University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Murray State University
Wayne State University School of Medicine
University of the Pacific
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Ouachita Baptist University
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Liberty University
University of South Florida
A Shift In Rna Fate: Investigating The Role Of C19orf66 During Kshv Lytic Replication,
2023
University of Massachusetts Amherst
A Shift In Rna Fate: Investigating The Role Of C19orf66 During Kshv Lytic Replication, William Rodriguez Jr.
Doctoral Dissertations
During viral infection, virus and host clash for control of the cell in a conflict that ultimately drives the evolution of both sides and has lasting consequences in the form of pathogenesis. At the heart of this struggle is a contest for control of cellular gene expression, a struggle epitomized by an evolutionary tug-of-war for supremacy over RNA fate. During lytic replication, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) triggers a massive RNA decay event known as viral “Host Shutoff” which decimates greater than 70% of the host transcriptome, simultaneously suppressing the cellular anti-viral response and freeing host resources for viral replication. However, …
Modeling Biphasic, Non-Sigmoidal Dose-Response Relationships: Comparison Of Brain- Cousens And Cedergreen Models For A Biochemical Dataset,
2023
Virginia Commonwealth University
Modeling Biphasic, Non-Sigmoidal Dose-Response Relationships: Comparison Of Brain- Cousens And Cedergreen Models For A Biochemical Dataset, Venkat D. Abbaraju, Tamaraty L. Robinson, Brian P. Weiser
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty Scholarship
Biphasic, non-sigmoidal dose-response relationships are frequently observed in biochemistry and pharmacology, but they are not always analyzed with appropriate statistical methods. Here, we examine curve fitting methods for “hormetic” dose-response relationships where low and high doses of an effector produce opposite responses. We provide the full dataset used for modeling, and we provide the code for analyzing the dataset in SAS using two established mathematical models of hormesis, the Brain-Cousens model and the Cedergreen model. We show how to obtain and interpret curve parameters such as the ED50 that arise from modeling, and we discuss how curve parameters might change …
Utilizing Crispr Cas9 To Visualize Dopamine Receptors In Caenorhabditis Elegans,
2023
California State University – San Bernardino
Utilizing Crispr Cas9 To Visualize Dopamine Receptors In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Lauren Michelle Velasquez
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter with imperative implications in many functions including movement, reward, and cognition. Studying the pathways of dopaminergic neurons at multiple levels allows us to understand the ways in which these systems can go wrong. We study dopamine in a model system such as the worm Caenorhabditis elegans because of its relatively simple and well-characterized nervous system. DA is involved in regulating chemosensory behaviors in worms. The purpose of this research project is to definitively answer the following question: Are the dopamine receptors DOP-1 and DOP-4 expressed in chemosensory neurons? Previous reporter assays show that neither of …
Exploring The Interactions Between Sars-Cov-2 And Host Proteins.,
2023
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Exploring The Interactions Between Sars-Cov-2 And Host Proteins., Sojan Shrestha
Dissertations and Theses in Biological Sciences
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current pandemic, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be of zoonotic origin; it originated in non-human animals and was transmitted to humans. Since the early stage of the pandemic, however, the evidence of transmissions from humans to animals (reverse zoonoses) has been found in multiple animal species including mink, white-tailed deer, and pet and zoo animals. Furthermore, secondary zoonotic events of SARS-CoV-2, transmissions from animals to humans, have been also reported. It is suggested that non-human hosts can act as SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs where accumulated …
Functionalizing Conjugative Systems To Deliver Crispr Nucleases For Targeted Bacterial Killing,
2023
The University of Western Ontario
Functionalizing Conjugative Systems To Deliver Crispr Nucleases For Targeted Bacterial Killing, Thomas A. Hamilton
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
The interactions between humans and microbes are intimately important to human health, with both commensal and pathogenic bacteria affecting homeostasis and disease. Increasing concern over antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens represents a significant threat to human health, and use of traditional antibiotics to treat infections can be detrimental to commensal bacteria as well as pathogens, demonstrating a need for more specific antibacterial reagents. RNA-guided CRISPR nucleases, which can target and cleave genomes of interest, are a potential tool for specific bacterial targeting. A key limitation to the use of CRISPR antimicrobials is effective and robust delivery to the target bacteria. …
High-Resolution Cryo-Em Structure Of The Pseudomonas Bacteriophage E217,
2023
Thomas Jefferson University
High-Resolution Cryo-Em Structure Of The Pseudomonas Bacteriophage E217, Fenglin Li, Chun-Feng Hou, Ravi K. Lokareddy, Ruoyu Yang, Francesca Forti, Federica Briani, Gino Cingolani
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers
E217 is a Pseudomonas phage used in an experimental cocktail to eradicate cystic fibrosis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we describe the structure of the whole E217 virion before and after DNA ejection at 3.1 Å and 4.5 Å resolution, respectively, determined using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We identify and build de novo structures for 19 unique E217 gene products, resolve the tail genome-ejection machine in both extended and contracted states, and decipher the complete architecture of the baseplate formed by 66 polypeptide chains. We also determine that E217 recognizes the host O-antigen as a receptor, and we resolve the N-terminal portion …
Fibrosis-The Tale Of H3k27 Histone Methyltransferases And Demethylases,
2023
Thomas Jefferson University
Fibrosis-The Tale Of H3k27 Histone Methyltransferases And Demethylases, Morgan D. Basta, Svetlana Petruk, Alexander Mazo, Janice L. Walker
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers
Fibrosis, or excessive scarring, is characterized by the emergence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment options for fibrosis, highlighting an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets. The acquisition of a fibrotic phenotype is associated with changes in chromatin structure, a key determinant of gene transcription activation and repression. The major repressive histone mark, H3K27me3, has been linked to dynamic changes in gene expression in fibrosis through alterations in chromatin structure. H3K27-specific homologous histone methylase (HMT) enzymes, Enhancer of zeste 1 and 2 …
Synthesis And Study Of High-Spin Stable Organic Radicals For Electrical Conductors And Mannosamine Nitroxide For Mri Contrast Agents,
2023
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Synthesis And Study Of High-Spin Stable Organic Radicals For Electrical Conductors And Mannosamine Nitroxide For Mri Contrast Agents, Shuyang Zhang
Student Research Projects, Dissertations, and Theses - Chemistry Department
In the first project, we describe the synthesis of an ambient stable high spin organic diradical 4 based on the Blatter moiety. The high-spin (S = 1) organic diradical 4, which consists of two Blatter radical moieties in a conjugated structure, exhibits a nearly exclusive population (88%) on triplet ground state at room temperature as a consequence of a large single-triplet energy gap (ΔEST = 0.5 kcal/mol). The target diradical molecule is synthesized over five steps with structural confirmation by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows the onset of decomposition at ~264 oC, indicating the diradical molecule has …
Role Of Chronic Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation In Rodent Locus Coeruleus Physiology And Anxiety-Like Behaviors,
2023
Rowan University
Role Of Chronic Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation In Rodent Locus Coeruleus Physiology And Anxiety-Like Behaviors, Arthur Anthony A. Reyes
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations
The locus coeruleus (LC), the primary site of brain norepinephrine (NE), is a key anatomical brain region implicated in the stress response. Stress is a neuroendocrine physiologic response to a stressor that promotes organism survival through adaptive change and restoration of homeostasis. The central stress response, which drives behavioral and physiological change, is primarily mediated by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. While advantageous in the short term, chronic stress exposure can lead to HPA axis and LC dysregulation, which are thought to contribute to the etiology of anxiety disorders. Previous studies demonstrate the effects of acute stress in increasing LC …
Molecular Mechanisms Protecting Centromeres From Self-Sabotage And Implications For Cancer Therapy,
2023
Thomas Jefferson University
Molecular Mechanisms Protecting Centromeres From Self-Sabotage And Implications For Cancer Therapy, Rim Nassar, Lily Thompson, Elise Fouquerel
Student Papers, Posters & Projects
Centromeres play a crucial role in DNA segregation by mediating the cohesion and separation of sister chromatids during cell division. Centromere dysfunction, breakage or compromised centromeric integrity can generate aneuploidies and chromosomal instability, which are cellular features associated with cancer initiation and progression. Maintaining centromere integrity is thus essential for genome stability. However, the centromere itself is prone to DNA breaks, likely due to its intrinsically fragile nature. Centromeres are complex genomic loci that are composed of highly repetitive DNA sequences and secondary structures and require the recruitment and homeostasis of a centromere-associated protein network. The molecular mechanisms engaged to …
Extraction Of Challenging Forensic Samples Using The Microgem Dna Extraction Kit,
2023
CUNY John Jay College
Extraction Of Challenging Forensic Samples Using The Microgem Dna Extraction Kit, Falyn R. Vega
Student Theses
In forensic science, DNA extraction can be a tedious and resource-intensive process. Extraction with Proteinase K is an industry standard but has its drawbacks, such as requiring multiple ionic detergents and washing steps. MicroGEM has developed a new enzyme called forensicGEM that is temperature-dependent and compatible with mesophilic enzymes, offering complete DNA extraction in about 20 minutes in a single tube, limiting contamination, loss of sample, and working time. ForensicGEM can extract DNA from highly degraded samples, potentially leading to more complete STR profiles. Highly degraded tissue and bone samples were collected and extracted with the forensicGEM …
Migratory Material: Epigenetics & Weaving At The Us-Mexico Border,
2023
Rhode Island School of Design
Migratory Material: Epigenetics & Weaving At The Us-Mexico Border, Valerie Navarrete
Masters Theses
Discourse often sutures the body shut, disallowing representations of identity to outgrow sociopolitical interests. This issue may originate from borders, but also from the unnamable pathology that generational colonial trauma transmits to the mind, body, and environment. Without a direct form of translatability, this thesis proposes a new materialism that deviates from any object-oriented ontology. Untethered and intra-active, epigenetics and weaving represent objects that transform typical ways of knowing and seeing. Their sensitivity to the environment, in addition to their mobility across generations of time, broaden the spatiotemporal loci of the body and its embodiment. Proposing new materials that expand …
All The Rage: Assessing The Age/Rage Signaling Pathway’S Effects On Healthspan And The Physiological Processes Of Aging,
2023
University of Mississippi
All The Rage: Assessing The Age/Rage Signaling Pathway’S Effects On Healthspan And The Physiological Processes Of Aging, Brandon Ashmore
Honors Theses
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are protein, lipid, or nucleotide molecules that have been combined with sugars through nonenzymatic, irreversible glycation and oxidation reactions. Their accumulation in the body has been associated with the natural aging process and a wide range of pathologies, including chronic inflammation, sustained oxidative stress, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Their interaction with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been linked to several proinflammatory signaling pathways associated with neurotoxicity and vascular lesions. While some research has been done on the possible health benefits of RAGE inhibition to extend lifespan, our study hopes …
Elucidating The Impact Of Sos-Response Timing In On Escherichia Coli Survival Following Treatment With Fluoroquinolone Topoisomerase Inhibitors,
2023
University of Connecticut
Elucidating The Impact Of Sos-Response Timing In On Escherichia Coli Survival Following Treatment With Fluoroquinolone Topoisomerase Inhibitors, Stephanie Schofield
Honors Scholar Theses
Antibiotic treatment failure is a public health crisis, with a 2019 report stating that roughly 35,000 deaths occur in the United States yearly due to bacterial infections that are unresponsive to antibiotics (1). One complication in the treatment of bacterial infection is antibiotic persistence which further compromises our battle to effectively treat infection. Bacterial persisters can exist in clonal bacterial cultures and can tolerate antibiotic treatment by undergoing reversible phenotypic changes. They can survive drug concentrations that their genetically identical kin cannot. Some persisters remain in a slow growing state and are difficult to target with current antibiotics. A specific …
The Involvement Of Ubiquitin In Med13 Cyclin C Degradation Following Cellular Stress,
2023
Rowan University
The Involvement Of Ubiquitin In Med13 Cyclin C Degradation Following Cellular Stress, Ayesha Gurnani, Brittany Friedson, Katrina Cooper
Stratford Campus Research Day
The Cdk8 Kinase Module is a dissociable regulator of cellular stress response genes, with degradation of its components Med13 and cyclin C eventually determining cell fate decisions such as engaging cell survival or cell death mechanisms. We aimed to explore the roles of ubiquitin in degradation of the Cdk8 Kinase Module following nitrogen starvation, with respect to the potential involvement of deubiquitinating enzyme Doa4, lysine linkage at position K63, and E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes Ubc4 and Ubc5. We utilized Western blot analysis to observe nitrogen starvation-induced degradation of Med13-HA in wild-type, doa4 mutant, and K63R yeast strains; degradation of cyclin …
Identifying Co-Factors That Drive Tra-1 Activator Function,
2023
Rowan University
Identifying Co-Factors That Drive Tra-1 Activator Function, Jibran Imtiaz, Youngquan Shen, Ronald Ellis
Stratford Campus Research Day
Gli proteins are involved in cell fate determination, proliferation, and patterning in many species and are major effectors of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. There are three Gli proteins in humans, and mutations or errors in their regulation lead to a variety of developmental disorders or cancer. However, the mechanisms by which they interact with co-factors are poorly understood. We are analyzing co-factors of Gli proteins using TRA-1 in Caenorhabditis nematodes. The TRA-1 zinc fingers are structurally like those of other Gli proteins, and TRA-1 can be cleaved like other Gli proteins to form a repressor. However, its function has changed during …
Regulation And Function Of Zeb1 Acetylation In Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression And Metastasis,
2023
The Texas Medical Center Library
Regulation And Function Of Zeb1 Acetylation In Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression And Metastasis, Mabel Perez-Oquendo
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Lung cancer metastasis is leading the causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States and worldwide. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a model for metastasis that results in loss of specialized epithelial cell contacts and acquisition of mesenchymal invasive capacity. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) recognizes and binds to E-boxes of epithelial gene promoters to repress its transcription. ZEB1 has inconsistent molecular weights, which have been attributed to post-translational modifications (PTMs). In the presented dissertation, I specifically addressed the gap in the molecular mechanisms by which PTMs of ZEB1 regulate its ability to induce EMT and how its activity might …
Modeling Accuracy Matters: Aligning Molecular Dynamics With 2d Nmr Derived Noe Restraints,
2023
University of Connecticut
Modeling Accuracy Matters: Aligning Molecular Dynamics With 2d Nmr Derived Noe Restraints, Milan Patel
Honors Scholar Theses
Among structural biology techniques, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) provides a holistic view of structure that is close to protein structure in situ. Namely, NMR imaging allows for the solution state of the protein to be observed, derived from Nuclear Overhauser Effect restraints (NOEs). NOEs are a distance range in which hydrogen pairs are observed to stay within range of, and therefore experimental data which computational models can be compared against. To that end, we investigated the effects of adding the NOE restraints as distance restraints in Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations on the 24 residue HP24stab derived villin headpiece subdomain to …
Acetate Metabolism In The Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus Neoformans,
2023
Clemson University
Acetate Metabolism In The Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus Neoformans, Oly Ahmed
All Dissertations
Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental basidiomycetous fungus with a worldwide distribution and a wide range of habitats. Inhalation of the desiccated yeasts or spores of C. neoformans often leads to opportunistic pulmonary infections in immunocompromised individuals, and in severe cases causes lethal meningitis following hematogenous dissemination. During infection, depending on the tissue and disease state, the invading fungi experience a range of nutrient microenvironments within the host body. As a result, rapid metabolic adaptations geared towards efficient utilization of carbon sources alternative to glucose become one of the prime determinants of survival and growth for the pathogen. Incidentally, cryptococcal infection …
Review Of Biomedical Applications Of Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering,
2023
Murray State University
Review Of Biomedical Applications Of Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering, Natalie M. Howard
Honors College Theses
Tissue engineering can be defined as processes that aim to generate three-dimensional functional tissues in vitrothat have been favorably altered according to the structural, biochemical, electrophysiological, and biomechanical properties of the desired tissue before implantation into the human body. In relation to cardiac tissues, these properties would include the ability to conduct action potentials, withstand systolic pressure, permit sufficient O2 and CO2penetration, sufficient vascularization to supply nutrients for cellular activity, surface topology that enables cellular communication, and more. As heart diseases and instances of myocardial infarction continue to rise worldwide, there is an increasing need for …
