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Articles 361 - 390 of 740

Full-Text Articles in Chemistry

Synthesizing A Solution Phase Combinatorial Library To Discover Potent Mdr Reversal Agents, John T. Prince, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus Aug 2013

Synthesizing A Solution Phase Combinatorial Library To Discover Potent Mdr Reversal Agents, John T. Prince, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The failure of chemotherapy in treating cancer is largely due to a phenomenon known as Multidrug Resistance (MDR). In MDR, cancer cells that have been exposed to a particular chemotherapeutic drug build up resistance not only to the drug originally administered, but to a host of other chemodrugs that may or may not be structurally related.1 P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a large, membrane bound transporter, is primarily responsible for MDR. Pgp acts as a pump to efflux cytotoxic drugs, keeping internal concentrations at less than cytotoxic levels. Although other factors contribute to MDR, it is generally thought that the most promising approach …

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Investigation Of The Pyrularia Thionin-Egf Mitotoxin On Cell Signal Transduction, Andrew B. Adams, Dr. Steven G. Wood Aug 2013

Investigation Of The Pyrularia Thionin-Egf Mitotoxin On Cell Signal Transduction, Andrew B. Adams, Dr. Steven G. Wood

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recently more emphasis has been placed on developing anti-cancer agents with greater specificity and fewer side effects. Immunotoxins and their relatives, mitotoxins, have arisen as possible answers. Mitotoxins are composed of mitogens coupled to plant or bacterial toxins. The mitotoxin under investigation is the EGF-Pyrularia Thionin combination.

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Distribution And Regulation Of Na,K-Atpase In Ocular Lens, Adam L. Lunceford, Dr. Steven W. Graves Aug 2013

Distribution And Regulation Of Na,K-Atpase In Ocular Lens, Adam L. Lunceford, Dr. Steven W. Graves

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Na,K-ATPase is a membrane-bound enzyme found in all cells. This enzyme is composed of an a subunit, which is responsible for the enzyme’s catalytic activity, and a b subunit, which assists in the binding of ions. The three main isoforms of the a subunit are designated a1, a2, and a3. The Na,K-ATPase is responsible for maintaining the proper balance of sodium and potassium ions in the intracellular and extracellular fluids Inhibition or decreased activity of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme has been implicated in the development of cataracts. Without the proper ionic balance, lens cells may be damaged and experience protein …

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Rapid Capillary Electrophoresis Assay For The Isoenzyme, Tk1, As An Indicator For Breast Cancer, Mari Evans, Dr. Milton L. Lee Aug 2013

Rapid Capillary Electrophoresis Assay For The Isoenzyme, Tk1, As An Indicator For Breast Cancer, Mari Evans, Dr. Milton L. Lee

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The isoenzyme thymidine kinase (TK1), found in human serum, has been shown to be a cancer tumor marker. It has demonstrated both diagnostic and prognostic value in the treatment of breast cancer.1 Currently TK1 levels are measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Radioimmunoassay is not specific for TK1, is relatively expensive, uses radioactive materials and is labor intensive. Immunoassays of TK1 have been developed which are selective and sensitive but they are still labor intensive. A new assay is needed to make the information TK1 can provide accessible to physicians who treat and diagnose cancer. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) …

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Can Achiral Hosts Perform Chiral Induction?, Eric S. Handberg, Dr. David V. Dearden Aug 2013

Can Achiral Hosts Perform Chiral Induction?, Eric S. Handberg, Dr. David V. Dearden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Host exchange experiments (see Figure 1) compare the fit of left-handed molecules (L-) and right-handed molecules (D-) in a host. Molecules that possess this “handedness” property are said to be chiral. In chiral crown ether host exchange experiments, chiral crown ethers distinguish the fit of D-phenylalanine (Phe), D-tyrosine (Tyr), D-tryptophan (Trp), D-histadine (His), and D-aspartic acid (Asp) apart from L-Phe, L-Tyr, L-Trp , L-His, and L-Asp by forming chemically distinct complexes between the chiral host and the left- and right-handed amino acids1-3. Because the L- and D-handed molecules have different physical properties, the rate constants for exchange reactions differ. The …

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Cytotoxic Activity Of Euphorbia Polycarpa, Larry C. Ford, Dr.Noel L. Owen, Dr. Steven G. Wood Aug 2013

Cytotoxic Activity Of Euphorbia Polycarpa, Larry C. Ford, Dr.Noel L. Owen, Dr. Steven G. Wood

Journal of Undergraduate Research

With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, research is turning more and more to natural sources for medicinal products (the original source, ironically, for most known antimicrobials). Under the aegis of the Natural Product Center here on campus, I had contact with the daughter of a shaman from the Yaqui Indian Tribe. The Yaqui people use Euphorbia polycarpa, commonly known as sandspurge, to treat snakebites, scorpion stings, and yeast infections. The latter ethnobotanical usage being the most testable, I chose to pursue the bioactive compounds in sandspurge.

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Induction Of A Novel Form Of Cyclooxygenase By Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nathan K. Evanson, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons Aug 2013

Induction Of A Novel Form Of Cyclooxygenase By Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nathan K. Evanson, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For many years, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs have been attributed to the ability of these drugs to inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes1. COX enzymes catalyze the rate-limiting step in the conversion of arachidonic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid) to potent signaling molecules called prostaglandins, which in turn mediate the inflammatory process. However, NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, have been reported to induce COX activity in certain cell lines2. These studies were done to determine whether a similar induction of COX in …

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Regulation Of G-Protein Signaling By Phosducin-Like Protein, Steven M. Bray, Steven M. Bray Aug 2013

Regulation Of G-Protein Signaling By Phosducin-Like Protein, Steven M. Bray, Steven M. Bray

Journal of Undergraduate Research

G-protein signaling is one of the major pathways which cells utilize to transmit messages. The signaling pathway consists of a receptor coupled to a G-protein, which activates secondary messengers. Signaling molecules, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, bind receptors on the cell surface, which in-turn activates G-proteins by dissociating them into a and bg subunits. These subunits bind to other molecules, secondary messengers, which further propagate the signal.

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Cyclooxygenase 1 And 2: Development Of Canine Invitro And Whole Blood Assays For Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nicole L. Hatch, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons Aug 2013

Cyclooxygenase 1 And 2: Development Of Canine Invitro And Whole Blood Assays For Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nicole L. Hatch, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the basis for a multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical market. Their target, Cyclooxygenase (COX), might from an economic standpoint be considered the most important enzyme known to man.1 COX is the key enzyme in the transformation of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, is the target of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prostaglandins are very important signaling molecules that are involved in many body functions. From physiological and pathological standpoints the most interesting functions are in arthritis, inflammatory pain, ovulation, and cancer. Two isoforms of COX are known to exist in mammals: COX-1 and COX-2. Although very similar in structure, …

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Phosphate And Ferritin Iron Deposition Kinetics, David D. Brosnahan, Dr. Gerald D. Watt Aug 2013

Phosphate And Ferritin Iron Deposition Kinetics, David D. Brosnahan, Dr. Gerald D. Watt

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I performed a ferritin iron reconstitution experiment, making 10 sequential additions of 10 ferrous ions per ferritin molecule at 10- minute intervals (see Figure 1). Monitoring the reaction at 375 nm, I observed a fast initial absorbance change representing iron oxidation. After the initial oxidation, I observed a gradual increase in absorbance that was complete in 10 minutes. I fit the plot of the change in absorbance versus time for each addition of iron to a double exponential equation (dA/dt = -A1ekt + -A2e-kt + c). The double exponential consisted of two negative terms. k1 has a relatively large value …

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Calorimitry Data Tracking The Encapsulation Of Small Organic Water Contaminants By Cavitand [Co412]-8, Julie K. Cope, Dr. Roger G. Harrison Aug 2013

Calorimitry Data Tracking The Encapsulation Of Small Organic Water Contaminants By Cavitand [Co412]-8, Julie K. Cope, Dr. Roger G. Harrison

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cavitand [Co412]-8 is a cage-like molecule having an inner cavity with a volume of approximately 1375 Å that traps small organic molecules. The “1” in the chemical formula represents resorc[4]arene, a bowl-shaped molecule1. Two resorc[4]arenes are connected with four cobalt molecules to form the cavitand [Co412]-8. Experiments were conducted in which resorc[4]arene was mixed with a small organic guest, then cobalt was added to connect the cage and trap the organic guests. These experiments were conducted in a calorimeter and the heat of the reaction was measured. From this data one is able to calculate the heat released during encapsulation …

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The Role Of Fcγ Receptor In Activation Of Nf-Κb In Follicular Dentritic Cells, Jonathan Scoville, Dr. Gregory F. Burton Aug 2013

The Role Of Fcγ Receptor In Activation Of Nf-Κb In Follicular Dentritic Cells, Jonathan Scoville, Dr. Gregory F. Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to determine the reason why the transcription factor NF-κB is not activated when immune complexes (especially those containing HIV) bind to its Fcγ-Receptor, but is activated in FDC’s when the same immune complex (IC) binds to its Fcγ-Receptor. We believed that certain molecules in B-cells bind to Fcγ-Receptor that are not present in the FDC to block activation of transcription. Our purpose was to successfully isolate these molecules in B cells, and then use them to perform the same function in CD 4 bearing T cells, HIV’s main target during infection. Our goal was …

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Usage Of Csa-13 In The Antibiotic Lock Technique For Hemodialysis Catheters, Jonathan O. Wright, Dr. Paul Savage Aug 2013

Usage Of Csa-13 In The Antibiotic Lock Technique For Hemodialysis Catheters, Jonathan O. Wright, Dr. Paul Savage

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The projects that I have worked on this past year have been focused on a novel group of antibiotics developed Dr. Savage’s lab. The antibiotics, called ceragenins or cationic steroid antibiotics (CSA’s), are molecules synthesized from cholic acid and mimic the structure and functionality of antimicrobial peptides found in nature. Although the CSA’s are much smaller than the peptides, they have similar structural aspects, a hydrophobic side as well as a cationic side, and are believed to have a similar mechanism of action. They, like the antimicrobial peptides, have been found to be effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, …

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Hiv Tropism And The Germinal Center, Andrew Jay Thorne, Dr. Greg Burton Aug 2013

Hiv Tropism And The Germinal Center, Andrew Jay Thorne, Dr. Greg Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and resultant development of autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) killed 1.8 million people and infected 2.2 million more just in 2009. Not only are those whose personal lifestyle choices put them at risk for HIV infection affected. As of 2009, there are 16.6 million orphaned children living whose parent(s) died from AIDS. These numbers are difficult to ignore, and show the need for further improvement of treatment and prevention.

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Organic Synthesis Of Sulfonated Glycosphingolipids To Study Natural Killer T Cell Stimulation, Dylan Pratt, Brian Anderson, Dr. Paul B. Savage Aug 2013

Organic Synthesis Of Sulfonated Glycosphingolipids To Study Natural Killer T Cell Stimulation, Dylan Pratt, Brian Anderson, Dr. Paul B. Savage

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The body’s innate immune system is continuously checking our body for molecular structures of antigens on potential pathogens. The CD1d antigen-presenting cell presents glycolipid antigens to Natural Killer T (NKT) cells. NKT cells start a signaling pathway that produces an inflammatory response. 3’’-O-sulfo-Beta-galactosylceramide has been shown to produce a stimulatory response with NKT cells [1]. This project involves the organic synthesis of structural variations of 3’’-O-sulfo-Beta-galactosylceramide. All of these molecules will be tested on their ability to stimulate NKT cells.

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The Role Of Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels In Drosophila Development, Brandon Gassaway, Dr. Emily Bates Aug 2013

The Role Of Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels In Drosophila Development, Brandon Gassaway, Dr. Emily Bates

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Anderson-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is characterized by morphological defects including clinodactyly (abnormal curvature of digits), syndactyly (fused digits), micrognathia (small jaw), cleft palate, and hypertelorism (wide-set eyes) as well as periodic paralysis and heart arrhythmia. Mutations in inwardly rectifying potassium (Irk) channels are found in patients with ATS. Expression of mutant Irk channels causes similar physiological and morphological defects in mice.

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Covalent Solutions To Biofilm Formation: Incorporation Of Antimicrobial Ceragenins Into Polymer-Brush Coatings, Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Paul Savage Aug 2013

Covalent Solutions To Biofilm Formation: Incorporation Of Antimicrobial Ceragenins Into Polymer-Brush Coatings, Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Paul Savage

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The accumulation of biofilm on urinary catheters and endotracheal tubes is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infection1. A variety of techniques have been developed to help mitigate this problem. One of these techniques is to coat devices with a biofilm-resistant polymer brush coating. Although these coatings may prevent adhesion by bacteria, they do not actively kill invading bacteria.

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Synthesis Of 2-Dos Mimic From Diacetone-D-Glucose, Susie Choi, Dr. Young Wan Ham Aug 2013

Synthesis Of 2-Dos Mimic From Diacetone-D-Glucose, Susie Choi, Dr. Young Wan Ham

Journal of Undergraduate Research

2-deoxystreptamine (2-DOS) mimic was to be synthesized in several steps from commercially available diacetone-D-glucose in an effort to prepare novel amino acid residues for antiviral therapeutic development. The method presented in this paper was given up due to unexpected problems occurring at three of the 10 steps. A new method, which uses xylitol as the starting material and takes fewer steps, is to be used.

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Using Dip-Pen Nanolithography To Orient Dna Origami, Michael Lydiksen, Dr. Adam Woolley Aug 2013

Using Dip-Pen Nanolithography To Orient Dna Origami, Michael Lydiksen, Dr. Adam Woolley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Imagine having the ability to control the placement of atoms with reasonable speed and accuracy. Having this capacity naturally brings with it incredible technological advancements in areas such as integrated circuits and biochemistry. An exciting process known as dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) that I have been actively perfecting over the past year gives researchers the ability to control the placement of individual atoms at a desired location on a substrate. I have presented some of my results last spring in BYU’s annual College of Physical and Mathematical Science Spring Research Conference.

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Structure Of Octahedral Polyomavirus, Robert Swenson, Dr. David Belnap Aug 2013

Structure Of Octahedral Polyomavirus, Robert Swenson, Dr. David Belnap

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Polyomaviruses (PVs) are viruses that can cause tumors in mammals and fatal diseases in birds. Knowles et al. (2) estimated that over 90% of the human population is infected with a polyomavirus, but these infections are usually dormant, and only show symptoms in patients with compromised immune systems. PVs normally form a capsid with icosahedral symmetry whose structure is known (Figure 1). In this structure, the major capsid protein (VP1) forms a stable pentamer with the C-terminal arms of the proteins extending outwards. VP1 pentamers (filled pentagons, Figure 1) interact with five other pentamers on some vertices, and with six …

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Studies Toward The Synthesis Of Lyconadin A And Cranomycin, Brad M. Loertscher Jul 2013

Studies Toward The Synthesis Of Lyconadin A And Cranomycin, Brad M. Loertscher

Theses and Dissertations

Lyconadin A is a pentacyclic Lycopodium alkaloid isolated from the club moss Lycopodium companatum with anticancer activity. Our approach sought to incorporate a 7-exo–6-exo acyl radical cyclization cascade to access the bicyclo[5.4.0]undecane framework of lyconadin A. Our studies created methodology for the synthesis of 5-alkyl and 3,5-dialkyl-6-carbomethoxy-2-pyridones and sterically demanding epoxide substrates. These epoxide substrates underwent an unanticipated Payne rearrangement.Cranomycin is a potent antibiotic with antiprotozoal activity. Structurally it is a cyclopentane ring system with substitution at each carbon in the ring. Another interesting structural aspect is the existence of three contiguous quaternary stereocenters including two tertiary alcohols and a …

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Developmental Signaling Requires Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channels In Drosophila Melanogaster, Giri Raj Dahal Jul 2013

Developmental Signaling Requires Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channels In Drosophila Melanogaster, Giri Raj Dahal

Theses and Dissertations

Inwardly rectifying potassium (IRK/Kir) channels regulate intracellular K+ concentrations and membrane potential. Disruption of Kir2.1 causes dominantly inherited Andersen Tawil Syndrome (ATS). ATS patients suffer from cardiac arrhythmias, periodic paralysis, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms are consistent with current understanding of the role of ion channels in muscle cells and neurons. However, ATS symptoms also include craniofacial and digital deformities such as cleft palate, dental defects, wide set eyes, low set ears, and crooked or fused digits. These developmental defects were not consistent with current understanding of developmental signaling or previously described roles for ion channels. We found that phenotypes …

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The Role Of Smpb In Licensing Tmrna Entry Into Stalled Ribosomes, Mickey R. Miller Jul 2013

The Role Of Smpb In Licensing Tmrna Entry Into Stalled Ribosomes, Mickey R. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Ribosomes translate the genetic information contained in mRNAs into protein by linking together amino acids with the help of aminoacyl-tRNAs. In bacteria, protein synthesis stalls when the ribosome reaches the 3'-end of truncated mRNA transcripts lacking a stop codon. Trans-translation is a conserved bacterial quality control process that rescues stalled ribosomes. Transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA) and its protein partner SmpB mimic a tRNA by entering the A site of the ribosome and accepting the growing peptide chain. The ribosome releases the truncated mRNA and resumes translation on the tmRNA template. The open reading frame found on tmRNA encodes a peptide tag …

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Investigation Of Water-Molecule Complexes And Their Catalytic Effect On Important Atmospheric Reactions, Taylor Scott Cline Jun 2013

Investigation Of Water-Molecule Complexes And Their Catalytic Effect On Important Atmospheric Reactions, Taylor Scott Cline

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a collection of works that investigates issues related to environmental chemistry. The first portion of this research explores the role of water vapor on the kinetics of important atmospheric reactions. Work is presented on the self-reaction of β-hydroxyethyl peroxy radical (β-HEP) and the catalytic increase in reaction rate by water vapor. β-HEP serves as a model system for investigating the possible role of water vapor in perturbing the kinetics and product branching ratio of atmospheric reactions of other alkyl peroxy radicals. The self-reaction rate coefficient of β-HEP was investigated between 276-296 K with 1.0 × 10^15 to …

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Englerin-A, Curtis Allred, Dr. Merritt Andrus Jun 2013

Englerin-A, Curtis Allred, Dr. Merritt Andrus

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My project has been to synthesize smaller, simpler analogs of a molecule that is effective against renal cancer, called englerin-A.

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Modeling Of An Ion Exchange Reaction Involving Decamethylcucurbit[5]Uril In The Gas Phase, Jacob Hedelius, Dr. David Dearden Jun 2013

Modeling Of An Ion Exchange Reaction Involving Decamethylcucurbit[5]Uril In The Gas Phase, Jacob Hedelius, Dr. David Dearden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Mathematical modeling is both common and increasingly expected in scientific research, to both predict and to explain results. Models are used in many disciplines, from describing cellular process in biology, weather patterns in planetary science, to galaxies in physics. As part of my studies with the Office of Research and Creative Activities (ORCA), I created a simple model for reactions of the molecule decamethylcucurbit[5]uril (mc5) in the gas phase.

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How Tmrna/Smpb Rescue Complex Binds To Stalled Ribosomes, Matthew Mcdowell, Dr. Allen Buskirk Jun 2013

How Tmrna/Smpb Rescue Complex Binds To Stalled Ribosomes, Matthew Mcdowell, Dr. Allen Buskirk

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ribosomes are large complexes made up of ribosomal RNA and proteins and are the site of protein synthesis. However, ribosomes occasionally run into problems during this process and will stall during translation. Fortunately, two molecules known as tmRNA and SmpB are made by cells in order to free stalled ribosomes. We sytematically mutated G517, C518, C519 and A520 in the ribosome to see if binding fidelity decreases, and to see if these bases affect the activity of tmRNA/SmpB in ribosomes during ribosome rescue. This assay however, gave us no informative results because we were only looking at endpoints of its …

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The Tat Two Hybrid System, Joshua Browning, Dr. Allen Buskirk Jun 2013

The Tat Two Hybrid System, Joshua Browning, Dr. Allen Buskirk

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The TAT two hybrid system for discovering novel stalling peptides met with some immediate challenges that ultimately resulted in the abandonment of this project. The feasibility for using this method to discover new peptide sequences that would cause the stalling of translation within an elongating ribosome became unlikely.

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Transmission Electron Microscope Imaging Of Lipid-Body Cox Localization, Andrew Broadbent, Dr. Daniel Simmons Jun 2013

Transmission Electron Microscope Imaging Of Lipid-Body Cox Localization, Andrew Broadbent, Dr. Daniel Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The laboratory of Dr. Daniel L. Simmons, my mentor, studies the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. Dr. Simmons is one of the world’s foremost authorities on COX, he having discovered one of its two known types, COX-2. The COX enzyme, which exists in many organisms, including humans, is responsible for producing molecules that trigger inflammation. For this reason, understanding COX is important: for example, aspirin works by deactivating the enzyme, and COX could play a role in the inflammation linked to diseases like type-II diabetes and cancer. Thus, greater knowledge of its workings could aid those suffering from a variety of diseases.

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Laser-Induced Fluorescence Of No2, Joseph Mosley, Dr. Jaron Hansen Jun 2013

Laser-Induced Fluorescence Of No2, Joseph Mosley, Dr. Jaron Hansen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The effects of water vapor on the kinetics and product branching ratio of the reaction of organic peroxy radicals (RO2) with nitrous oxide are under investigation. Hyrdrocarbon combustion produces organic peroxy radicals which then react with NO to form NO2 or organic nitrates (RONO2). This reaction which branches is shown below:

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