Nmr Spectroscopy Reveals The Presence And Association Of Lipids And Keratin In Adhesive Gecko Setae,
2015
University of Akron Main Campus
Nmr Spectroscopy Reveals The Presence And Association Of Lipids And Keratin In Adhesive Gecko Setae, Dharamdeep Jain, Alyssa Y. Stark, Peter H. Niewiarowski, Toshikazu Miyoshi, Ali Dhinojwala
Polymer Science Faculty Research
Lipid and protein aggregates are one of the fundamental materials of biological systems. Examples include cell membranes, insect cuticle, vertebrate epidermis, feathers, hair and adhesive structures known as ‘setae’ on gecko toes. Until recently gecko setae were assumed to be composed entirely of keratin, but analysis of footprints left behind by geckos walking on surfaces revealed that setae include various kinds of lipids. However, the arrangement and molecular-level behavior of lipids and keratin in the setae is still not known. In the present study we demonstrate, for the first time, the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques to …
Urine Proteomics Identifies Preeclampsia Subphenotypes,
2015
Otterbein University
Urine Proteomics Identifies Preeclampsia Subphenotypes, Michelle R. Axe
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects
Preeclampsia is a perinatal complication of unknown etiology, resulting in 76,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths annually1. The Nationwide Children’s Center for Perinatal Research was the first cohort to propose that preeclampsia is rooted in protein misfolding. We aimed to characterize the misfolded protein components of maternal urine samples and to determine if distinct molecular profiles exist for clinical preeclampsia phenotypes. A total of 86 maternal urine samples from Yale-New Haven Hospital were analyzed for this study, from six clinical preeclampsia subphenotypes- pregnant control (n=10), idiopathic proteinuria (n=15), mild preeclampsia (n=14), superimposed preeclampsia (n=12), typical severe preeclampsia …
The Effect Of Red Maple Leaf Toxicosis On Reduced Glutathione Levels In Equine Erythrocytes In Vitro,
2015
Otterbein University
The Effect Of Red Maple Leaf Toxicosis On Reduced Glutathione Levels In Equine Erythrocytes In Vitro, Madeline A. Rohl
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects
Red maple leaf toxicosis is an equine blood disorder resulting from the consumption of wilted red maple (Acer rubrum L.) leaves by horses. Compounds within the leaves of red maple have oxidative effects on equine erythrocytes and can cause hemolysis of erythrocytes, the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin, and the production of Heinz bodies. Reduced glutathione is important in the protection of equine erythrocytes from these oxidative events; however, in the presence of red maple toxin, glutathione is rapidly oxidized and is unavailable. The objective of this study is to determine whether the presence of vitamin C alters levels …
Investigating The Initial Detection Stage Of Meiotic Silencing By Unpaired Dna In The Model Organism Neurospora Crassa,
2015
Illinois State University
Investigating The Initial Detection Stage Of Meiotic Silencing By Unpaired Dna In The Model Organism Neurospora Crassa, Pegan A. Sauls
Theses and Dissertations
In an attempt to neutralize transposable elements or retrovirus invasions Neurospora crassa will rely on one of its many genome defense mechanism, Meiotic Silencing by Unpaired DNA (MSUD). MSUD works in a two-step process that first detects unpaired sequences between homologous chromosomes followed by downstream silenced expression of the sequence. The ultimate silencing stage of MSUD is widely accepted to operate through an RNAi-like system. However, the mechanics of the detection step of MSUD remains elusive. The research presented attempts to elaborate on how the initial stage of MSUD occurs and its specifics. First, a genetic approach is utilized to …
Methods In Extracting Dna: Using Phenol-Chloroform On Formalin Fixed Human Brain Tissue,
2015
Purdue University North Central
Methods In Extracting Dna: Using Phenol-Chloroform On Formalin Fixed Human Brain Tissue, Stefanie Rigg, Nathaniel Kennedy
Undergraduate Research Conference
Genetic markers of diseases can be studied post-mortem with the isolation of DNA from tissues. While protocols exist for DNA extraction from fresh and formalin-fixed-paraffin embedded tissue and formalin fixed hard tissues such as bone, there are no published methods for formalin fixed soft tissue such as brain. Extractions from formalin fixed soft tissues are more difficult due to the higher amount of cellular degradation that results from fixation. The development of efficient DNA extraction protocols for formalin fixed soft tissues will allow post-mortem study of genetic markers and aid in identification of genetic diseases. Existing techniques of phenol-chloroform extraction …
Reagent Pencils: A New Technique For Solvent-Free Deposition Of Reagents Onto Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices,
2015
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Reagent Pencils: A New Technique For Solvent-Free Deposition Of Reagents Onto Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices, Haydn T. Mitchell, Isabelle C. Noxon, Cory A. Chaplan, Samantha J. Carlton, Cheyenne H. Liu, Kirsten A. Ganaja, Nathaniel W. Martinez, Chad Immoos, Philip Costanzo, Andres W. Martinez
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Custom-made pencils containing reagents dispersed in a solid matrix were developed to enable rapid and solvent-free deposition of reagents onto membrane-based fluidic devices. The technique is as simple as drawing with the reagent pencils on a device. When aqueous samples are added to the device, the reagents dissolve from the pencil matrix and become available to react with analytes in the sample. Colorimetric glucose assays conducted on devices prepared using reagent pencils had comparable accuracy and precision to assays conducted on conventional devices prepared with reagents deposited from solution. Most importantly, sensitive reagents, such as enzymes, are stable in the …
An Active Site Loop Mutant Of A Zinc Metallo-Deubiquitinase Suggests The Importance Of Loop Dynamics To Catalysis,
2015
Purdue University
An Active Site Loop Mutant Of A Zinc Metallo-Deubiquitinase Suggests The Importance Of Loop Dynamics To Catalysis, Amy N. Bueno
Open Access Theses
AMSH is a conserved zinc metalloprotease that functions with endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery in order to down regulate and degrade cell-surface receptors. It has been shown to have high specificity toward Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains, a signal used for receptor down regulation by ESCRT machinery. It has previously been found that Sst2, an AMSH orthologue from fission yeast, contains a flexible "loop" near the proximal ubiquitin binding site, composed of residues L402 and F403. The different mobility of the side chains of these residues contribute to the opening and closing conformation of the catalytic cleft which allow …
Support Needs Of Young Ovarian Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study,
2015
Purdue University
Support Needs Of Young Ovarian Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study, Aurelie Chuong
Open Access Theses
Purpose. Young ovarian cancer survivor (18 years old or older but diagnosed before the age of 34 years old) support needs (i.e., physical and daily living, psychological, sexual, patient care and support, health system and information) were examined to guide the design and implementation of future young adult and adolescent cancer support groups and interventions. Method. This cross-sectional pilot study included 11 young ovarian cancer survivors. The Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34) was used and open-ended questions were added. Results. The calculated standardized scores for the SCNS-SF34 survey results showed that sexuality needs were ranked highest (41.7 …
Developmentally Regulated Sumoylation In The Ciliate Tetrahymena Thermophila,
2015
Purdue University
Developmentally Regulated Sumoylation In The Ciliate Tetrahymena Thermophila, Amjad M. Nasir
Open Access Dissertations
The Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) protein regulates numerous nuclear events such as transcription, mitosis and meiosis and DNA repair. These processes are critical to the programmed nuclear events of conjugation in ciliates and provide the potential to investigate developmentally regulated SUMOylation. We predicted a developmental increase in SUMOylation during late conjugation based on the extensive genome remodeling in the developing macronucleus (anlagen) ofTetrahymena thermophila. Immunoblotting of cell lysates from vegetative and mating cells using anti-SUMO antibodies revealed distinct developmental differences and an increased signal correlated with formation of the anlagen. Immunofluorescence of mating Tetrahymena cells with the same antibody …
“Analyze, Acquire, Apply, And Write” As A New Learning Model In Science,
2015
Illinois Math and Science Academy
“Analyze, Acquire, Apply, And Write” As A New Learning Model In Science, Jeong Choe
Faculty Publications & Research
I have developed a new teaching and learning model called AAAW, which stand for Analyze, Acquire, Apply and Write. This model grows from action research and unique experience in teaching a biochemistry course to high school students who are talented in math and science. In this model, students first "Analyze" lab data to generate questions that lead them to "Acquire" background knowledge. Students then go back to the data and "Apply" their new knowledge to better understand the data. Finally, students "Write" about the connections they make from their reading, data analysis, and application of the data. The rationale behind …
Structural Analysis Of The 14-3-3Ζ/Chibby Interaction Involved In Wnt/Β-Catenin Signaling,
2015
University of Western Ontario
Structural Analysis Of The 14-3-3Ζ/Chibby Interaction Involved In Wnt/Β-Catenin Signaling, Ryan C Killoran, Jingsong Fan, Daiwen Yang, Brian H Shilton, Wing-Yiu Choy
Biochemistry Publications
The partially disordered Chibby (Cby) is a conserved nuclear protein that antagonizes the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. By competing with the Tcf/Lef family proteins for binding to β-catenin, Cby abrogates the β-catenin-mediated transcription of Wnt signaling genes. Additionally, upon phosphorylation on S20 by the kinase Akt, Cby forms a complex with 14-3-3 to facilitate the nuclear export of β-catenin, which represents another crucial mechanism for the regulation of Wnt signaling. To obtain a mechanistic understanding of the 14-3-3/Cby interaction, we have extensively characterized the complex using X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The crystal structure …
Molecular Effects Of Cancer-Associated Somatic Mutations On The Structural And Target Recognition Properties Of Keap1.,
2015
Western University
Molecular Effects Of Cancer-Associated Somatic Mutations On The Structural And Target Recognition Properties Of Keap1., Halema Khan, Ryan C Killoran, Anne Brickenden, Jingsong Fan, Daiwen Yang, Wing-Yiu Choy
Biochemistry Publications
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) plays an important regulatory role in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent oxidative stress response pathway. It functions as a repressor of Nrf2, a key transcription factor that initiates the expression of cytoprotective enzymes during oxidative stress to protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Recent studies show that mutations of Keap1 can lead to aberrant activation of the antioxidant pathway, which is associated with different types of cancers. To gain a mechanistic understanding of the links between Keap1 mutations and cancer pathogenesis, we have investigated the molecular effects of a …
Functional Screening Of The Cronobacter Sakazakii Baa-894 Genome Reveals A Role For Prop (Esa_02131) In Carnitine Uptake,
2015
Department of Biological Sciences; Cork Institute of Technology; Cork, Ireland.
Functional Screening Of The Cronobacter Sakazakii Baa-894 Genome Reveals A Role For Prop (Esa_02131) In Carnitine Uptake, Audrey Feeney, Roy D. Sleator
Department of Biological Sciences Publications
Cronobacter sakazakii is a neonatal pathogen responsible for up to 80% of fatalities in infected infants. Low birth weight infants and neonates infected with C. sakazakii suffer necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteraemia and meningitis. The mode of transmission most often associated with infection is powdered infant formula (PIF) which, with an aw of ∼0.2, is too low to allow most microorganisms to persist. Survival of C. sakazakii in environments subject to extreme hyperosmotic stress has previously been attributed to the uptake of compatible solutes including proline and betaine. Herein, we report the construction and screening of a C. sakazakii genome bank and …
Exploring The Effect Of Climate Change On Biological Systems,
2015
Old Dominion University
Exploring The Effect Of Climate Change On Biological Systems, Nardos Sori
Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations
The present and potential future effect of global warming on the ecosystem has brought climate change to the forefront of scientific inquiry and discussion. For our investigation, we selected two organisms, one from cyanobacteria and one from a cereal plant to determine how climate change may impact these biological systems. The study involved understanding the physiological and adaptive responses at both the genetic and protein function levels to counteract environmental stresses. An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is a key factor in global climate change and can lead to alterations in ocean chemistry. Cyanobacteria are important, ancient and ubiquitous organisms …
Role Of Syk In The Regulation Of Cytoskeleton And Stress Granules In Breast Cancer,
2015
Purdue University
Role Of Syk In The Regulation Of Cytoskeleton And Stress Granules In Breast Cancer, Mariya Krisenko
Open Access Dissertations
The Syk protein-tyrosine kinase, a well-characterized modulator of immune recognition receptor signaling, also plays important, but poorly characterized, roles in tumor progression, acting as an inhibitor of cellular motility and metastasis in highly invasive cancer cells. Multiharmonic atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to map nanomechanical properties of live MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells either lacking or expressing Syk. The expression of Syk dramatically altered the cellular topography, reduced cell height, increased elasticity, increased viscosity, and allowed visualization of a more substantial microtubule network. The microtubules of Syk-expressing cells were more stable to nocodazole-induced depolymerization and were more highly acetylated than …
Structural And Biophysical Analysis Of The Proteasomal Deubiquitinase, Uch37,
2015
Purdue University
Structural And Biophysical Analysis Of The Proteasomal Deubiquitinase, Uch37, Marie Elizabeth Morrow
Open Access Dissertations
Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 37, or UCH37, is a deubiquitinating enzyme associated with the 26S proteasome, the primary protein degradation machinery in eukaryotic cells. UCH37 is responsible for the disassembly of polymeric ubiquitin chains, or polyubiquitin, which have been ligated onto proteins in order to target them for degradation. The 26S utilizes two associated deubiquitinating enzymes, UCH37 and USP14, and one intrinsic, Rpn11, to remove polyubiquitin chains from substrate proteins as they are unfolded and translocated into the proteolytic core of the proteasome, where proteins are cleaved into small peptides and then released for recycling by the cell. UCH37 associates with …
Paralogous Genes In Arabidopsis Thaliana Contribute To Diversified Phenylpropanoid Metabolism,
2015
Purdue University
Paralogous Genes In Arabidopsis Thaliana Contribute To Diversified Phenylpropanoid Metabolism, Li Yi
Open Access Dissertations
Significant evidence supports the idea that gene duplication drives the evolution of new gene function. Besides being silenced, duplicated genes can either neofunctionalize or subfunctionalize under selective pressure or neutral drift. Understanding the trajectory of how each gene is fixed and presumably provides added fitness remains difficult. Plant specialized metabolism provides an attractive platform to study the fixation of genes post duplication and how this process leads to the chemical diversity seen today. Specialized metabolites by definition are thought to be dispensable under normal growth conditions. Thus deleterious mutations occurring in paralogous genes that otherwise would be selected against in …
Biochemical Investigation Of The Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase Family,
2015
Purdue University
Biochemical Investigation Of The Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase Family, Joseph Rashon Chaney
Open Access Dissertations
The proteasome is the machinery in eukaryotic cells that degrades protein and recycles the amino acids. Protein degradation is a highly regulated process which starts by the attachment of chains of ubiquitin, which serves as a tag that marks a protein for degradation. This function involves the work of several proteins at the proteasome that work either as ubiquitin chaperones, ubiquitin binders or cleave ubiquitin from the protein that is to be degraded. As this is a highly regulated process, various irregularities can have deleterious effects including the onset of disease, including cardiovascular, cancer, and neurological. ^ The focus of …
Novel Methods For Manipulating Ion Types In The Solution And Gas Phases For The Structural Analysis Of Biomolecules Using Mass Spectrometry,
2015
Purdue University
Novel Methods For Manipulating Ion Types In The Solution And Gas Phases For The Structural Analysis Of Biomolecules Using Mass Spectrometry, Christine M Fisher
Open Access Dissertations
Mass Spectrometry has become a valuable tool for the analysis of a variety of molecules, making it applicable to many fields. The advent of nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) as a soft/low energy ionization technique has enabled the analysis of large, intact biomolecules. Most mass spectrometry experiments consist of three main steps: ionization, probe step(s), and mass analysis. The present work focuses on a variety of methods for altering ion types at various stages of the mass spectrometry experiment to affect ion fragmentation. Ion types can be manipulated in the solution/droplet phases using novel nESI emitters, generated from borosilicate theta capillaries. These …
Identification Of Perilipin 5 Interaction Partners,
2015
Otterbein University
Identification Of Perilipin 5 Interaction Partners, Emily E. Burton
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects
Perilipin 5 is one of the more recently discovered in the PAT protein family. Several studies on this protein have shown that it resides in multiple intracellular locations such as the endoplasmic reticulum, the cytosol, the mitochondria, and most interestingly on lipid droplets. These lipid droplets have proven not to be just clumps of fat, but to be very complex intracellular organelles, with a core of lipids surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer coated by specific proteins, one of those being perilipin 5. Some proteomic studies have revealed these lipid droplets to be involved in intracellular trafficking, signaling, cytoskeletal organization and …
