Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Studies On Regulation Of Dihydrotestosterone Binding To And Releasing From The Androgen Receptor, Tahyra M. Resto Santos

Theses and Dissertations

The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor that responds to testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by modulating gene expression in a variety of cells, including prostate and muscle tissues. Studies of small molecule interaction with AR have shown diphenyl compounds inhibiting through a binding site labeled Binding Function 3 (BF3). The goal of this research is to analyze the interaction of the BF3 site with DDT and related compounds. Amino acids that are exposed on the surface of the BF3 that might interact with different compounds were mutated. Mutant proteins were tested experimentally for their impact on the inhibition the …

Molten-Salt Synthesized Pyrochlore Nanoparticles For Multifunctional Applications, Jose P. Zuniga

Theses and Dissertations

There is a need in the scientific world to design and develop high quality nanomaterials with multifunctional applications. In this work, we explore the molten-salt method (MSS) as a new green method for the synthesis of complex metal oxides. We adjusted all synthesis parameters such as time, temperature and pH to generate an optimum La2Hf2O7 nanoparticle with a well define shape and surface. Activator ions such as Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Bi3+ and uranium ion (U4+, U6+) were used to monitor its structural and optical behavior effect when doped.

Our results showed effective quantum yield, thermal, pressure stability, near to white …

The Development Of Screening Platforms To Identify Novel Anti-Infectives That Inhibit Protein Synthesis In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Casey Anne Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, is a leading cause of nosocomial infections and is becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) catalyze the covalent attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs and serve as validated targets for the development of new anti-infectives. In P. aeruginosa, the genome contains two genes (tyrS and tyrZ) which encode two distinct TyrRS enzymes. The genes encoding both P. aeruginosa TyrRS-Z and TyrRS-S were cloned, overexpressed in E. coli cells, and purified to homogeneity. Both forms of TyrRS were active in aminoacylation and were developed into screening platforms using scintillation proximity …