The Effect Of Intracellular Zinc Levels In Escherichia Coli On Metallo-Β-Lactamase Activity,
2019
Rowan University
The Effect Of Intracellular Zinc Levels In Escherichia Coli On Metallo-Β-Lactamase Activity, Jill Thompson
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations
Antibiotic resistance is a consequence of evolution via natural selection and poses a serious threat to the world's population. Escherichia coli, and other bacterial species, have acquired genes encoding Metallo-β-Lactamases (MBLs). MBLs are zinc-dependent enzymes that degrade most β-lactam antibiotics, and have emerged as important antibacterial resistance determinants in multidrug resistant pathogens. There are several different families of MBLs, and the major clinically relevant ones are Verona Integrated-encoded Metallo-β-Lactamases (VIMs), Imipenemases (IMPs), and New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamases (NDMs). These enzymes confer high level resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, and are not inhibited by FDA-approved β-lactamase inhibitors. Variants of NDM have …
Characterizing The Function Of Pas Kinase In Cellular Metabolism And Neurodegenerative Disease,
2019
Brigham Young University
Characterizing The Function Of Pas Kinase In Cellular Metabolism And Neurodegenerative Disease, Jenny Adele Pape
Theses and Dissertations
The second identified substrate of PAS kinase discussed is Pbp1. The human homolog of Pbp1 is ataxin-2, mutations in which are a known risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As diet and sex have been shown to be important factors regarding PAS kinase function, they also are strong contributing factors to ALS and are extensively reviewed herein. Pbp1 is known to be sequestered by PAS kinase under glucose depravation, and it can sequester additional proteins along with it to regulate different cellular pathways. To shed light on the pathways affected by Pbp1, we performed a yeast two-hybrid assay and …
Zinc Chloride Enhanced Chondrogenesis Is Vegf Dependent,
2019
Seton Hall University
Zinc Chloride Enhanced Chondrogenesis Is Vegf Dependent, Gilbert M. Sharp Iv
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
Researchers have begun investigating whether insulin mimetics such as ZnCl2 could promote bone healing in both non-diabetic and diabetic fracture healing similarly to insulin. Our research focused on understanding the mechanism by which ZnCl2 affects chondrogenesis, an important component of bone fracture healing. The increases in proteoglycan deposition and cell proliferation seen in our data may be a result of ZnCl2 induction of the IGF-1 pathway. When the VEGF pathway was inhibited in ZnCl2- or insulin-treated cells significant decreases in proteoglycan deposition occurred on day 7 and 14 (P=0.007 for ZnCl2, P=0.028 for insulin) when compared to controls. This data …
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). …
Regulation Of Cyp3a5 In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma,
2019
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Regulation Of Cyp3a5 In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Jessica D. Hoyer
Theses and Dissertations (ETD)
CYP3A5 is a drug metabolism enzyme that is polymorphically expressed in normal tissues and expressed in high amounts in some cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). There have been several published studies regarding CYP3A5 regulators, but there is still much to be discovered concerning CYP3A5 regulation in cancer. To further understand the regulation of CYP3A5, a high-throughput screen was performed in the AsPC-1 PDAC cell line. This screen employed small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting transcription factors and chromatin-associated proteins. We identified siRNA that decreased CYP3A5 mRNA and protein levels in AsPC-1 cells and probed into the potential mechanisms. Taken together, …
Genetic Variation Of Human Leukocyte Antigen (Hla) Alleles Among Rheumatiod Arthritis Patients In Fujairah,
2019
United Arab Emirates University
Genetic Variation Of Human Leukocyte Antigen (Hla) Alleles Among Rheumatiod Arthritis Patients In Fujairah, Amna Abdulla Harib Al-Dhmanie
Biology Theses
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that affects the joints. It occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. The precise cause of RA is not fully understood but evidence suggests that genes, hormones and environmental factors could be involved. It has been established that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci is a strong risk factor of RA. Specifically, the shared epitope (SE) region of HLA-DRB1 and variations at position 11 and 13 of HLA-DRB1 and position 77 of HLA-A have shown strong association with RA. The hypothesis of this study was …
Study Of Paper Microbial Fuel Cells For Use In On-Site Wastewater Testing,
2019
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Study Of Paper Microbial Fuel Cells For Use In On-Site Wastewater Testing, William A. Tolmasoff
Master's Theses
This study demonstrated a technique for fabricating simple, low-cost Paper Microbial fuel cells (PMFC’s) in the model of a previous study to, for the first time, produce voltage from wastewater effluent. The PMFC’s were created by stacking and gluing the main components of an MFC together: reservoir layer; anode; cation exchange membrane (CEM); air cathode. A wax printer was used to create the hydrophobic borders of the PMFC’s on filter paper, and graphite paint was applied to the paper to create the anode. The CEM’s considered were filter paper, wax, and Nafion, with Nafion being the most efficient. Finally, the …
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 …
The Statistical Optimisation Of Recombinant Β-Glucosidase Production Through A Two-Stage, Multi-Model, Design Of Experiments Approach,
2019
Technological University Dublin
The Statistical Optimisation Of Recombinant Β-Glucosidase Production Through A Two-Stage, Multi-Model, Design Of Experiments Approach, Albert Uhoraningoga, Gemma K. Kinsella, Jesus Maria Frias, Gary T. Henehan, Barry J. Ryan
Articles
β-glucosidases are a class of enzyme that are widely distributed in the living world, with examples noted in plants, fungi, animals and bacteria. They offer both hydrolysis and synthesis capacity for a wide range of biotechnological processes. However, the availability of native, or the production of recombinant β-glucosidases, is currently a bottleneck in the widespread industrial application of this enzyme. In this present work, the production of recombinant β-glucosidase from Streptomyces griseus was optimised using a Design of Experiments strategy, comprising a two-stage, multi-model design. Three screening models were comparatively employed: Fractional Factorial, Plackett-Burman and Definitive Screening Design. Four variables …
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 …
Genistein Has Antiviral Activity Against Herpes B Virus And Acts Synergistically With Antiviral Treatments To Reduce Effective Dose,
2019
Kennesaw State University
Genistein Has Antiviral Activity Against Herpes B Virus And Acts Synergistically With Antiviral Treatments To Reduce Effective Dose, Julia C. Lecher, Nga Diep, Peter W. Krug, Julia K. Hilliard
Faculty Articles
Herpes B virus is a deadly zoonotic agent that can be transmitted to humans from the macaque monkey, an animal widely used in biomedical research. Currently, there is no cure for human B virus infection and treatments require a life-long daily regimen of antivirals, namely acyclovir and ganciclovir. Long-term antiviral treatments have been associated with significant debilitating side effects, thus, there is an ongoing search for alternative efficacious antiviral treatment. In this study, the antiviral activity of genistein was quantified against B virus in a primary cell culture model system. Genistein prevented plaque formation of B virus and reduced virus …
Recombinant Production Of Catfish Interleukin-22 As A Natural Immune Stimulant For Improving Aquaculture Fish Health,
2019
Arkansas State University
Recombinant Production Of Catfish Interleukin-22 As A Natural Immune Stimulant For Improving Aquaculture Fish Health, Lana Elkins
Student Theses and Dissertations
As the world population increases and wild caught fisheries decline, aquaculture offers an important sustainable solution addressing this global challenge. In fact, aquaculture now provides more than half the world’s food fish. With this rapid rise in production, has come the problem of disease management. Current options are limited and there is a great need for innovative solutions to this problem. The cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) has emerged as a therapeutic target for fish and is correlated with protection under pathogen challenge. Plant bioproduction has the potential to effectively manufacture recombinant IL-22 and offer advantages of low cost for commodity markets, …
Examining Lateral Line Development Through Cxcl14 Modulation Of Cxcl12-Cxcr4 Mediated Gene Expression In Danio Rerio,
2019
Lawrence University
Examining Lateral Line Development Through Cxcl14 Modulation Of Cxcl12-Cxcr4 Mediated Gene Expression In Danio Rerio, Ariana Calderon-Zavala
Lawrence University Honors Projects
The lateral line is a mechanosensory system used by fish to sense the movement of water. It is evolutionarily related to the inner-ear in humans. For both organisms, the binding of the CXCL12 (SDF-1 ligand) to the CXCR4 receptor induces conformational changes needed to activate signal transduction. This signaling results in numerous cellular responses such as cell fate, chemotaxis, and gene transcription. Interestingly, researchers have found that another signaling molecule, CXCL14, can also bind to the CXCR4 receptor with high affinity (Tanegashima et al., 2013). As a result, we hypothesize that CXCL14 modulates CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis, presumably acting as an allosteric …
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 …
Acid Sphingomyelinase Regulates The Localization And Trafficking Of Palmitoylated Proteins,
2019
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Acid Sphingomyelinase Regulates The Localization And Trafficking Of Palmitoylated Proteins, Xiahui Xiong, Chia-Fang Lee, Wenjing Li, Jiekai Yu, Linyu Zhu, Yongsoon Kim, Hul Zhang, Hong Sun
Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research
In human, loss of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM/SMPD1) causes Niemann–Pick disease, type A. ASM hydrolyzes sphingomyelins to produce ceramides but protein targets of ASM remain largely unclear. Our mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses have identified >100 proteins associated with the ASM-dependent, detergent-resistant membrane microdomains (lipid rafts), with >60% of these proteins being palmitoylated, including SNAP23, Src-family kinases Yes and Lyn, and Ras and Rab family small GTPases. Inactivation of ASM abolished the presence of these proteins in the plasma membrane, with many of them trapped in the Golgi. While palmitoylation inhibitors and palmitoylation mutants phenocopied the effects of ASM inactivation, we demonstrated …
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 …
Applications Of Sirna For Cancer Gene Therapy,
2019
Seton Hall University
Applications Of Sirna For Cancer Gene Therapy, Christopher Nicholas Cultrara
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
Gene therapy is a potent and versatile nano-medicine strategy in the treatment of cancer. Of the many tools currently used in this application, short-interfering RNA (siRNA) are among the most commonly employed due to their ability to silence oncogenic mRNA with high precision through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway potentially leading to cancer cell death. Our work revolves around silencing the Glucose-Regulated Proteins (GRPs) whose expressions are upregulated in cancerous tissues and are implicated in the proliferative, pro-survival, and anti-apoptotic pathways that govern tumor biology. Here we present a variety of applications to improve the potency and functionality of GRP-targeting …
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) …
