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2013

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Articles 31 - 60 of 471

Full-Text Articles in Physiology

A Col2a1 Mutation Leads To Increased Degradation Of Type Ii Collagen In Articular Cartilage: A Murine Model For Osteoarthritis, Peter Crane, Dr. Robert Seegmiller Oct 2013

A Col2a1 Mutation Leads To Increased Degradation Of Type Ii Collagen In Articular Cartilage: A Murine Model For Osteoarthritis, Peter Crane, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Normal articular cartilage is characterized by a resilient collagen and proteoglycan matrix interdispersed with chondrocytes. Collagen type II is the most abundant collagen found in the matrix and is responsible for providing tensile strength to the tissue. The highly conserved Col2a1 gene is responsible for coding all type II collagen á-helix chains.1 The process of enzymatic MMP cleavage is a natural part of collagen recycling, but has been observed to be upregulated in articular cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) patients. It is hypothesized that further denaturation (unwinding) of enzymatically cleaved collagen takes place following enzymatic cleavage by MMP. Because increased degraded …

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Growth Of Tropical Dasyatid Rays Estimated Using A Multi-Analytical Approach, Owen R. O'Shea, Matias Braccini, Rory Mcauley, Conrad W. Speed, Mark G. Meekan Oct 2013

Growth Of Tropical Dasyatid Rays Estimated Using A Multi-Analytical Approach, Owen R. O'Shea, Matias Braccini, Rory Mcauley, Conrad W. Speed, Mark G. Meekan

Fisheries Research Articles

We studied the age and growth of four sympatric stingrays: reticulate whipray, Himanutra uarnak (n=19); blue mask, Neotrygon kuhlii (n=34); cowtail, Pastinachus atrus (n=32) and blue-spotted fantail, Taeniura lymma (n=40) rays at Ningaloo Reef, a fringing coral reef on the north-western coast of western Australia. Age estimates derived from band counts within sectioned vertebrae ranged between 1 and 27 years (H. uarnak, 1 - 25 yrs.; N. kuhlii, 1.5 - 13 yrs.; P. atrus, 1 - 27 yrs. and T. lymma, 1 -11 yrs.). Due to limitations of sample sizes, we combined several analytical methods …

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The Possible Role Of Brain Angiotensin Ii In The Reduced Growth Of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats, Daniel R. Jensen, Dr. James P. Porter Oct 2013

The Possible Role Of Brain Angiotensin Ii In The Reduced Growth Of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats, Daniel R. Jensen, Dr. James P. Porter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The “Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat” strain (SHR) was bred to be innately hypertensive. This hypertension arises in part from over-activity of the brain Renin-Angiotensin system.1 Interestingly, the mean body weight of SHR is significantly reduced compared with the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto strain from which it originates. There are indications that high levels of exogenous Angiotensin II (ANG II) introduced in the brains of normotensive rats inhibit weight gain, and in some cases promote weight loss and/or wasting.2 The mechanism of this effect is not clearly understood, though some studies have shown that high levels of exogenous ANG II can induce anorexia or …

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Does Camkii Regulate Exocytosis Through Its Binding To Syntaxin?, Stephen M. Merino, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Oct 2013

Does Camkii Regulate Exocytosis Through Its Binding To Syntaxin?, Stephen M. Merino, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Neurons use chemical messengers called neurotransmitters to communicate with muscles and other neurons. In the axon terminal of a neuron, neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles. Neurotransmitter is released from the neuron through a process called exocytosis. In exocytosis, synaptic vesicles fuse with the cell membrane and neurotransmitter is released from the cell. During exocytosis, important proteins in both the synaptic vesicle membrane and cell membrane called SNARE proteins bind to one another. These proteins are required for exocytosis. Exocytosis and subsequent neurotransmitter release is regulated by Ca2+. The mechanism by which Ca2+ regulates exocytosis is poorly understood.

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Creating Nutritionist Software To Aid A Poor Community In Northeastern Brazil, Jacob D. Durrant, David D. Busath Oct 2013

Creating Nutritionist Software To Aid A Poor Community In Northeastern Brazil, Jacob D. Durrant, David D. Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Virgem dos Pobres is an impoverished community on the banks of lake Mundaú in the Brazilian state of Alagoas. Its dirt roads are lined with houses made of mud and plaster, and sewage is disposed of by means of an open canal that runs through the community’s center. The neighborhood’s population is afflicted with many of the diseases common to extreme poverty: bacterial infections like impetigo, malnourishment, measles, mumps, etc. It was a great privilege to be able to work in some small way to help these wonderful people.

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The Luteolytic Potential Of Reduced Doses Of Prostaglandin Administered In The Ischiorectal Fossa (Irf), Jacob Brinkerhoff, Dr. Roy Silcox Oct 2013

The Luteolytic Potential Of Reduced Doses Of Prostaglandin Administered In The Ischiorectal Fossa (Irf), Jacob Brinkerhoff, Dr. Roy Silcox

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the past few years of my education at BYU, I have had the opportunity to study and learn about the dairy industry and what types of management programs are in place to help ensure higher production and lower costs. One of the most important and beneficial reproductive management techniques used on modern dairies is called induced luteolysis or induced destruction of a corpus luteum. This management practice, which can optimize reproductive performance in cattle, involves administration of a hormone called prostaglandin F2µ (PGF).

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Botox Cleavage Of Snare Proteins That Are Bound Together In Vitro, Josepp D. Walch, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Oct 2013

Botox Cleavage Of Snare Proteins That Are Bound Together In Vitro, Josepp D. Walch, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I finished my project last July (2005) just before Dr. Woodbury left for Germany to present his recent work at a few of the academic institutions of Europe. The project commenced in February of 2004.

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Snare Regulation, Deborah Adams, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Oct 2013

Snare Regulation, Deborah Adams, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

SNARE proteins are involved in transporting molecules within our cells, but their mechanism of action is not well known (Figure 1). It is established that SNARE proteins aid in the process of vesicles docking at target membranes. When neuronal cells are excited calcium enters the cell and the docked vesicles fuse to the target membrane releasing their contents into the intercellular space called the synapse. It is not exactly known by what method calcium induces membrane fusion but it has been shown that syntaxin and synaptobrevin, or VAMP, are minimal machinery for membrane fusion (1).

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Understanding The Pathway Of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Using Bioluminescence, Andrew Miner, Dr. Allen Judd Oct 2013

Understanding The Pathway Of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Using Bioluminescence, Andrew Miner, Dr. Allen Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) is a protein involved in the genesis of cortisol, testosterone, estrogen and other steroids. In fact, it is the rate-limiting step in the process of steroidogenesis. StAR is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the outside of the mitochondrial matrix to the inside, where it undergoes chemical processes that turn it into the steroids listed above. The body is thought to increase the amount of StAR in mitochondrial membranes when it receives certain signals in order to create more steroids. My topic involves the mechanism for this upregulation.

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The Effects During Embryogenesis And Tumorigenesis Of Dominant-Active Beta Catenin In Wnt Signaling, Melissa Schmidt, Dr. Jeffery Richard Barrow Oct 2013

The Effects During Embryogenesis And Tumorigenesis Of Dominant-Active Beta Catenin In Wnt Signaling, Melissa Schmidt, Dr. Jeffery Richard Barrow

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cell communication is crucial in multiceullar organisms. Cells have therefore devised signaling pathways for intracellular communication. One of these is the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling plays an important role in cell fate decisions during embryogenesis. In the adult, Wnt signaling has been hypothesized to be essential in the maintenance of adult gut, blood, and skin tissues. Interestingly, aberrant Wnt signaling has been found to be the primary defect in all colon cancers and to be the cause of other tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

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Measurement Of Proton Flux Through Influenza A Viral Protein M2, J. Craig Moffat, Matthew A. D'Haenens, David D. Busath, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury Oct 2013

Measurement Of Proton Flux Through Influenza A Viral Protein M2, J. Craig Moffat, Matthew A. D'Haenens, David D. Busath, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Influenza A viral protein M2 is known to conduct protons across viral, Golgi, and cell membranes. M2 allows acidification of the interior of the virion thus facilitating viral RNA uncoating. In the active form, M2 is a homotetramer. Each subunit consists of 97 amino acid residues with only one membrane-spanning region of 19 residues. The ion channel activity of M2 has been studied at physiological pH in cellular systems. It is also known that the channel is sensitive to the anti-influenza drug amantadine. Understanding M2 activity at pH 7 will give us greater knowledge of viral function, pharmacological sensitivities, …

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Vesicle Fusion: A Size Dependant Factor? The Role Of Ultrasound In Manipulating Vesicle Size, Eric Richardson, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Oct 2013

Vesicle Fusion: A Size Dependant Factor? The Role Of Ultrasound In Manipulating Vesicle Size, Eric Richardson, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Vesicles are microscopic spherical capsules that have many important applications in both medicine and biology. They are the cell’s primary vehicles for transporting proteins and other chemicals to and from organelles. In the last half century, artificial vesicles (AVs) have been manufactured to explore many biological mechanisms. More recently, AVs have been used as a drug-delivery tool on a microscopic level. This is a promising technique to fight life-threatening diseases such as cancer.

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Determining Treatment Of Children Suffering From Protein-Energy Malnutrition, Mary Ann Zarkou, Dr. Bruce Woolley Oct 2013

Determining Treatment Of Children Suffering From Protein-Energy Malnutrition, Mary Ann Zarkou, Dr. Bruce Woolley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Severe malnutrition is one of the most devastating health problems in the world, particularly in developing countries. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the most prevalent types of malnutrition, and is divided into three major types: Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and Marasmic-kwashiorkor. These diseases in children cause stunted growth, many physiological problems, and lead to increased risk for developing chronic diseases and increased morbidity rates. No effective treatment has been discovered.

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Natural Genetic Variation Affecting Calcium Homeostasis, Rebecca Anna Replogle Oct 2013

Natural Genetic Variation Affecting Calcium Homeostasis, Rebecca Anna Replogle

Open Access Dissertations

Calcium (Ca) is essential for multiple functions within the body including skeletal health. The level of Ca in the serum is tightly regulated. During periods of habitual low Ca intake, the body senses a decrease in serum Ca and increases renal conversion of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). 1,25(OH)2D acts through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to increase intestinal Ca absorption, renal Ca reabsorption and skeletal Ca resorption. Efficient intestinal Ca absorption, especially during periods of low Ca intake, is critical for protecting bone mass. Ca absorption and its primary regulator, 1,25(OH)2D, are affected by both …

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Effects Of Nitrite And Oxygen On Angiogenesis In Vascular Networks Of The Chicken Embryo, Michael Connery Oct 2013

Effects Of Nitrite And Oxygen On Angiogenesis In Vascular Networks Of The Chicken Embryo, Michael Connery

Theses and Dissertations

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of angiogenesis and is primarily produced endogenously through the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). An alternate pathway for NO production is the conversion of nitrite to NO, which depends on the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) and hypoxic conditions. The angiogenic effects of topically applied sodium nitrite on two vascular beds in the ex ovo chicken embryonic model of angiogenesis were assessed. Gas barrier films were used to modulate local oxygen levels in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a respiratory vascular network, and the area vasculosa (AV) on the yolk sac, a typical peripheral …

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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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