicles In A System Containing The Minimum Vesicle Fusion Machinery?, Jeremy Curtis, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The original intent of my project was to compare the fusion rates of synaptic vesicles to a syntaxin artificial membrane with and without SNAP-25. Recent research has shown that modified synaptic vesicles may fuse to a syntaxin-only bilayer . Prior to this, the major dogma of the SNARE-induced hypothesis of vesicle fusion has included SNAP-25 as a necessary component.

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Untitled, Legg Barzee Sep 2013

Untitled, Legg Barzee

Journal of Undergraduate Research

We have previously shown that treatment of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells with a serum-achievable concentration of a biologically relevant form of selenium (Se) dramatically reduces binding of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to its DNA response element, and reduces by half the transcription rates and steady state mRNA levels for anti-apoptotic and other NF-kappaB regulated genes. However, the activation of NF-kappaB is a multistep process (See Figure 1). It is possible that Se could affect various steps in that process ultimately resulting in a decreased binding to DNA. The purpose of this work was to identify those steps in the …

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Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers, Brian Knudson, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury Sep 2013

Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers, Brian Knudson, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As the original goal of the project was to investigate the channel-forming mechanism of Nystatin, I began the project as outlined in the proposal.

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Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers, James E. Ricks, David Busath Sep 2013

Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers, James E. Ricks, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The existence of multicellular organisms is dependent on the concerted activities of scores of individual cells. These vital communication links are supplied by hosts of receptors, hormones, and trans-membrane channels. One of these key links is the gramicidin ion channel, a helical peptide which when dimerized forms an uncharged channel spanning its host membrane.1

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Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis, Luke M. Gessel, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller Sep 2013

Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis, Luke M. Gessel, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Apoptosis, or “programmed cell death”, is one process used by cells to terminate their existence. The phenomenon of an increase of apoptotic cell death in cases of osteoarthritis (OA) has recently become a much disputed topic among laboratories dedicated to the advancement of OA research . The standard progression of OA, based on our current knowledge, shows an increase in cellularity, or cell density, of the cartilage cells known as chondrocytes, followed by a subsequent decrease in this chondrocyte cellularity and a breakdown of the cartilage. Apoptosis would provide a mechanism through which this rapid decrease in cellularity may occur, …

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The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Sean Georgi, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks Sep 2013

The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Sean Georgi, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Modern medicine has dramatically increased the lifespan of individuals in industrialized societies, leading to large populations of elderly adults. With this lengthened lifespan, however, has come an increased incidence in age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The causes of these diseases are enigmatic and complex, making them difficult to cure or prevent. Rather, current treatments try to delay or slow the progression of such diseases. One such treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involves the drug galantamine, derived from a natural compound in daffodil bulbs. Studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms through which galantamine alleviates Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, and this project’s …

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Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin, Rachel Williams Bailey, Dr. John Bell Sep 2013

Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin, Rachel Williams Bailey, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nystatin is a fluorescent molecule that has recently been characterized as a probe of phospholipid properties in artificial membranes. The hypothesis purported by my research group was that nystatin binds preferentially to the boundary between ordered and disordered phases of phospholipids in both artificial and biological membranes. My project was to test this hypothesis in biological membranes. By further characterizing nystatin as a probe, our group would have another tool with which to understand the binding properties of the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Secretory PLA2 adsorbs to the surface of cells and hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids to release free fatty …

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Interim Report Mutations In The Wnt/Pcp Signaling Pathway And Neural Tube Closure Defects, Nathan Hawley, Dr. Jeff Barrow Sep 2013

Interim Report Mutations In The Wnt/Pcp Signaling Pathway And Neural Tube Closure Defects, Nathan Hawley, Dr. Jeff Barrow

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Thus far in our study of the Wnt/PCP Signaling Pathway we have collected some intriguing data.

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Affects Of Ergosterol On Nystatin Binding To Artificial Cell Membranes, Quinn Bahm, Dr. John Bell Sep 2013

Affects Of Ergosterol On Nystatin Binding To Artificial Cell Membranes, Quinn Bahm, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The phospholipids that make up the cell membrane change in order and liquidity with temperature and sterol concentration. This change in phase can be recognized by using a fluorescent probe called nystatin. Nystatin is currently used pharmaceutically as a fungicide; it forms channels in membranes with ergosterol allowing water and ions to rush inside and rupture the fungal cell. Nystatin is assumed to bind to the membrane differently in the presence of cholesterol, as is the case with humans than in the presence of ergosterol, thus allowing the drug to destroy fungal cells while accumulating harmlessly on the surface of …

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Lipids And Vesicular Fusion (The Doorway To My Future), Brady Atwood, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury Sep 2013

Lipids And Vesicular Fusion (The Doorway To My Future), Brady Atwood, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Exocytosis is the process by which a cell excretes intracellular substances into an extracellular space. Cells perform this by storing these substances in lipid membrane enclosed spheres called vesicles. These vesicles are brought to the inside surface of the cellular membrane where they are docked and primed for release upon the appropriate signal. When the signal occurs the vesicles fuse to the membrane releasing the stored material into the space around the cell. This is especially relevant in neuroscience as this is the process by which neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft which then go on to stimulate/inhibit another …

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The Role Of Phob In The Phosphate Signaling Pathway, Eliza H. Norcross, Dr. William R. Mccleary Sep 2013

The Role Of Phob In The Phosphate Signaling Pathway, Eliza H. Norcross, Dr. William R. Mccleary

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Every living cell requires a means of sensing its environment and responding appropriately. Even a single cell needs to coordinate its functions to survive. One way cells process environmental stimuli is through signal transduction pathways. Types of signaling used in bacteria include two component systems. “Two component” refers to the two parts of the system, a histidine kinase and a response regulator. The bacterium E. coli uses a two component system called the phosphate signaling pathway to sense and respond to varying levels of phosphate in the environment.

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Cytokine Regulation Of Adrenal Secretion Of Dehydroepiandrosterone (Dhea), Edward C. Miner, Dr. Allan M. Judd Sep 2013

Cytokine Regulation Of Adrenal Secretion Of Dehydroepiandrosterone (Dhea), Edward C. Miner, Dr. Allan M. Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The adrenal cortex releases aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) into the blood stream. The regulation of aldosterone and cortisol release by the adrenal gland is well studied. In contrast, little is known about the regulation of DHEA secretion. Since low plasma levels of DHEA are associated with the aging process, rheumatoid arthritis, and disease progression in HIV-infected individuals, it is medically significant to determine the mechanism of DHEA release from the adrenal gland.

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The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6, Timothy E. Lindsay, Dr. Allan M. Judd Sep 2013

The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6, Timothy E. Lindsay, Dr. Allan M. Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Up to this point, the study of adrenal glands has utilized mostly rat and bovine models. However, in the research of human physiology, human models are preferable to animal models. But human adrenal glands are difficult to obtain, and when they are obtained, experiments often have limited sample sizes. In addition, human adrenal glands available for research are often functionally altered by disease. Also, donors with healthy adrenal glands may be administered multiple pharmacological agents which modify adrenal functions. These obstacles show how a model that provides an unlimited quantity of tissue with consistent secretion patterns would take precedent over …

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Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah, Benjamin T. Jones, Dr. Duke S. Rogers Sep 2013

Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah, Benjamin T. Jones, Dr. Duke S. Rogers

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Historically, studies of bat activity have been conducted during spring, summer and fall when migratory bats are most abundant and non-migratory bats are most active. Due to the high energy expenditure required to maintain body temperatures sufficient for flight (Fenton, 1992) and the low availability of aerial insects, (Whitaker and Rissler, 1992) activity levels decline markedly with the onset of winter and the corresponding fall in temperatures. Non-migratory bats conserve energy by hibernating through the winter. However, in previous winter surveys conducted in Southern Utah, five of sixteen species know to occur in that area were netted. (Hasenyager, 1980) Bats …

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Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Geographic Origin Of Stlv-I And Htlv-I With Extensive Sequence Sampling: Evidence For An African Origin With Subsequent Separate Viral Evolution In Asia And Africa, Chris R. Kelsey, Dr. Keith A. Crandall Sep 2013

Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Geographic Origin Of Stlv-I And Htlv-I With Extensive Sequence Sampling: Evidence For An African Origin With Subsequent Separate Viral Evolution In Asia And Africa, Chris R. Kelsey, Dr. Keith A. Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a retrovirus believed to be the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-I -associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HTLV-I is a member of a related group of retroviruses, known collectively as primate T-cell lymphotropic viruses (PTLV) which also include human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) and the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (STLV-I). In an attempt to better understand phylogenetic relationships among geographically diverse strains of PTLV-I, and in the process gain more insight into the geographic origin of STLV-I and HTLV-I, a comprehensive study involving multiple …

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Pediatric Study To Determine The Extent Of Parasympathetic Reinnervation To The Human Heart Post Transplant, Aaron W. Jones, R. Paul Evans Sep 2013

Pediatric Study To Determine The Extent Of Parasympathetic Reinnervation To The Human Heart Post Transplant, Aaron W. Jones, R. Paul Evans

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Until recently, it had been assumed that following cardiac transplantation, nerve impulses to the heart were permanently disconnected. Within the past few years, multiple studies prompted by patient complaints, observations, and simple curiosity have proven the surprising fact that the accelerator (or sympathetic) nerves to the heart almost always regrow.1 Furthermore, in a large segment of the recipient population, the same is found for the sensory nerves which relay pain and oxygen supply status of the heart to the brain.2 These discoveries have led scientists worldwide on the search for evidence of the regrowth of the decelerator (or parasympathetic) nerves …

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Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep, Jennifer A. Jerman, Robert L. Park Sep 2013

Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep, Jennifer A. Jerman, Robert L. Park

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Polymorphic genetic markers aid in parentage testing among individuals of the same breed. Suffolk sheep randomly mate and the need for accurate, reliable, and rapid testing for resolution of such mating is mandatory for the animals’ record and further genetic production. Therefore, it is necessary to identify such matings of individuals.

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Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell Sep 2013

Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA) results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Since ethical and practical issues limit the availability of human tissue in OA research it is necessary to use animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Current research suggests the heterozygous Dmm mouse (D/+) is a valid model for early-onset OA …

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Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells, Brian Powell, Dr. Allan Judd Sep 2013

Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells, Brian Powell, Dr. Allan Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Before the turn of the century, biological research was taken by storm with the discovery of inhibitory RNA (RNAi). In 1995, Guo and Kemphues (Mello & Conte, 2004) stumbled into this discovery and were later awarded the Nobel Prize in science for their discovery. The discovery turned into a technique that is used to knock out genes with laser-like precision, and although the precision of RNAi has come into question recently, it is still a valued technique (Couzin, 2004). However, still in its infancy, the extent to which RNAi is used naturally in different tissues is unclear. To the extent …

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Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression, Matt Peterson, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks Sep 2013

Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression, Matt Peterson, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Hippocampal interneurons are a particularly diverse population of cells. Classifying these interneurons has historically been difficult using traditional schemes such as anatomical morphology, action potential spiking pattern, and receptor pharmacology. More recently however, classification of interneurons by examining expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and calcium-binding proteins (Ca-BPs: parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin) has been promoted as an effective means for identifying subpopulations within the hippocampus. Categorization of the expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and Ca-BPs with the various types of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) could provide information valuable for characterizing how various interneuron subpopulations function to modulate the overall activity of …

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Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway, Vu Mai Phuong, Dr. John Bell Sep 2013

Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway, Vu Mai Phuong, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a secretory enzyme thought to mainly function in hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids in certain conditions of signaling induced by the immune system or hormone activity. sPLA2 is known to be implicated in inflammatory diseases, sepsis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, ischemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, pre-eclampsia, and gall stones; therefore, understanding its mechanism of action is an important step in helping other researchers determine therapeutic means for these diseases.

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Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And, Richard Swenson, David Busath Sep 2013

Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And, Richard Swenson, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In general, research of the function of proteins involved in harmful diseases helps researchers who are investigating these diseases better understand part of their puzzle to be able to find solutions to these problems and often opens doors for new treatments of other disorders. For example, to reduce wrinkles, doctors inject patients with Botulinum Neurotoxin(BoTox). I would like to add to the world’s understanding of BoTox so that new procedures can be developed and the harmful effects of botulism can be reduced. My research of Phospholipase A-2 (sPLA2) will likewise add to knowledge of the function of this and other …

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A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients, Dedra A. Cutler, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill Sep 2013

A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients, Dedra A. Cutler, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair and cell proliferation. Increased cell proliferation results in higher than normal levels of TK1. Because of this relationship, TK1 has recently been identified as a useful marker in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes, Kristen H. Parker, Dr. John D. Bell Sep 2013

Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes, Kristen H. Parker, Dr. John D. Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Our research team in Dr. Bell’s laboratory has focused primarily on studying interactions between cell membranes and the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This enzyme is able to distinguish between healthy cells and foreign or damaged cells, which it hydrolyzes. The purpose of my individual project was to use a specific fluorescent probe to study the mechanism for the selective susceptibility and degradation of cell membranes by sPLA2.

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