Mutational And Biochemical Analysis Of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methyltransferase,
2016
Purdue University
Mutational And Biochemical Analysis Of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methyltransferase, Sahej Bains, Amy L. Funk, Christine A. Hrycyna
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Ninety percent of pancreatic cancers are attributed to mutations in the Ras protein, making it paramount to concentrate on Ras activity. This study focuses on Ras activity by targeting a post-translational modifying enzyme of Ras called Isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (Icmt). Elucidation of the binding site of Icmt will allow the development of therapeutics that effectively inhibit Icmt causing the mislocalization of Ras, and in turn, aid in the treatment of Ras driven cancers. Currently, the hydrophobic substrate binding site of Icmt is unknown. In order to characterize the substrate binding site of Icmt, site-directed mutagenesis was used to design mutations …
Biochemical And Structural Characterization Of Cdc14 Phosphatases From Pathogenic Fungi,
2016
Purdue University- West Lafayette
Biochemical And Structural Characterization Of Cdc14 Phosphatases From Pathogenic Fungi, John Whitney, Kyle Wettschurack, Mark Hall, Jeremy Lohman, Aaron Benjamin, Lee M. Stunkard
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk) drive cell cycle progression and reversal of Cdk phosphorylation is essential for mitotic exit. Cdc14 is a widely conserved family of protein phosphatases that reverse Cdk phosphorylation. Recently, Cdc14 was also found to be essential for pathogenicity of some fungal plant pathogens. Fungal pathogens, like Ustilago maydis, decrease agricultural crop yield costing global agriculture by some accounts $60 billion per year. Since Cdc14 is absent in plants, a fungi specific Cdc14 inhibitor could be made to reduce the pathogenicity of U. maydis and other fungal plant pathogens to increase crop yields. To guide inhibitor development, a …
Role Of Sumoylation In Mitochondrial Division In Tetrahymena Thermophila,
2016
Purdue University
Role Of Sumoylation In Mitochondrial Division In Tetrahymena Thermophila, Ramya Modi, James Forney
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
SUMOylation is a post translation modification that involves the addition of a small protein called SUMO, Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier to a target protein. It is an important mechanism for the regulation of gene expression, the maintenance of genomic stability and in modifying nuclear proteins. More recently evidence has emerged for its importance in regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion in mammalian cells. This study evaluates the parameters for optimal staining of Tetrahymena thermophila mitochondria using two different dyes and then examines different cell lines with defects in the SUMOylation pathway. The first staining method uses Mitotracker Green, a vital stain that …
Expression And Site-Directed Mutagenesis Of Type Iii Polyketide Synthases,
2016
Purdue University
Expression And Site-Directed Mutagenesis Of Type Iii Polyketide Synthases, Logan R. Richards, Odessa Goudy, Lee M. Stunkard, Aaron B. Benjamin, Bethany P. Manning, Jeremy Lohman
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Natural products are a well-established source of drugs, and evolution has yielded polyketides such as leinamycin and iso-migrastatin that have demonstrated anti-tumor activity. Polyketides are large metabolites with a high degree of chemical variability and are commonly produced by soil bacteria. Polyketide synthases (PKS) exist as three different archetypes, and the reaction mechanisms of ketosynthases from all archetypes is not understood. Type III PKSs exist as an independently functioning ketosynthase (KS), which primarily use coenzyme A (CoA), with some exceptions, for the biosynthesis of polyketides. We elected to focus our studies on ketosynthases, because they are responsible for forming the …
Runoff Volume Reduction From Subbasins In Plaster Creek Watershed, Kent County, Mi,
2016
Calvin University
Runoff Volume Reduction From Subbasins In Plaster Creek Watershed, Kent County, Mi, Julie Wildschut, Dena De Kryger
Student Papers and Reports
No abstract provided.
The Green Team And The Restoration Of Plaster Creek,
2016
Calvin University
The Green Team And The Restoration Of Plaster Creek, Leira Lew, Micah Warners, Gail Heffner, David P. Warners
Student Papers and Reports
No abstract provided.
Sweetening Of Glutamine Metabolism In Cancer Cells By Rho Gtpases Through Convergence Of Multiple Oncogenic Signaling Pathways,
2016
New York Medical College
Sweetening Of Glutamine Metabolism In Cancer Cells By Rho Gtpases Through Convergence Of Multiple Oncogenic Signaling Pathways, Thambi Dorai, John T. Pinto, Arthur J. L. Cooper
NYMC Faculty Publications
Protein Crystallization Tray Protocol Development,
2016
STAR
Protein Crystallization Tray Protocol Development, Brooke Connell
STAR Program Research Presentations
In the field of protein crystallography the transfer of the protein crystals from the crystallization plate/tray, where the crystals are initially grown, to the site of analysis is a difficult and lengthy process. A new crystallization tray has been designed and 3D printed to eliminate this intermediate step which is called crystal fishing. The crystallization tray allows crystals to be grown directly on grids that are attached to the pins that are used for analysis of the crystal. The efficacy of protein crystallization using the aforementioned tray was tested in order for a protocol to be developed for potential users …
Comparative Analysis Of In Situ Fibronectin Using Tof-Sims, Spi-Ms, And Dropdesi-Ms In A Microfluidic Reactor,
2016
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Comparative Analysis Of In Situ Fibronectin Using Tof-Sims, Spi-Ms, And Dropdesi-Ms In A Microfluidic Reactor, Shannon Fasing, Xiao-Ying Yu, Juan Yao, Jiachao Yu
STAR Program Research Presentations
Fibronectin is an important biomolecule due to its role in cell differentiation, growth, kinesis, and adhesion. Such biological responses are mediated through membrane recognition and signaling; where fibronectin is found. Studying the outer molecular surface of fibronectin allows deeper insight into the microbiological reactions that occur during these processes. In situ mass spectrometry analysis in aqueous solution accurately represents fibronectin’s chemical components, made possible by a vacuum compatible microfluidic reactor, SALVI (System for Analysis at the Liquid Vacuum Interface). SALVI was paired with the analytical tools: time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS), single photon ionization mass spectrometer (SPI-MS) and drop …
Investigation Of An Energetic Coupling Between Ligand Binding And Protein Folding,
2016
Purdue University
Investigation Of An Energetic Coupling Between Ligand Binding And Protein Folding, Nathan W. Gardner
Open Access Dissertations
The cellular environment presents a protein with many small molecules with which it may interact. Many novel interactions between proteins and non-substrate metabolites are being uncovered through proteome-wide screens. The homodimeric Escherichia coli cofactor-dependant phosphoglycerate mutase (dPGM) was identified as an ATP binding protein in a proteome-wide screen, but dPGM does not use ATP for catalysis. This dissertation elucidates the effect of ATP and other non-substrate metabolites on dPGM. Initial investigations revealed a partially unfolded, monomeric intermediate of dPGM that forms during equilibrium unfolding. ATP binding was found to occur at the active site of dPGM and to be energetically …
Intestinal Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets, Associated Proteins, And The Regulation Of Dietary Fat Absorption,
2016
Purdue University
Intestinal Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets, Associated Proteins, And The Regulation Of Dietary Fat Absorption, Theresa M. D'Aquila
Open Access Dissertations
Dietary fat provides essential nutrients, contributes to energy balance, and regulates blood lipid concentrations. These functions are important to health, but can also become dysregulated and contribute to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The small intestine absorbs dietary fat through an efficient multi step process of digestion, uptake, metabolism, and secretion or storage. When dietary fat is taken up by the absorptive cells of the small intestine, enterocytes, it can be secreted into circulation where it contributes to blood lipid levels or temporarily stored in cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs). The objective of this dissertation is to investigate …
Curb-Cut Rain Garden Research,
2016
Calvin University
Curb-Cut Rain Garden Research, Patrick Jonker, David P. Warners
Student Papers and Reports
No abstract provided.
Parameterization Of Single-Scattering Albedo (Ssa) And Absorption Ångström Exponent (Aae) With Ec/Oc For Aerosol Emissions From Biomass Burning,
2016
University of Wyoming
Parameterization Of Single-Scattering Albedo (Ssa) And Absorption Ångström Exponent (Aae) With Ec/Oc For Aerosol Emissions From Biomass Burning, Rudra P. Pokhrel, Nick L. Wagner, Justin M. Langridge, Daniel A. Lack, Thilina Jayarathne, Elizabeth A. Stone, Chelsea E. Stockwell, Robert J. Yokelson, Shane M. Murphy
Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications
Single-scattering albedo (SSA) and absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) are two critical parameters in determining the impact of absorbing aerosol on the Earth's radiative balance. Aerosol emitted by biomass burning represent a significant fraction of absorbing aerosol globally, but it remains difficult to accurately predict SSA and AAE for biomass burning aerosol. Black carbon (BC), brown carbon (BrC), and non-absorbing coatings all make substantial contributions to the absorption coefficient of biomass burning aerosol. SSA and AAE cannot be directly predicted based on fuel type because they depend strongly on burn conditions. It has been suggested that SSA can be effectively parameterized …
Snp-Based High Density Genetic Map And Mapping Of Btwd1 Dwarfing Gene In Barley,
2016
Huazhong Agricultural University
Snp-Based High Density Genetic Map And Mapping Of Btwd1 Dwarfing Gene In Barley, Xifeng Ren, Jibin Wang, Lipan Liu, Genlou Sun, Chengdao Li, Hong Luo, Dongfa Sun
Publications
A high-density linkage map is a valuable tool for functional genomics and breeding. A newly developed sequence-based marker technology, restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing, has been proven to be powerful for the rapid discovery and genotyping of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and for the high-density genetic map construction. The objective of this research was to construct a high-density genetic map of barley using RAD sequencing. 1894 high-quality SNP markers were developed and mapped onto all seven chromosomes together with 68 SSR markers. These 1962 markers constituted a total genetic length of 1375.8 cM and an average of …
Tackling Adverse Environment—Molecular Mechanism Of Plant Stress Response And Biotechnology Tool Development,
2016
Clemson University
Tackling Adverse Environment—Molecular Mechanism Of Plant Stress Response And Biotechnology Tool Development, Ning Yuan
All Dissertations
Abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, salt, nutrition starvation, and pathogen infection are major factors threatening our agricultural production. With the rapidly increasing population and limited arable land area, genetic engineering of crops for new products with more stable and higher yield than conventional cultivars under adverse environment provides a powerful new tool for use in developing novel GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) to feed the large population in the immediate future. To develop novel GMOs with enhanced performance under adverse conditions, we need first to understand molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress response. To better understand how signaling transduction pathway …
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Gene Electrotransfer Promotes Angiogenesis In A Porcine Model Of Cardiac Ischemia,
2016
Old Dominion University
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Gene Electrotransfer Promotes Angiogenesis In A Porcine Model Of Cardiac Ischemia, Anna A. Bulysheva, Barbara Hargrave, Nina Burcus, Cathryn G. Lundberg, Len Murray, Richard Heller
Bioelectrics Publications
This study aimed to assess safety and therapeutic potential of gene electrotransfer (GET) as a method for delivery of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) to ischemic myocardium in a porcine model. Myocardial ischemia was induced by surgically occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery in swine. GET following plasmid encoding VEGF-A injection was performed at four sites in the ischemic region. Control groups either received injections of the plasmid without electrotransfer or injections of the saline vehicle. Animals were monitored for 7 weeks and the hearts were evaluated for angiogenesis, myocardial infarct size and left ventricular contractility. …
Enhancing Silymarin Fractionation Via Molecular Modeling Using The Conductor-Like Screening Model For Real Solvents,
2016
Purdue University
Enhancing Silymarin Fractionation Via Molecular Modeling Using The Conductor-Like Screening Model For Real Solvents, Emma C. Brace
Open Access Theses
The market for bio-based products from plant sources is on the rise. There is a global challenge to implement environmentally clean practices for the production of fuels and pharmaceuticals from sustainable resources. A significant hurdle for discovery of comparable plant-derived products is the extensive volume of trial-and-error experimentation required. To alleviate the experimental burden, a quantum mechanics based molecular modeling approach known as the COnductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) was used to predict the best biphasic solvent system to purify silymarins from an aqueous mixture. Silymarins are a class of flavonolignans present in milk thistle ( Silybum marianum …
Biochemical Changes In Animal Models Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,
2016
Purdue University
Biochemical Changes In Animal Models Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Christine E. M. Keller
Open Access Dissertations
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a completely preventable disease, that has profound effects on life-long health and function of the affected individual. Prevalence estimates of FASD in the United States indicate 33.5 per 1,000 live births are affected with this disorder (Roozen, 2016). FASD is caused by maternal ethanol intake during pregnancy. However, recommendations of the amounts of alcohol safe to drink during pregnancy are not established. Further, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical pathways modified in prenatal ethanol exposure. Biomarkers are also lacking. Our results demonstrate the vast array of biochemical pathways modified in the chronic …
Applications Of The Gst- Affinity Tag In The Purification And Characterization Of Proteins,
2016
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Applications Of The Gst- Affinity Tag In The Purification And Characterization Of Proteins, Wibke Beatrice Kachel
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
With the latest innovations in biological sciences, large quantities of biologically active polypeptides as well as high throughput screening methods to quickly evaluate if these biomolecules potentially have therapeutic, diagnostic, or industrial purposes are required. The synthesis and purification of peptides and small proteins continue to be demanding as the production of high yields through chemical synthesis can involve large costs. On the other hand, there are only few examples of acquiring those biomolecules through cloning and expression in bacterial systems in form of recombinant fusion proteins. Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) is not only a very commonly used affinity tag to …
Mechanism Of Rapid Electron Transfer Reactions Involving Cytochrome Bc1, Cytochrome C And Cytochrome Oxidase,
2016
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Mechanism Of Rapid Electron Transfer Reactions Involving Cytochrome Bc1, Cytochrome C And Cytochrome Oxidase, Jeremy Erik Durchman
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Electron transfer between mitochondrial proteins complexes represents the primary means by which living things acquire the requisite energy for survival. The coupling of electron transfer to proton translocation creates an electrochemical gradient that drives the synthesis of highly energetic compounds such as ATP. The purpose of these studies is to measure rates of electron transfer and elucidate the important governing factors in the redox events involving cytochrome bc1, cytochrome c and cytochrome oxidase. Using rapid initiation of redox events triggered by laser flash excitation of ruthenium compounds, and strategically monitoring unique spectral properties of these proteins in the visible region …
