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Articles 121 - 150 of 244
Full-Text Articles in Physiology
Untitled, Legg Barzee
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 …
Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers, Brian Knudson, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury
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.
Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers, James E. Ricks, David Busath
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
Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis, Luke M. Gessel, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
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, …
The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Sean Georgi, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks
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 …
Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin, Rachel Williams Bailey, Dr. John Bell
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 …
Interim Report Mutations In The Wnt/Pcp Signaling Pathway And Neural Tube Closure Defects, Nathan Hawley, Dr. Jeff Barrow
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.
Affects Of Ergosterol On Nystatin Binding To Artificial Cell Membranes, Quinn Bahm, Dr. John Bell
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 …
Lipids And Vesicular Fusion (The Doorway To My Future), Brady Atwood, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury
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 …
The Role Of Phob In The Phosphate Signaling Pathway, Eliza H. Norcross, Dr. William R. Mccleary
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.
Cytokine Regulation Of Adrenal Secretion Of Dehydroepiandrosterone (Dhea), Edward C. Miner, Dr. Allan M. Judd
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.
The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6, Timothy E. Lindsay, Dr. Allan M. Judd
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 …
Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah, Benjamin T. Jones, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
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 …
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
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 …
Pediatric Study To Determine The Extent Of Parasympathetic Reinnervation To The Human Heart Post Transplant, Aaron W. Jones, R. Paul Evans
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 …
Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep, Jennifer A. Jerman, Robert L. Park
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.
Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell
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 …
Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells, Brian Powell, Dr. Allan Judd
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 …
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
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 …
Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway, Vu Mai Phuong, Dr. John Bell
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.
Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And, Richard Swenson, David Busath
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 …
A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients, Dedra A. Cutler, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
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.
Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes, Kristen H. Parker, Dr. John D. Bell
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.
Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An, Sandra B. Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann
Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An, Sandra B. Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recently, a non-endemic species of fish, Salvelinus namaycush, was introduced into Yellowstone Lake. These lake trout feed on the native cutthroat trout, an important food source for higher predators in the area. During routine examinations of the lake trout, an abnormally high infection of intestinal nematodes was discovered. These intestinal nematodes are also found in the endemic lake trout in nearby Lewis Lake, but at a lower level of infection.
Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice, Lisa Higgenbotham, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice, Lisa Higgenbotham, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Microinjection is a technique used to introduce DNA into the genome of an animal at the embryo stage. It is an effective way to insert replacement, or rescue, copies of a gene that the embryo may be lacking. In this study, I prepared purified copies of the mouse Col2a1 gene and microinjected them into the pronuclei of single-cell mouse embryos. Col2a1 encodes type II collagen, a major component of cartilage. Mice carrying one or two mutant alleles of Col2a1 are characterized by developmental abnormalities, degenerative joint disease, and even death. This phenotype is observed in Disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) mice, which …
The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer, Eric M. Troxell, Marci L. Troxell, Dr. Marci L. Troxell, John D. Bell
The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer, Eric M. Troxell, Marci L. Troxell, Dr. Marci L. Troxell, John D. Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Phospholipase A is a protein that interacts reversibly with the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. This interaction is affected by physical alterations in the bilayer, which can be caused by a variety of sources, including temperature and certain drugs. Cholesterol is one of the sources known to change the physical properties of the bilayer. It was hypothesized that estrone (Cl8H2202), which is similar in structure to cholesterol, would also affect the bilayer. Studying the effects of various drugs on the bilayer and phospholipase A2 can lead to greater understanding of the lipid/protein interactions occurring in cells.
Retinal Detachment In Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia, Jared R. Jackson, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Retinal Detachment In Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia, Jared R. Jackson, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Stickler syndrome, caused by a mutation of the Collagen 2A1 gene, is the most common cause of inherited retinal detachment in children. A mutation of the same gene in mice causes Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm). “In cases where mouse mutations occur in genes that are also responsible for human disorders, the mouse strains provide essential model systems for studies of pathogenetic mechanisms.” The purpose of this study is to find and document evidence of retinal detachment that is hypothesized in heterozygous (Dmm/+) mutant mice.
Understanding Actin To Stop Metastasis, James Moody, Ben Werner
Understanding Actin To Stop Metastasis, James Moody, Ben Werner
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project is to identify the organization and mechanism of the proteins in the Zyxin-VASP actin regulatory system using biochemical analysis and in vitro reconstitution.
Chondrocyte Apoptosis Correlated With Progression Of Osteoarthritis In Dmm Mice, Ryan Anderson, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
Chondrocyte Apoptosis Correlated With Progression Of Osteoarthritis In Dmm Mice, Ryan Anderson, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease resulting in the degeneration of synovial joint cartilage and is the leading cause of chronic disability in the elderly1. Despite the prevalence of this disease, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. There is need for low cost, short generation animal model to study this disease. For this, we used a proven mouse model as the means for researching OA, the Disproportionate micromellia (Dmm) mouse which has been shown to develop early onset OA. One mechanism involved in OA that we are specifically researching is programmed cell death, apoptosis, of cartilage cells, chondrocytes and how it …
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics, Nicholas H. Bishop
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics, Nicholas H. Bishop
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research aims to elucidate the protein interactions at cell-cell contacts (adherens junctions or AJs) by studying the fluorescence recovery of three known AJ proteins (zyxin, VASP, and actin) after photobleaching. At AJs, zyxin interacts with VASP (Vasioukhin et al., 2000) which in turn encourages the polymerization of actin (Vasioukhin et al., 2000). Mutation of certain regions of zyxin may reveal their role in zyxin-VASP binding and regulation. The effects of altering VASP activity should be evident in actin turnover rate. In Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP), regions of cell-cell adhesions with fluorescently labeled zyxin, VASP, or actin are bleached …