Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reciprocal Regulation Of Par-4 And Caspase-8 In The Trail Signaling Pathway, Padhma Ranganathan

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Par‐4 is a pro‐apoptotic tumor suppressor that is mutated, suppressed or inactivated in cancer. Par‐4 exploits components of the extrinsic pathway to cause apoptosis selectively of cancer cells. This study identified Par‐4 as an essential component of the apoptotic pathway induced by TRAIL, which selectively targets cancer cells. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of Par‐4 rendered cancer cells unresponsive to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Cells with knocked‐down levels of Par‐4 were deficient in the activation of the apoptosis‐initiator caspase‐8 and the apoptosis‐effector caspase‐3 in response to TRAIL. Par‐4 was identified as a critical mediator of membrane translocation of caspase‐8 and the adapter protein FADD. …

Effect Of Chronic Airway Inflammation Induced By Allergen Sensitization On Vagal Bronchopulmonary Sensory Nerves In Rats, Guangfan Zhang

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Airway hyperresponsivness (AHR) is one of most prominent pathophysiological features of asthma. Increasing evidence suggests that vagal bronchopulmonary afferents may be involved in the development of AHR. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the effect of chronic airway inflammation induced by allergen sensitization on vagal bronchopulmonary afferents. The study was carried out in an animal model of allergic asthma. Brown-Norway rats were sensitized by intraperitoneal Ovalbumin (Ova) and exposed to aerosolized Ova 3 times/week for three weeks. Control rats received the vehicle. In vivo single-fiber recording technique was applied in …

Longitudinal Association Of Sleep-Disordered Breathing And Nondipping Of Nocturnal Blood Pressure In The Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, Khin Mae Hla, Terry Young, Laurel Finn, Paul E. Peppard, Mariana Szklo-Coxe, Maryan Stubbs

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Study objectives: The association of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and blunting of normal nocturnal lowering of blood pressure (BP) (nondipping) has only been examined cross-sectionally. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether SDB is prospectively associated with nondipping.

Methods: The longitudinal association between SDB and incident nondipping was examined in a subsample of 328 adults enrolled in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study who completed 2 or more 24-hour ambulatory BP studies over an average of 7.2 years of follow-up. SDB identified by baseline in-laboratory polysomnography was defined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) categories. Systolic and diastolic nondipping was defined by …

Eosinophilic Fasciitis: Demographics, Disease Pattern And Response To Treatment: Report Of 12 Cases And Review Of The Literature, Lindsay Bischoff, Chris T. Derk

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND:
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare scleroderma-like illness. The clinical spectrum of the disease has evolved since its initial description.

METHODS:
We identified all patients diagnosed with eosinophilic fasciitis over the past 10 years at our scleroderma clinic. Demographics, disease pattern, serologies, tissue pathology and reponse to treatment were all recorded.

RESULTS:
Twelve patients with eosinophilic fasciitis were identified in our clinic over the past 10 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 49.8 +/- 9.8 years, with nine female and three male patients. The first symptoms were noticed at an average of 8.8 +/- 6.1 months before diagnosis. The …

Hiv-1 Tat Protein Alter The Tight Junction Integrity And Function Of Retinal Pigment Epithelium: An In Vitro Study., Ling Bai, Zhenping Zhang, Hui Zhang, Xiumei Li, Qiurong Yu, Haotian Lin, Wenhui Yang

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: How HIV-1 enter into the eyes remains obscure. We postulated that HIV-1 Tat protein can alter the expression of specific tight-junction proteins and disturb the blood retinal barrier, and contributes to HIV trafficking into the eyes. This study is to determine the effects of HIV-1 Tat proteins on the barrier function and tight-junction protein expression of retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE). METHODS: A human RPE cell line (D407) cultured on microporous filter-supports was used. After treating with HIV-1 Tat protein, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of confluent RPE cells was measured by epithelial voltmeter. The permeability of the RPE cells …

The Notch Signaling Pathway Drives Astrogliogenesis By Regulating The Expression Of The Transcription Factors Nfia And Sox9, Derek Janssens, Merritt Taylor

Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts

In the developing nervous system the Notch signaling pathway has recently been shown to be necessary and sufficient for neural stem cells to differentiate into astroctyes, a process called astrogliogenesis. However, the mechanism of how Notch signaling regulates this process has not yet been characterized. Our lab is examining whether Notch signaling controls the expression of the genes NFIA and Sox9 which are known to regulate astogliogenesis. These candidate genes were selected because their DNA sequences have characteristics that indicate their expression could be controlled by Notch through a transcriptional complex of Notch and other proteins, including the DNA binding …

Role Of The Reactive Oxygen Species Peroxynitrite In Traumatic Brain Injury, Ying Deng

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is cytotoxic to the cell and is known to contribute to secondary cell death following primary traumatic brain injury (TBI). We described in our study that PN is the main mediator for both lipid peroxidation and protein nitration, and occurred almost immediately after injury. As a downstream factor to oxidative damage, the peak of Ca2+-dependent, calpainmediated cytoskeletal proteolysis preceded that of neurodegeneration, suggesting that calpain-mediated proteolysis is the common pathway leading to neuronal cell death. The time course study clearly elucidated the interrelationship of these cellular changes following TBI, provided window of opportunity for pharmacological intervention. …

United States Regulation Of Stem Cell Research: Recasting Government's Role And Questions To Be Resolved, Owen C. B. Hughes, Alan L. Jakimo, Michael J. Malinowski

Journal Articles

This article directly addresses the stem cell controversy, but also the broader history and norms regarding the roles of federal and state government in U.S. science research funding.

Cell Autonomous Expression Of Inflammatory Genes In Biologically Aged Fibroblasts Associated With Elevated Nf-Kappab Activity., Andres Kriete, Kelli L Mayo, Nirupama Yalamanchili, William Beggs, Patrick Bender, Csaba Kari, Ulrich Rodeck

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is a well-known corollary of the aging process and is believed to significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality of many age-associated chronic diseases. However, the mechanisms that cause age-associated inflammatory changes are not well understood. Particularly, the contribution of cell stress responses to age-associated inflammation in 'non-inflammatory' cells remains poorly defined. The present cross-sectional study focused on differences in molecular signatures indicative of inflammatory states associated with biological aging of human fibroblasts from donors aged 22 to 92 years. RESULTS: Gene expression profiling revealed elevated steady-state transcript levels consistent with a chronic inflammatory state in fibroblast cell-strains …

Development Of An Immunofluorescence Assay Using Recombinant Proteins Expressed In Insect Cells To Screen And Confirm Presence Of Human Herpesvirus 8-Specific Antibodies, Veenu Minhas, Lynsey N. Crosby, Kay L. Crabtree, Saul Phiri, Tendai J. M'Soka, Chipepo Kankasa, William J. Harrington, Charles D. Mitchell, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), or Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus, has been linked to all forms of KS. The results of most current serological assays for the detection of HHV-8-specific antibodies have low levels of concordance among themselves. To establish a sensitive and specific testing strategy that can be used to screen for HHV-8-specific antibodies, three HHV-8 proteins, ORF65, ORF73, and K8.1A, were expressed by using baculoviral vectors in insect cells and incorporated into a monoclonal antibodyenhanced immunofluorescence assay (mIFA) termed the Sf9 three-antigen mIFA. The results obtained by this mIFA were compared to those obtained by a standard mIFA with …

Small-Molecule Cd4 Mimics Interact With A Highly Conserved Pocket On Hiv-1 Gp120, Navid Madani, Arne Schön, Amy M. Princiotto, Judith M. Lalonde, Joel R. Cpurter, Takahiro Soeta, Danny Ng, Liping Wang, Evan T. Brower, Shi-Hua Xiang, Young Do Kwon, Chih-Chin Huang, Richard Wyatt, Peter D. Kwong, Ernesto Freire, Amos B. Smith Iii, Joseph Sodroski

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) interaction with the primary receptor, CD4, induces conformational changes in the viral envelope glycoproteins that allow binding to the CCR5 second receptor and virus entry into the host cell. The small molecule NBD-556 mimics CD4 by binding the gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein, moderately inhibiting virus entry into CD4-expressing target cells, and enhancing CCR5 binding and virus entry into CCR5-expressing cells lacking CD4. Studies of NBD-556 analogues and gp120 mutants suggest that: 1) NBD-556 binds within the Phe 43 cavity, a highly conserved, functionally important pocket formed as gp120 assumes the CD4- bound conformation; 2) the NBD-556 …

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Confers Higher Rates Of Replicative Fitness To Perinatally Transmitted Viruses Than To Nontransmitted Viruses, Xiaohong Kong, John T. West, Hong Zhang, Danielle M. Shea, Tendai J. M’Soka, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Selection of a minor viral genotype during perinatal transmission of human Immunodeficiency virus type 1

(HIV-1) has been observed, but there is a lack of information on the correlation of the restrictive transmission

with biological properties of the virus, such as replicative fitness. Recombinant viruses expressing the enhanced

green fluorescent protein or the Discosoma sp. red fluorescent (DsRed2) protein carrying the V1 to V5

regions of env from seven mother-infant pairs (MIPs) infected by subtype C HIV-1 were constructed, and

competition assays were carried out to compare the fitness between the transmitted and nontransmitted

viruses. Flow cytometry was used to …

Varying Efficiency Of Long-Term Replication Of Papillomaviruses In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Adam J. Rogers, Malte Loggen, Karen Lee, Peter C. Angeletti

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) replicate in mitotically active basal keratinocytes. Two virally encoded proteins, E1, a helicase, and E2, a transcription factor, are important players in replication and maintenance of HPV episomes. We previously showed that HPV16 could replicate stably in Saccharomyces cerevisiae [Angeletti, P.C., Kim, K., Fernandes, F.J., and Lambert, P.F. (2002)] and we identified cis-elements that mediate replication and maintenance [J. Virol. 76(7), 3350-3358.; Kim, K., Angeletti, P.C., Hassebroek, E.C., and Lambert, P.F. (2005)]. Here, we demonstrate that although multiple HPV genomes replicate stably in yeast, they do so with differing long-term efficiency; HPV6-Ura3 is replicated at the …

Effects Of Shielding Adenoviral Vectors With Polyethylene Glycol On Vector-Specific And Vaccine-Mediated Immune Responses, Eric A. Weaver, Michael A. Barry

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Many individuals have been previously exposed to human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). This prior immunity has long been known to hinder its use for gene therapy and as a gene-based vaccine. Given these immunogenicity problems, we have tested whether polyethylene glycol (PEG) can blunt immune effects against Ad5 during systemic and mucosal vaccination. Ad5 vectors were covalently modified with 5-, 20-, and 35-kDa linear PEG polymers and evaluated for their ability to produce immune responses against transgene antigen prod- ucts and the vector itself. We show that shielding Ad5 with different-sized PEGs generally reduces transduction and primary antibody responses by …

Evidence That The Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome Protein, An Early Sensor Of Double-Strand Dna Breaks (Dsb), Is Involved In Hiv-1 Post-Integration Repair By Recruiting The Ataxia Telangiectasia-Mutated Kinase In A Process Similar To, But Distinct From, Cellular Dsb Repair., Johanna A Smith, Feng-Xiang Wang, Hui Zhang, Kou-Juey Wu, Kevin Jon Williams, René Daniel

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Retroviral transduction involves integrase-dependent linkage of viral and host DNA that leaves an intermediate that requires post-integration repair (PIR). We and others proposed that PIR hijacks the host cell double-strand DNA break (DSB) repair pathways. Nevertheless, the geometry of retroviral DNA integration differs considerably from that of DSB repair and so the precise role of host-cell mechanisms in PIR remains unclear. In the current study, we found that the Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 protein (NBS1), an early sensor of DSBs, associates with HIV-1 DNA, recruits the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase, promotes stable retroviral transduction, mediates efficient integration of viral DNA …

Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Update., Steven Falowski, Amanda Celii, Ashwini Sharan

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Spinal cord stimulation has been used in the treatment of many chronic pain disorders since 1967. In this update, the indications for spinal cord stimulation are reviewed with attention to recent publications. A focused review of the literature on abdominal and visceral pain syndromes is also provided. Furthermore, the technology has evolved from the use of monopolar electrodes to complex electrode arrays. Similarly, the power source has changed from a radio frequency-driven system to a rechargeable impulse generator. These topics are covered, along with a short discussion of implant technique. Finally, we include a review of complications of such therapy. …

Transcriptional Regulatory Network Analysis During Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation Of Retinal Pigment Epithelium., Craig H Pratt, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli, Praveen Chakravarthula, Gregory E Gonye, Nancy J Philp, Gerald B Grunwald

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Phenotypic transformation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells contributes to the onset and progression of ocular proliferative disorders such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The formation of epiretinal membranes in PVR may involve an epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of RPE cells as part of an aberrant wound healing response. While the underlying mechanism remains unclear, this likely involves changes in RPE cell gene expression under the control of specific transcription factors (TFs). Thus, the purpose of the present study was to identify TFs that may play a role in this process.

METHODS: Regulatory regions of genes that are differentially regulated during …

Proteomic Profiling Of Endorepellin Angiostatic Activity On Human Endothelial Cells., Jason J Zoeller, Renato V Iozzo

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Endorepellin, the C-terminal domain V of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan, exhibits powerful and targeted anti-angiogenic activity on endothelial cells. To identify proteins involved with endorepellin anti-angiogenic action, we performed an extensive comparative proteomic analysis between vehicle- and endorepellin-treated human endothelial cells. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis of endorepellin influence on human umbilical vein endothelial cells identified five differentially expressed proteins, three of which (beta-actin, calreticulin, and chaperonin/Hsp60) were down-regulated and two of which (vimentin and the beta subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase also known as protein disulfide isomerase) were up-regulated in response to endorepellin treatment-and associated with a fold change (endorepellin/control) …

Are Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines Suitable To Study Increased Smn Gene Expression By Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors?, Di̇dem Dayangaç Erden, Haluk Topaloğlu, Hayat Erdem Yurter

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this preliminary study, we aimed to analyze the effect of sodium butyrate (NB) and phenylbutyrate (PB), belonging to the class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, on lymphoblastoid cell lines established from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients. Materials and Methods: Lymphoblastoid cell lines were established from one type I and two type III SMA patients. Following treatment of the cell lines by HDAC inhibitors, the levels of survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene full length (fl-SMN2) transcripts were assessed by both standard and real time RT-PCR. To determine the levels of SMN protein, Western blot analysis was performed. Results: …

Serum Homocysteine Levels In Highway Toll Collectors And The Relationship With Intima-Media Thickness Of The Carotid Artery, Ramazan Memi̇şoğullari, Beşi̇r Erdoğmuş, Hami̇t Hakan Alp, Cahi̇t Bi̇lgi̇n, Peri̇ Meram Arbak, Özlem Yavuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: A relationship between air pollution and increased intima-media thickness (IMT) has been recently reported, but its etiology is not yet well understood. We aimed to determine whether exposure to exhaust particles, which are important air pollutants, is associated with increased serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and whether elevated Hcy levels are associated with increased IMT. Materials and Methods: Serum Hcy levels were measured by fluorometric high performance liquid chromatography in 65 male highway toll collectors (HTCs) and 43 healthy male volunteers. IMT was measured with Doppler sonography by an experienced radiologist. Results: Serum Hcy levels (14.5 ± 4.9 mmol/L, P < 0.005) and IMT (0.757 ± 0.18 mm, P < 0.001) were higher in the HTC group than in controls (12.0 ± 2.8 mmol/L and 0.612 ± 0.11 mm, respectively). A positive correlation was found between Hcy level and IMT both in the HTC group (r = 0.36; P < 0.005) and in the control group (r = 0.36; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to exhaust particles may cause an increase in oxidative stress because of an increase in serum Hcy levels, which consequently may lead to an increase in IMT. Nevertheless, further studies on the subject are needed before drawing a firm conclusion.

The Effect Of Isoflavones On Bone Mass And Bone Remodelling Markers In Postmenopausal Women, Ni̇lgün Öztürk Turhan, Fatma Bolkan, Candan İltemi̇r Duvan, Yasemi̇n Ardiçoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Recently, isoflavones have attracted attention for their potential roles in the prevention and treatment of estrogen-related osteoporosis. However, the optimal dosage and the components responsible for the favorable effects of isoflavones on bone in humans are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of low-dose isoflavones on bone mineral density (BMD) and on biochemical markers of bone turnover in early postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Ninety participants between 42-59 years of age were randomly assigned to receive twice a day either isoflavone tablet (n:45) that provided 29.8 mg genistein, 7.8 mg daidzein, and 2.4 mg glycitein per …

What Influences Herbal Medicine Use? - Prevalence And Related Factors, Serpi̇l Aydin, Ayfer O. Bozkaya, Mümtaz M. Mazicioğlu, Ayfer Gemalmaz, Ali̇s Özçakir, Ahmet Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: The use and cost of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) has been gaining in importance worldwide. Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used methods. To understand the effectiveness, reliability, and quality of CAM and provide standardization in its analysis, its prevalence and the factors influencing its use must be identified. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of CAM use and the effective factors in our population. Materials and Methods: A stratified multistage probability sampling design was used in this cross-sectional, population-based study, which was conducted in Aydin. Participants were interviewed face to face by trained interviewers with …

Ear Lobule Flap For Reconstruction Of A Near Total Auricle Defect, Bi̇rol Ci̇velek, Ercan Demi̇rbağ, Uğur Çakmak, Tayyar Selçuk, Seli̇m Çelebi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

A number of surgical procedures can be performed for partial auricular defects occurring due to various causes. The most appropriate reconstruction method should be employed with regard to the defect dimensions and the status of local adjacent tissues. We present a case of near total excision of external ear due to recurrent basal cell carcinoma and the reconstruction of the defect with ear lobule flap.

Analysis Of The Role Of Fcrl5 And Figlers In B Cell Development, Signaling, And Malignancy, Christopher L. Haga

All ETDs from UAB

The regulation of signaling and migration is critical to B lymphocyte development, activation, and proliferation. This dissertation reports a functional role for Fc receptor-like molecule 5 (FCRL5), a B cell specific member of the Fc receptor-like family of molecules, and the discovery of a novel family of conserved transmembrane proteins with fibronectin, immunoglobulin, and leucine-rich repeat domains (FIGLER) expressed in bone marrow and B lineage cells. Until now, the signaling potential of FCRL5 was unknown. A panel of FcRIIB/FCRL5 chimeric receptors were created and expressed in a B cell line lacking endogenous FcRIIB. Coligation of the chimeric receptor with the …

Mechanism Of Interferon-Beta-Mediated Inhibition Of Il-8 Gene Expression, Travis Laver

All ETDs from UAB

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent chemoattractant of numerous cells, particularly neutrophils, in the innate immune response. In addition to immune functions, IL-8 is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including cancer. Interferon-β (IFN-β), a Type I interferon, inhibits the expression of IL-8, but the details of this effect are not known. In this study we investigate transcriptional control of the IL- 8 gene and the mechanism by which IFN-β exerts inhibitory effects on IL-8. Herein we show that stimulation of U87-MG glioma cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) results in a rapid recruitment of NF-κB …

Growth Hormone Signaling And Action In Osteoblasts, Douglas J. Digirolamo

All ETDs from UAB

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) exert profound growth promoting actions during pre- and post-natal skeletal development. GH and IGF- 1 appear to cause these anabolic actions by influencing a variety of effects on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and survival. However, because GH stimulates the production of IGF-1 from the liver and other GH-responsive peripheral tissues, including bone, the individual contributions of these two molecules to anabolic responses in bone remains poorly defined. In this dissertation research, I sought to distinguish the direct and indirect (IGF-1 dependent) GH actions on osteoblasts. In the first section of this thesis, I …

Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On The Asthmatic Lung, Matthew M. Hewitt

All ETDs from UAB

Asthma is identified by the clinical symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea and cough, and by the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled stimuli. We have reported previously that repeated bouts of moderate intensity aerobic exercise attenuate airway inflammatory responses in a mouse model of atopic asthma. Because the effects of exercise on physiological responses are dependent upon several variables, including total exercise duration, the hypothesis of the current work was that differing amounts of moderate intensity aerobic exercise exert dissimilar effects on AHR and airway inflammation. The aims to test this hypothesis included: 1) determine the effect of …

Molecular Regulation Of Pax5-Mediated Biological Functions, Ti He

All ETDs from UAB

B lineage cells are major players in the adaptive immune system. Pax5 is essential for B lineage cell development and function. Pax5 controls B lineage cell developmental progression by regulating expression of many B lineage specific genes and the B lineage specific VH to DJH recombination; and the meantime, Pax5 also represses the transcription of lineage- and developmental stage- inappropriate genes to restrict the B lineage developmental pathway. It is not clear how Pax5-mediated function can be regulated to fulfill its role in different biological reactions. In this dissertation, we focused on the study of the molecular regulation of Pax5-mediated …

Biogenesis, Trafficing, And Function Of Wild-Type And Mutant Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (Cftr), Asta Jurkuvenaite

All ETDs from UAB

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease resulting from mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel that functions at the apical surface of epithelial cells and plays a critical role in mucociliary clearance. The most common mutation in the CFTR gene involves a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 in the protein (ΔF508 CFTR). ΔF508 CFTR is recognized as misfolded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is degraded. In vitro manipulations such as culturing cells at 27°C can “rescue” ΔF508 CFTR to the plasma membrane (rΔF508 CFTR), but no pharmacological agent has produced comparable …

The Role Of Ddx3 In Regulating Apoptosis, P53 And Snail, Mianen Sun

All ETDs from UAB

Cancer is a common disease that causes high rates of lethality. Resistance to cancer therapy is one major obstacle for producing an effective cancer treatment. Clarifying mechanisms of cancer development, such as resistance to apoptosis and metastasis, can provide important information for developing effective cancer treatment strategies. In the present study, DDX3 was demonstrated to have effects on both responses to cancer treatment and cancer development. DDX3 together with glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was found to impede death receptor-induced apoptosis, which is important because death receptors are activated by some cancer treatments. Additionally, DDX3 was shown to regulate two proteins …