Divergent Transcriptional Regulation Of Suppressors Of Cytokine Signaling Genes In Adipocytes,
2019
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Divergent Transcriptional Regulation Of Suppressors Of Cytokine Signaling Genes In Adipocytes, Paula Mota De Sa
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
The Janus Kinase - Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway transduces several signals crucial for development and homeostasis. Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins control JAK-STAT signaling via a negative feedback loop. The transcription factor STAT5 is known to play a significant role in fat cell development and function, and several studies suggest that acetylation may affect STAT5 transcriptional activity. To test this hypothesis, we treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with growth hormone (GH) to activate STAT5 in the presence or absence of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. STAT5 acetylation levels were low in adipocytes and mostly unchanged by the …
In Vitro Evaluation Of Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenesis As A Function Of Quinone Oxidoreducatse-1 And Cell Phenotype,
2019
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
In Vitro Evaluation Of Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenesis As A Function Of Quinone Oxidoreducatse-1 And Cell Phenotype, Milcah S. Jackson
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
In vitro multicellular spheroids are attractive model systems for assessing genetic and epigenetic changes that occur in diseased tissues. Understanding how such alterations in gene and subsequent protein expression affect disease progression and metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence is of great interest in cancer research. In this regard, examining expression and activity of proteins, such as those with cytoprotective ability that are overexpressed in cancer cells, in addition to cell phenotype (i.e., stem-like, epithelial, mesenchymal, or mixed), are two ways to evaluate genetic and epigenetic changes. Moreover, determining the impact that cytoprotective proteins and cell phenotype have on tumor formation …
Consumption Of Black Raspberries Altered The Composition Of The Fecal Microbiome In Mice Fed A Western Type Diet (Or04-01-19),
2019
Utah State University
Consumption Of Black Raspberries Altered The Composition Of The Fecal Microbiome In Mice Fed A Western Type Diet (Or04-01-19), Abby D. Benninghoff, Sumira Phatak, Korry Hintze
Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications
Dietary strategies to reduce colonic inflammation and promote gut homeostasis may markedly reduce the risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Previously, we showed that dietary supplementation with black raspberries significantly suppressed colitis and colon tumorigenesis promoted by the consumption a Western type diet in mice. In this study, our goal was to assess the impact of consumption of the TWD with and without black raspberry supplementation on the composition of the fecal microbiome over the course of disease development.
Dietary Intervention With Black Raspberries To Reduce Colitis Symptoms In Mice Fed Either Standard Ain93g Diet Or The Total Western Diet (P05-021-19),
2019
Utah State University
Dietary Intervention With Black Raspberries To Reduce Colitis Symptoms In Mice Fed Either Standard Ain93g Diet Or The Total Western Diet (P05-021-19), Daphne Michelle Rodriguez Jimenez, Michaela Brubaker, Elizabeth Park, Canyon Neal, Korry Hintze, Abby D. Benninghoff
Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications
Approximately 1.4 million people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, which is a major risk factor for developing colitis associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Dietary interventions with the goal to reduce colon inflammation and encourage gut microbiome homeostasis may be a strategy to reduce the risk of CAC. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds present in black raspberries (BRB) have demonstrated protective effects in the colon epithelium and may alter the composition of the gut microbiome. Previously, we showed that dietary supplementation with black raspberries significantly suppressed colitis and colon tumorigenesis promoted by the consumption of a Western type diet in mice. The …
Application Of Single Particle Electron Microscopy To Native Lens Gap Junctions And Intrinsically Disordered Signaling Complexes,
2019
Portland State University
Application Of Single Particle Electron Microscopy To Native Lens Gap Junctions And Intrinsically Disordered Signaling Complexes, Janette Bernadette Myers
Dissertations and Theses
Gap junctions are a class of membrane proteins that facilitate cell-to-cell communication by forming channels that directly couple the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. The channels are composed of monomers called connexins. Humans express 21 connexin isoforms in a cell-type specific fashion, and each isoform has distinct mechanisms of permeation and regulation. Co-assembly of multiple isoforms into a single intercellular channel can change channel properties, such as conductance and selectivity to substrates (e.g., ions, metabolites and signaling molecules). However, the mechanistic basis for this functional diversity has remained poorly understood. This lack of mechanistic insight has been due in large part …
Maximizing And Modeling Malonyl-Coa Production In Escherichia Coli,
2019
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Maximizing And Modeling Malonyl-Coa Production In Escherichia Coli, Tatiana Thompson Silveira Mello
LSU Master's Theses
In E. coli, fatty acid synthesis is catalyzed by the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which converts acetyl-CoA into malonyl-CoA. Malonyl-CoA is a major building block for numerous of bioproducts. Multiple parameters regulate the homeostatic cellular concentration of malonyl-CoA, keeping it at a very low level. Understanding how these parameters affect the bacterial production of malonyl-CoA is fundamental to maximizing it and its bioproducts. To this end, competing pathways consuming malonyl-CoA can be eliminated, and optimal nutritional and environmental conditions can be provided to the fermentation broth. Most previous studies utilized genetic modifications, expensive consumables, and high-cost quantification methods, making …
Compositional Optimization Of Amyloid-Graphene Oxide Nanohybrids For Biomaterials,
2019
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Compositional Optimization Of Amyloid-Graphene Oxide Nanohybrids For Biomaterials, Claire L. Drewery
Materials Engineering
Amyloid nanofibrils are natural materials capable of self-assembling into precise structures with tunable functionalities, while exhibiting excellent mechanical properties. In combination with highly conductive graphene oxide (GO), the 1-D amyloid nanofibrils and 2-D nanosheets of GO can produce a robust and bio-functional nanohybrid, hypothesized to exhibit multi-domain functional properties useful for enzyme sensing, water purification, drug delivery, and tissue scaffolding applications. Here, we examine the properties of an amyloid-graphene oxide nanohybrid film made with amyloids derived from hen egg white lysozymes in an attempt to explore the diverse toolbox of amyloid derivatives and establish ideal fabrication methods and formulations of …
Modulation Of Biological Responses To 2 Ns Electrical Stimuli By Field Reversal,
2019
Old Dominion University
Modulation Of Biological Responses To 2 Ns Electrical Stimuli By Field Reversal, Esin B. Sözer, P. Thomas Vernier
Bioelectrics Publications
Nanosecond bipolar pulse cancellation, a recently discovered Phenomenon, is modulation of the effects of a unipolar electric pulse exposure by a second pulse of opposite polarity. This attenuation of biological response by reversal of the electric field direction has been reported with pulse durations from 60 ns to 900 ns for a wide range of endpoints, and it is not observed with conventional electroporation pulses of much longer duration (> 100 mu s) where pulses are additive regardless of polarity. The most plausible proposed mechanisms involve the field-driven migration of ions to and from the membrane interface (accelerated membrane discharge). …
Arachidin 3 Modulation Of Lipid Metabolism In Rotavirus Infections,
2019
Stephen F Austin State University
Arachidin 3 Modulation Of Lipid Metabolism In Rotavirus Infections, Stormey Wisdom
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Rotavirus (RV) can cause severe and deadly gastroenteritis in young children, infants, and immunocompromised individuals. Previous studies have shown that arachidin 3 (A3) inhibits RV replication, and that RV replication is dependent on the presence of lipids. This study investigated the alteration of lipid metabolism by A3 in RV infected HT29.f8 cells. A decrease in the RV regulation of lipid biosynthesis genes was observed with the addition of A3 using qRT-PCR. Also, immunofluorescent and histochemical staining for neutral fats, a major component of cellular lipid droplets, revealed an increased accumulation with both RV and RV+A3 when compared to no virus …
Electrochemically Reactive Membranes For Efficient Biomass Recovery, Pollutant Degradation And Commercialization,
2019
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Electrochemically Reactive Membranes For Efficient Biomass Recovery, Pollutant Degradation And Commercialization, Likun Hua
Dissertations
Micropollution in natural waters such as rivers and groundwater aquifers is a widespread problem that prevents these potentially potable sources from being used as drinking water. In the United States, approximately two-thirds of the over 1,200 most serious hazardous waste sites in the nation are contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), a potentially carcinogenic compound. Other emerging and environmentally persistent organic micropollutants include polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphate flame retardants, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Membrane filtration is one of the most efficient separation processes widely used for water treatment and pollutant removal. However, traditional membrane …
Nf-Κb In Biomphalaria Glabrata: A Genetic Fluke?,
2019
Lawrence University
Nf-Κb In Biomphalaria Glabrata: A Genetic Fluke?, Paige Stocker
Lawrence University Honors Projects
Biomphalaria glabrata is the intermediate host to the disease causing parasitic worm, Schistosoma mansoni. Previous work has identified homologs of NF-κB, a known immune related transcription factor, in B. glabrata and work has also been done to establish putative κB sites. It has also been observed that the p65 homologous subunit has an extended N-terminal region not present in other homologs. The goal of the present study is twofold: investigate DNA binding affinity of two NF-κB subunits, Bg-p65 and Bg-p50, and characterize the nature of the N-terminal extension of Bg-p65. In the current work, it is shown through the …
A Molecular Dynamics Investigation Of The Thermostability Of Cold-Sensitive I707l Klentaq1 Dna Polymerase And Its Wild-Type Counterpart,
2019
University of Richmond
A Molecular Dynamics Investigation Of The Thermostability Of Cold-Sensitive I707l Klentaq1 Dna Polymerase And Its Wild-Type Counterpart, Erica Modeste, Lily Mawby, Bill Miller Iii, Eugene Y. Wu, Carol A. Parish
Biology Faculty Publications
DNA polymerase I from Thermus aquaticus (Taq DNA polymerase) is useful for polymerase chain reactions because of its exceptional thermostability; however, its activity at low temperatures can cause amplification of unintended products. Mutation of isoleucine 707 to leucine (I707L) slows Taq DNA polymerase at low temperatures, which decreases unwanted amplification due to mispriming. In this work, unrestrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on I707L and wild-type (WT) Taq DNA polymerase at 341 and 298 K to determine how the mutation affects the dynamic nature of the protein. The results suggest that I707L Taq DNA polymerase remains relatively immobile …
Understanding How Map Kinases Influence Endothelial Nitric-Oxide Synthase Activity,
2019
Kennesaw State University
Understanding How Map Kinases Influence Endothelial Nitric-Oxide Synthase Activity, Xzaviar Solone
Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses
Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38 and ERK have both been reported to bind endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with submicromolar affinity via proposed interactions with a pentabasic non-canonical MAPK binding sequence in the autoinhibitory insertion of eNOS. The neuronal isoform, which lacks the pentabasic motif, did not bind either MAPK significantly. In the present study, the pentabasic motif was validated using predictive modeling programming, and eNOS phosphorylation by MAPKs (P38, ERK and JNK) was examined using in vitro kinase assays and immunoblotting. JNK phosphorylation at Ser114 contrasts with ERK, which phosphorylated Ser600, and p38, which phosphorylated …
Expanding The Toolbox With Site-Specific Methods Of Bioconjugation,
2019
Seton Hall University
Expanding The Toolbox With Site-Specific Methods Of Bioconjugation, Tiauna S. Howard
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
Bioconjugation is an important tool for studying complex biological systems, with site-specificity being the major challenge. Reactions based on amino acid derived organocatalysts have been widely used in organic synthesis, particularly for the asymmetric synthesis of small molecules but this concept has not been vastly explored on biomolecules. To combat these limitations, two chemical strategies are developed to effectively attach synthetic molecules site specifically to proteins. First, a protein modification technique based on conjugation at a non-native functional handle, an aldehyde or ketone, is developed. This functional handle is chemically introduced onto the biomolecules before undergoing the organocatalyzed aldol reaction, …
Analysis Of Septum Defects In Arabidopsis Organ Boundary Mutants,
2019
University of Mississippi
Analysis Of Septum Defects In Arabidopsis Organ Boundary Mutants, Katherine T. Anderson
Honors Theses
Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant species, has been heavily studied to determine the genetic contributions that lead to gynoecium development. The Arabidopsis fruit is created from two carpels that form a gynoecium, which contains the stigma, style, and ovary. The ovary is divided into two sub-compartments by a septum, and the ovules develop within the ovary. The fruit’s purpose is to protect, nurture, and eventually disperse the mature ovules, or seeds, and if the septum does not fuse properly, the plant’s fertility will be impacted. SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) and ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE1 (ATH1) are two genes that are known …
Molecular Signatures Of Calpain 10 Isoforms Sequences, Envisage Functional Similarity And Therapeutic Potential,
2019
Aga Khan University
Molecular Signatures Of Calpain 10 Isoforms Sequences, Envisage Functional Similarity And Therapeutic Potential, Bushra Chaudhry, Farina Hanif, Kausar Saboohi
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Calpain 10 plays a role in insulin secretion, action and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The mechanism through which it influences the insulin secretion and action is not completely defined. A structural bioinformatics approach is applied to envision its mechanism of action using available tools on NCBI (blastp and blastn), EMBL-EBI, Ensembl, Swiss Model Repository websites, I-TASSER, PROCHECK program and Discovery Studio software. Homology of domain I and II of calpain10 (isoform a) was established with super family cysteine proteinase domains (II a and II b, e=1.30e-77, 1.00e-20). Remaining sequences of domain III and T from (isoform a and c) …
Molecular Characterization Of The Putative Nucleotide- Binding And Hydrolyzing Activities Of The Ellis Van Creveld (Evc) Protein,
2019
Stephen F. Austin State University
Molecular Characterization Of The Putative Nucleotide- Binding And Hydrolyzing Activities Of The Ellis Van Creveld (Evc) Protein, Giang Nguyen
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Ellis–van Creveld (EvC) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by short-limb dwarfism, extra fingers or toes, malformed teeth and nails, and congenital heart defects. Mutations in two genes, EVC and EVC2, which are located on chromosome 4, have been shown to be responsible for EvC syndrome. The protein products of these genes, EVC and EVC2 physically interact and together, they are tethered to the base of the primary cilium of cells. This multi-protein assembly positively regulates the Sonic and Indian hedgehog signaling pathways by promoting downstream processes after activation of the smoothened receptor (Smo), by the …
Generation Of Full-Length Wild-Type Gata4 Protein And Characterization Of Its Binding To Unc-45 Domains,
2019
Stephen F. Austin State University
Generation Of Full-Length Wild-Type Gata4 Protein And Characterization Of Its Binding To Unc-45 Domains, Morgan Anderson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Striated muscle UNC-45 (SM UNC-45) protein acts as a chaperone for cardiac and skeletal muscle myosins; regulating their folding, assembly into thick filaments, interaction with other sarcomeric proteins, and degradation. GATA4 is an important transcription factor that regulates the expression of several cardiac muscle proteins, including myosin. A previous study demonstrated for the first time that SM UNC-45 (also known as UNC-45B) physically interacted with GATA4. The major revelation from this study is that SM UNC-45 has the potential to exert both short-term (protein level) and long-term (gene level) controls over myosin and therefore muscle structure and function. The aim …
Synthesis, Stabilization, And Modification Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles For Biological Applications,
2019
Missouri State University
Synthesis, Stabilization, And Modification Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles For Biological Applications, Allison Kimberly Freese
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
Nanoparticles have become very useful as delivery systems in biomedicine. The nanoparticles can be layered with different compounds to produce a vessel for transport of biological materials. Specifically, gold nanoparticles layered with a reducing agent, lysozyme, and polyelectrolytes can be synthesized to transport lysozyme into a cell. However, zinc oxide nanoparticles are cheaper, biocompatible nanoparticles that can be used for the same process. Here in, zinc oxide nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized, modified, and analyzed to be used as a biological material delivery system. The zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using zinc chloride and sodium hydroxide. The particles were then layered …
Role Of The Drosophila Beaf Protein In Chromatin Domain Insulator And Promoter Function,
2019
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Role Of The Drosophila Beaf Protein In Chromatin Domain Insulator And Promoter Function, Mukesh Maharjan
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Proper folding of eukaryotic genomes is required to allow correct interactions between different parts of chromosomes. Precise and timely interactions among different parts of a chromosome allow proper functioning inside a nucleus, including gene regulation, DNA replication and DNA repair. Eukaryotic regulatory elements that facilitate folding and interactions include enhancers, promoters and insulator elements. Insulator elements and their binding proteins play an important role in regulating correct chromatin structure and function. The Drosophila melanogaster special chromatin structure (scs’) is one such insulator. The Boundary Element Associated Factor (BEAF) binds to scs’. BEAF is a 32 kDa protein that has two …
