Centromeric Heterochromatin Assembly In Fission Yeast-Balancing Transcription, Rna Interference And Chromatin Modification,
2012
Sacred Heart University
Centromeric Heterochromatin Assembly In Fission Yeast-Balancing Transcription, Rna Interference And Chromatin Modification, Benjamin Alper, Brandon R. Lowe, Janet F. Partridge
Chemistry & Physics Faculty Publications
Distinct regions of the eukaryotic genome are packaged into different types of chromatin, with euchromatin representing gene rich, transcriptionally active regions and heterochromatin more condensed and gene poor. The assembly and maintenance of heterochromatin is important for many aspects of genome control, including silencing of gene transcription, suppression of recombination, and to ensure proper chromosome segregation. The precise mechanisms underlying heterochromatin establishment and maintenance are still unclear, but much progress has been made towards understanding this process during the last few years, particularly from studies performed in fission yeast. In this review, we hope to provide a conceptual model of …
Dietary Analysis And Epigenetic Comparisons Of Drosphila Melanogaster Through Multiple Generations,
2012
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Dietary Analysis And Epigenetic Comparisons Of Drosphila Melanogaster Through Multiple Generations, Xu (Kevin) F. Zheng
Holster Scholar Projects
Nutrition and the lack thereof has been a demanding issue in both the undeveloped and developed country. The unbalance diet between healthy and unhealthy diet has led to many of the problems presented in society such as obesity, heart disorders, and loss of longevity. It is now known that calorie may not provide the most accurate information in terms of the lifestyle and the well-being of humans. Rather the composition of the calorie is what becomes integral in people's understanding of the effect of food physiologically. With this knowledge, we seek to use a Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism …
Identification Of Persistent Long Range Interactions In GA95 And GB95 Through Thermal Unfolding Simulations,
2012
Old Dominion University
Identification Of Persistent Long Range Interactions In GA95 And GB95 Through Thermal Unfolding Simulations, Milen Redai Tesfamariam
Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations
For over five decades, different experiments have been performed to research how proteins attain their native three dimensional structures. However, the folding problem continues to be a puzzle in modern science. The design of two proteins that have maximal sequence identity but different folds and functions is one method that is being used to study the relationship between protein structure and amino acid sequence. In particular, mutant proteins of Streptococcus protein G, GA and GB, have 95% sequence identity and a 3a helix fold and β4/a fold, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations of GA95 …
Screening Synthetic Combinatorial Protein Libraries For Changes In Calmodulin Binding Specificity,
2012
University of Kentucky
Screening Synthetic Combinatorial Protein Libraries For Changes In Calmodulin Binding Specificity, Donald E. Dick
Kaleidoscope
No abstract provided.
Starch Phosphates: A Means To Manipulate Biofuel Production,
2012
University of Kentucky
Starch Phosphates: A Means To Manipulate Biofuel Production, Travis M. Bridges
Kaleidoscope
No abstract provided.
Sigma Factor N (Σn): A Novel Regulator Of Extreme Acid Resistance In Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli O157:H7,
2012
University of South Florida
Sigma Factor N (Σn): A Novel Regulator Of Extreme Acid Resistance In Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli O157:H7, Pamela Ann Fay
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Extreme acid resistance contributes to the successful transmission of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) through acidic food matrices and the stomach, allowing it to gain access to the intestine and elicit disease in humans. Alternative sigma factor N (σN, encoded by rpoN) was previously identified as a novel regulator of extreme acid resistance in EHEC. This study investigated the role for σN and co-expressed products of the rpoN operon in the acid resistance phenotype of EHEC. The results revealed that σN primarily controls acid resistance through repression of the glutamate-dependent acid resistance (GDAR) system through control …
Live-Cell Monitoring Of Periodic Gene Expression In Synchronous Human Cells Identifies Forkhead Genes Involved In Cell Cycle Control,
2012
Dartmouth College
Live-Cell Monitoring Of Periodic Gene Expression In Synchronous Human Cells Identifies Forkhead Genes Involved In Cell Cycle Control, Gavin D. Grant, Joshua Gamsby, Viktor Martyanov, Lionel Brooks, Lacy K. George, J. Matthew Mahoney, Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap, Michael L. Whitfield
Dartmouth Scholarship
We developed a system to monitor periodic luciferase activity from cell cycle-regulated promoters in synchronous cells. Reporters were driven by a minimal human E2F1 promoter with peak expression in G1/S or a basal promoter with six Forkhead DNA-binding sites with peak expression at G2/M. After cell cycle synchronization, luciferase activity was measured in live cells at 10-min intervals across three to four synchronous cell cycles, allowing unprecedented resolution of cell cycle-regulated gene expression. We used this assay to screen Forkhead transcription factors for control of periodic gene expression. We confirmed a role for FOXM1 and identified two novel cell cycle …
Systematics Of Harrisia (Cactaceae),
2012
University of South Florida
Systematics Of Harrisia (Cactaceae), Alan R. Franck
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The genus Harrisia Britton (Cactaceae) comprises species of columnar cacti that are united by a unique seed morphology. The species range in form from prostrate shrubs to large trees and are native to South America and the Caribbean region. Harrisia is placed in an unresolved position within subtribe Trichocereinae of tribe Cereeae of subfamily Cactoideae. Relationships among the species within Harrisia are also poorly understood. In this study, several species of Harrisia were sequenced for as many as seven different regions of nuclear and plastid DNA. Species in the Caribbean were also examined with amplified fragment length polymorphisms. The morphology …
Investigation Into The Mechanism Of Salicylate-Associated Genotypic Antibiotic Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus,
2012
University of South Florida
Investigation Into The Mechanism Of Salicylate-Associated Genotypic Antibiotic Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus, Nada Salah Helal
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Growth of Staphylococcus aureus with the NSAID salicylate increases phenotypic resistance (SAPAR), and the frequency at which heritable resistance occurs to various antibiotics (SAGAR). This study describes the effect of salicylate on heritable and phenotypic resistance to a set of antibiotics for laboratory and multi-drug resistant strains of S. aureus and investigates the link between resistance and SAGAR. Drug gradient plates were used to determine phenotypic resistance to antibiotics targeting DNA replication, transcription, translation and the cell wall in the presence or absence of salicylate. To measure heritable resistance, mutation frequencies were determined for each antibiotic in the presence and …
Association Of A Multi-Synthetase Complex With Translating Ribosomes In The Archaeon Thermococcus Kodakarensis,
2012
The Ohio State University
Association Of A Multi-Synthetase Complex With Translating Ribosomes In The Archaeon Thermococcus Kodakarensis, Medha Raina, Sara Elgamal, Thomas J. Santangelo, Michael Ibba
Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research
In archaea and eukaryotes aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) associate in multi-synthetase complexes (MSCs), however the role of such MSCs in translation is unknown. MSC function was investigated in vivo in the archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, wherein six aaRSs were affinity co-purified together with several other factors involved in protein synthesis, suggesting that MSCs may interact directly with translating ribosomes. In support of this hypothesis, the aminoacyltRNA synthetase (aaRS) activities of the MSC were enriched in isolated T. kodakarensis polysome fractions. These data indicate that components of the archaeal protein synthesis machinery associate into macromolecular assemblies in vivo and provide the potential …
Minor Fibrillar Collagens, Variable Regions Alternative Splicing, Intrinsic Disorder, And Tyrosine Sulfation,
2012
Boise State University
Minor Fibrillar Collagens, Variable Regions Alternative Splicing, Intrinsic Disorder, And Tyrosine Sulfation, Ming Fang, Reed B. Jacob, Owen Mcdougal, Julia Oxford
Biomedical Research Institute Publications and Presentations
Minor fibrillar collagen types V and XI, are those less abundant than the fibrillar collagens types I, II and III. The alpha chains share a high degree of similarity with respect to protein sequence in all domains except the variable region. Genomic variation and, in some cases, extensive alternative splicing contribute to the unique sequence characteristics of the variable region. While unique expression patterns in tissues exist, the functions and biological relevance of the variable regions have not been elucidated. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge about expression patterns and biological functions of the collagen types V and …
Development Of A Protocol To Measure Gene Expression In The Mouse Tibia,
2012
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Development Of A Protocol To Measure Gene Expression In The Mouse Tibia, Daniel Hoover
Biomedical Engineering
Numerous molecular factors active in bone tissue direct fracture repair and remodeling which can be altered by disease conditions such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Osteoporosis. Methods of molecular biology are commonly applied to investigate the expression and role of these molecular factors. This project presents a robust three-step protocol for examining gene expression in the mouse tibia. The protocol begins with isolating RNA from a flash frozen tibia sample. The isolated RNA is reverse transcribed into cDNA. Finally, PCR is performed to indentify expressed genes. Establishing this protocol will allow further research into the mechanisms of bone remodeling …
A Proteomic Analysis Of Differentiation In The Mammary Epithelium,
2012
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
A Proteomic Analysis Of Differentiation In The Mammary Epithelium, Laura Therese Strand
Master's Theses
While a great deal is known about the changing hormonal environment and the structural development of the mammary gland from pregnancy to lactation, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing differentiation of the mammary epithelium into a milk-secreting phenotype. It is important to acknowledge the diversity among the mammary glands of different species in order to better understand applications in human health and the dairy industry. In this study, we examined global protein expression during two states of differentiation in mammary epithelial cells from two species: in vitro proliferating and differentiated MAC-T cells (a bovine immortal cell-line), and …
Host Pathogen Interactions: Is Arabidopsis Thaliana Remembered By Its Nemesis Pseudomonas Syringae?,
2012
Lawrence University
Host Pathogen Interactions: Is Arabidopsis Thaliana Remembered By Its Nemesis Pseudomonas Syringae?, Daniel Z. Kreiser
Lawrence University Honors Projects
Plants contain innate immune systems that deter pathogen infection. Pattern recognition receptors bind microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), triggering immunity. MAMPs are proteins exclusive to pathogens that are typically indispensable for their survival. For this reason, MAMPs cannot be mutated or removed without causing pathogen death. However, this does not necessitate constitutive expression of MAMPs. In this study, the MAMP response of Arabidopsis thaliana was utilized to determine differential detection of MAMPs expressed by Pseudomonas syringe pv. tomato DC3000 when pretreated with A. thaliana. Results demonstrated that more MAMPs are detected when P. syringae had previously encountered A. thaliana, …
Fret-Based Identification Of Mrnas Undergoing Translation,
2012
University of Pennsylvania
Fret-Based Identification Of Mrnas Undergoing Translation, Benjamin Stevens, Chunlai Chen, Ian Farrell, Haibo Zhang, Jaskiran Kaur, Steven L. Broitman, Zeev Smilansky, Barry S. Cooperman, Yale E. Goldman
Biology Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Elucidating The Mechanism Of Antimigratory Activity Of Cardiac Glycosides,
2012
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Elucidating The Mechanism Of Antimigratory Activity Of Cardiac Glycosides, Joshua H. Johnson
Honors Scholar Theses
The focus of this research is on cell migration and how it can be better understood through the use of small molecules that modulate cell migratory activity. The results have particular relevance in the realm of cancer pharmacology. Cardiac glycosides, which are known inhibitors of the eukaryotic Na+/K+-ATPase, have been determined to have antimigratory activities through the screening of several small molecule libraries. Here we investigate the antimigratory activities of the cardiac glycoside digitoxin as well as its analogs that we synthesized. Antimigratory activity was determined by conducting a wound closure assay with MDA-MB-231 human breast …
Improvements To The Forensic Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Typing,
2012
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Improvements To The Forensic Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Typing, Elizabeth Montano
Honors Scholar Theses
Sequence analysis of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an effective and reliable tool for the genetic characterization of forensic samples. The nature of the mitochondrial genome (mtgenome), its high copy number and small size (~17kb) makes it more resistant to degradation and more stable than nuclear DNA. For this reason mitochondrial DNA is often the only feasible option for the forensic analysis of environmentally compromised samples. Currently the forensic analysis of the mtgenome is restricted to the hypervariable regions, also known as the Displacement loop (d-loop). Previous studies, confirmed in the Strausbaugh lab, have demonstrated an increased variability in the …
Metallothionein Gene Dose And The Immune Response,
2012
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Metallothionein Gene Dose And The Immune Response, Meaghan Roy-O-Reilly
Honors Scholar Theses
Metallothionein (MT) is a small, cysteine-rich protein with significant immunomodulatory activity. It has been shown to play a critical role in important cellular mechanisms including heavy metal detoxification, essential metal management and the inflammatory response. MT production can be induced by a number of cellular stressors and acts to lessen the harmful effects of oxidizing agents and heavy metal exposure. Previous studies have shown that the dose of the metallothionein gene present in an individual may have significant effects on the adaptive immune response, yet the mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unknown. We hypothesize that the gene dose of metallothionein …
Identifying Progenitor Cells Of Heterotopic Ossification,
2012
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Identifying Progenitor Cells Of Heterotopic Ossification, Eileen E. Semancik
Honors Scholar Theses
Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone within extraskeletal soft tissues. The condition can occur through both genetic and acquired means. Acquired cases of HO result from invasive surgery or traumatic injuries, with increasing prevalence of ectopic skeletogenesis as a result of combat-related blast injuries. HO has been characterized to some extent, including the histological features and the mutation underlying the genetic form, but the cells resident in skeletal muscle that represent the progenitors of heterotopic bone have yet to be determined. Only a few publications have attempted to definitively determine the progenitor cells in this disorder. Findings …
Fundamentals Of Protein Structure Alignment,
2012
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Fundamentals Of Protein Structure Alignment, Allen Holder, Mark Brandt, Yosi Shibberu
Mathematical Sciences Technical Reports (MSTR)
The central dogma of molecular biology asserts a one way transfer of information from a cell’s genetic code to the expression of proteins. Proteins are the functional workhorses of a cell, and studying these molecules is at the foundation of much of computational biology. Our goal here is to present a succinct introduction to the biological, mathematical, and computational aspects of making pairwise comparisons between protein structures. The presentation is intended to be useful for those who are entering this research area. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to the biology of protein comparison, which is followed by a …
