Arsenic Inhibits P19 Stem Cell Differentiation By Altering Microrna Expression And Repressing The Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway,
2015
Clemson University
Arsenic Inhibits P19 Stem Cell Differentiation By Altering Microrna Expression And Repressing The Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway, Jui Tung Liu
All Dissertations
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring toxicant that exists in bedrock and can be leached into ground water. Humans can be exposed to arsenic via contaminated drinking water, fruit, rice or crops. Epidemiological studies have shown that arsenic is a developmental toxicant, and in utero exposure reduces IQ scores, verbal learning ability, decreases long term memory, and increases the likelihood of dying from a neurological disorder. Arsenic can also reduce birth weight, weight gain, and muscle function after an in utero exposure. Although the mechanism behind these physiological changes is not known, in vitro studies have shown that arsenic can reduce muscle …
Discrete Davydov's Soliton In Α-Helical Protein Molecule With Anharmonic Hydrogen Bond And Thermal Noise,
2015
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Discrete Davydov's Soliton In Α-Helical Protein Molecule With Anharmonic Hydrogen Bond And Thermal Noise, Frank T. Ndjomatchoua, Clément Tchawoua, Joël D.T. Tchinang, Bruno P. Lerü, Henri E.Z. Tonnang
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
An improvement of the Davydov's model for energy transfer in α-helix protein is proposed. Using hyperbolic cosine potential type to model hydrogen bond potential, we have obtained from the adiabatic approximation, a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation with inverse hyperbolic sine nonlinearity. Using the two-dimensional discrete map approach, we have found a linearly stable intrinsic localized mode of the corresponding developed equation. Mobility of the intrinsic localized mode was achieved by moving the local impurity hypothesized as the anomalous band energy. The reactivity of the discrete breather under thermal noise was studied numerically with the Langevin's approach. It was shown that …
Raman Spectroscopic Analysis Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Oral Dysplasia In The High-Wavenumber Region,
2015
Technological University Dublin
Raman Spectroscopic Analysis Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Oral Dysplasia In The High-Wavenumber Region, Hugh Byrne, Luis Felipe Carvalho, Fiona Lyng, Franck Bonnier
Articles
Raman spectroscopy can provide a molecular-level signature of the biochemical composition and structure of cells with excellent spatial resolution and could be useful to monitor changes in composition for early stage and non-invasive cancer diagnosis, both ex-vivo and in vivo. In particular, the fingerprint spectral region (400–1,800 cm-1) has been shown to be very promising for optical biopsy purposes. However, limitations to discrimination of dysplastic and inflammatory processes based on the fingerprint region still persist. In addition, the Raman spectral signal of dysplastic cells is one important source of misdiagnosis of normal versus pathological tissues. The high wavenumber …
Autophagy And Its Potential Role In Stress And Feed Efficiency Using Avian Lines,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Autophagy And Its Potential Role In Stress And Feed Efficiency Using Avian Lines, Alissa Laura Piekarski
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular mechanism that is responsible for the degradation and recycling of damaged organelles. Recently, autophagy has been involved in critical roles during overall development of the organism and degradation of damaged cellular components. This pathway has witnessed dramatic growth in the last few years and has been extensively studied in yeast and mammals, however, there is a paucity of information in avian (non-mammalian) species. First, we characterized genes involved in the autophagy pathway in male and female Jungle Fowl to determine gender and tissue specific differences. Secondly, tissue and genotype differences in Japanese quail selected …
Response Of Bacterial Cells To Fluctuating Environment,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Response Of Bacterial Cells To Fluctuating Environment, Sudip Nepal
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
We have studied morphological and genomic variations occurring in a mesophilic bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a wide range of continuous and fluctuating hydrostatic pressures. For all the studies here the temperature is maintained at 37◦C, the optimal growth tem- perature of E. coli at atmospheric pressure. Cell division is inhibited at high hydrostatic pressures resulting in an increase of cell length. The increase of cell-length depends on the extent and duration of the stress applied on bacterial cells. We have studied the effect of high pressure stress in three different conditions – (i) Wild-type cells (almost no genetic …
Leptin Regulates The Expression Of Autophagy-Related Genes In Chickens,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Leptin Regulates The Expression Of Autophagy-Related Genes In Chickens, Peter Olawale Ishola
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Autophagy or cellular self-digestion, a lysosomal degradation pathway that is conserved from yeast to human, plays a key role in recycling cellular constituents, including damaged organelles. It also plays a pivotal role in the adaptation of cells to a plethora of distinct stressors including starvation. Autophagy has been extensively studied in mammals and yeast, but little is known in avian species. Thus, the major objective of the present study was to determine the effects of leptin on autophagy-related genes in chicken hypothalamus, muscle and liver. Leptin is an adipocytokine that is mostly produced by white adipose cells in mammals (as …
Transcriptomics Of Chicken Primordial Germ Cells,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Transcriptomics Of Chicken Primordial Germ Cells, Nhung Thi Nguyen
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) are derived from extraembryonic tissue of the embryo and first appear at stage X of development. They enter the bloodstream and migrate to the genital ridge, unite with somatic tissue to form a developing gonad, and then differentiate to sperm or ova (Fujimoto et al., 1976). Understanding molecular features of both male and female PGCs not only clarify the differentiation mechanism of such cells toward different germ lines, but will also help in selecting for highly productive types of commercial chicken. Most previous studies focused on the location of PGCs (Eyal-Giladi et al., 1981; Swift …
In Vivo Periodical Monitoring Of Immune Cell Infiltration In Response To Feathers And Intramuscular Injection Of Ionps Using The Pulp (Dermis) Of Growing Feathers As Test Site Tissue In Chickens,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
In Vivo Periodical Monitoring Of Immune Cell Infiltration In Response To Feathers And Intramuscular Injection Of Ionps Using The Pulp (Dermis) Of Growing Feathers As Test Site Tissue In Chickens, Olfat Taleb Alaamri
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The applications of nanoparticles are growing, but little is known about their interactions with the immune system as most studies did not use suitable in vivo test systems. The purpose of these studies was to investigate the utility of chicken growing feathers as an in vivo test site for iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) interactions with the immune system. The first objective of this study was to monitor leukocyte infiltration into the growing feather pulp upon the administration of IONP and IO-mIgG preparations. The second objective was to test the utility of IONPs as vaccine adjuvants by monitoring primary and memory …
Dancing Through Life: Molecular Dynamics Simulations And Network-Centric Modeling Of Allosteric Mechanisms In Hsp70 And Hsp110 Chaperone Proteins,
2015
Chapman University
Dancing Through Life: Molecular Dynamics Simulations And Network-Centric Modeling Of Allosteric Mechanisms In Hsp70 And Hsp110 Chaperone Proteins, Gabrielle Stetz, Gennady M. Verkhivker
Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research
Hsp70 and Hsp110 chaperones play an important role in regulating cellular processes that involve protein folding and stabilization, which are essential for the integrity of signaling networks. Although many aspects of allosteric regulatory mechanisms in Hsp70 and Hsp110 chaperones have been extensively studied and significantly advanced in recent experimental studies, the atomistic picture of signal propagation and energetics of dynamics-based communication still remain unresolved. In this work, we have combined molecular dynamics simulations and protein stability analysis of the chaperone structures with the network modeling of residue interaction networks to characterize molecular determinants of allosteric mechanisms. We have shown that …
Actin Filaments Target The Oligomeric Maturation Of The Dynamin Gtpase Drp1 To Mitochondrial Fission Sites,
2015
Dartmouth College
Actin Filaments Target The Oligomeric Maturation Of The Dynamin Gtpase Drp1 To Mitochondrial Fission Sites, Wei-Ke Ji, Anna L. Hatch, Ronald A. Merrill, Stefan Strack, Henry N. Higgs
Dartmouth Scholarship
While the dynamin GTPase Drp1 plays a critical role during mitochondrial fission, mechanisms controlling its recruitment to fission sites are unclear. A current assumption is that cytosolic Drp1 is recruited directly to fission sites immediately prior to fission. Using live-cell microscopy, we find evidence for a different model, progressive maturation of Drp1 oligomers on mitochondria through incorporation of smaller mitochondrially-bound Drp1 units. Maturation of a stable Drp1 oligomer does not forcibly lead to fission. Drp1 oligomers also translocate directionally along mitochondria. Ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, causes rapid mitochondrial accumulation of actin filaments followed by Drp1 accumulation at the fission site, …
Assessment Of Learning Gains In A Flipped Biochemistry Classroom,
2015
Whitworth University
Assessment Of Learning Gains In A Flipped Biochemistry Classroom, Deanna Dahlke Ojennus
Chemistry Faculty Scholarship
The flipped classroom has become an increasingly popular pedagogical approach to teaching and learning. In this study, learning gains were assessed in a flipped biochemistry course and compared to gains in a traditional lecture. Although measured learning gains were not significantly different between the two courses, student perception of learning gains did differ and indicates a higher level of satisfaction with the flipped lecture format.
Case 62: Glycolysis, The Pentose Phosphate Pathway, And The Citric Acid Cycle In Tumorigenesis,
2015
Providence College
Case 62: Glycolysis, The Pentose Phosphate Pathway, And The Citric Acid Cycle In Tumorigenesis, Dr. Kathleen Cornely
Chemistry & Biochemistry Case Studies
Hypoxia-inducible factors are transcription factors that mediate the cellular response to hypoxia (low cellular oxygen concentration) by enhancing or suppressing the transcription of specific genes involved in metabolic pathways.
Eosinophils From Murine Lamina Propria Induce Differentiation Of Naïve T Cells Into Regulatory T Cells Via Tgf-Β1 And Retinoic Acid,
2015
Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Eosinophils From Murine Lamina Propria Induce Differentiation Of Naïve T Cells Into Regulatory T Cells Via Tgf-Β1 And Retinoic Acid, Hong-Hu Chen, Ai-Hua Sun, David M. Ojcius, Wei-Lin Hu, Yu-Mei Ge, Xu'ai Lin, Lan-Juan Li, Jian-Ping Pan, Jie Yan
All Dugoni School of Dentistry Faculty Articles
Treg cells play a crucial role in immune tolerance, but mechanisms that induce Treg cells are poorly understood. We here have described eosinophils in lamina propria (LP) that displayed high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, a rate-limiting step during all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) synthesis, and expressed TGF-β1 mRNA and high levels of ATRA. Co-incubation assay confirmed that LP eosinophils induced the differentiation of naïve T cells into Treg cells. Differentiation promoted by LP eosinophils were inhibited by blocked either TGF-β1 or ATRA. Peripheral blood (PB) eosinophils did not produce ATRA and could not induce Treg differentiation. These data identifies LP eosinophils …
Characterization Of Two Novel Gene Regulatory Systems In The Zoonotic Bacterium Bartonella Henselae,
2015
University of South Florida
Characterization Of Two Novel Gene Regulatory Systems In The Zoonotic Bacterium Bartonella Henselae, Nhan Tu
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The genus Bartonella contains Gram-negative arthropod-borne bacteria that are found in many small animal reservoirs and are capable of causing human disease. Bacteria utilize a general stress response system to combat stresses from their surrounding environments. In α-proteobacteria, the general stress response system uses an alternate σ factor as the main regulator and incorporates it with a two-component system into a unique system. Our study identifies the general stress response system in the α-proteobacterium, Bartonella henselae, where the gene synteny is conserved and both the PhyR and alternate σ factor have similar sequence and domain structures with other α-proteobacteria. …
Mass Spectrometry-Based Investigation Of App-Dependent Mechanisms In Neurodegeneration,
2015
University of South Florida
Mass Spectrometry-Based Investigation Of App-Dependent Mechanisms In Neurodegeneration, Dale Chaput
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia affecting the elderly, and as the aging population increases the social and economic burden of AD grows substantially. Pathological hallmarks of AD include the accumulation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), as well as significant neuron loss. Amyloid plaques consist of aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, which is generated from the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in addition to several other peptides. While the processing of APP has been characterized, its primary physiological function and its involvement in AD pathology are poorly understood. Developing a …
Targeting Autopalmitoylation To Modulate Protein S-Palmitoylation,
2015
University of South Florida
Targeting Autopalmitoylation To Modulate Protein S-Palmitoylation, Laura Dawn Hamel
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Palmitoylation refers to the covalent attachment of fatty acids, such as palmitate, onto the cysteine residues of proteins. This process may subsequently alter their localization and function. Nearly all of the enzymes that catalyze palmitoylation, zDHHC protein acyl transferases (PATs), are implicated in neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer in humans. Of particular interest to those who study palmitoylation are Ras family GTPas and zDHHC9-GCP16, the zDHHC PAT that palmitoylates Ras proteins. Erf2-Erf4 is the zDHHC PAT that palmitoylates Ras proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Currently, there are no methods to therapeutically target palmitoylation for the treatment of disease. One …
Are Eastern Oysters Being Bored To Death? Influence Of Cliona Celata On Crassostrea Virginica Condition, Growth And Survival,
2015
Georgia Southern University
Are Eastern Oysters Being Bored To Death? Influence Of Cliona Celata On Crassostrea Virginica Condition, Growth And Survival, John M. Carroll, Katheryn A. O'Shaughnessy, Grant A. Diedrich, Christopher M. Finelli
Biology: Faculty Publications
The boring sponge Cliona celata is a nuisance species that can have deleterious effects on eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica growth, condition, and survival. Surprisingly, however, these effects have not been well documented and when examined, results have been equi-vocal. In this study, we provide a direct comparison of growth, condition, and survival of sponge-colonized and uncolonized oysters in southeast North Carolina in 2 separate experiments. In the first experiment, sponge-colonized oysters exhibited significantly slower growth rates, reduced condition, and lower survival relative to uncolonized oysters, although results may have been confounded by oyster source. In the second experiment, using smaller …
Ion Trap Mass Analyzer Apparatus, Methods, And Systems Utilizing One Or More Multiple Potential Ion Guide (Mpig) Electrodes,
2015
University of Northern Iowa
Ion Trap Mass Analyzer Apparatus, Methods, And Systems Utilizing One Or More Multiple Potential Ion Guide (Mpig) Electrodes, Curtiss Dwight Hanson
Patents (University of Northern Iowa)
In one aspect of the invention, an ion trap mass analyzer includes a variable- or multi-potential type ion guide (MPIG) assembly which has been pre-configured to produce a parabolic-type potential field. Each MPIG electrode has a resistive coating of designed characteristics. In one example the coating varies in thickness along the length of an underlying uniform substrate. The MPIG assembly can be a single MPIG electrode or an array of a plurality of MPIG electrodes. An array can facilitate delocalization for improved performance. This chemical modification of a uniform underlying substrate promotes cheaper and flexible instruments. The modified MPIG electrodes …
Molecular And Phenotypic Studies Validating The Role Of The Ecdysone Receptor In The Human Parasite Brugia Malayi,
2015
University of South Florida
Molecular And Phenotypic Studies Validating The Role Of The Ecdysone Receptor In The Human Parasite Brugia Malayi, Amruta Mhashilkar
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Filariasis and onchocerciasis are debilitating diseases affecting 120 million people globally. The massive socio-economic impact of these diseases energized the international community to declare a goal of eliminating filariasis 2020. This resulted in a dramatic increase in the efforts to eliminate filariasis and onchocerciasis, employing a strategy of mass drug administration (MDA). However, these programs rely upon the small arsenal of drugs. This leaves these programs vulnerable to failure in the face of developing resistance and local intolerance to the current drug regimens. Thus, new drugs against these infections are critically needed. A homologue of the ecdysone receptor (EcR), a …
Hepatic Nutrient And Hormonal Regulation Of The Pancreatic-Derived Factor (Pander) Promoter,
2015
University of South Florida
Hepatic Nutrient And Hormonal Regulation Of The Pancreatic-Derived Factor (Pander) Promoter, Whitney Ratliff
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
PANcreatic-DERived factor (PANDER, FAM3B) has been shown to regulate glycemic levels via interactions with both pancreatic islets and the liver. Although PANDER is predominantly expressed from the endocrine pancreas, recent work has provided sufficient evidence that the liver may also be an additional tissue source of PANDER production. At physiological levels, PANDER is capable of disrupting insulin signaling and promoting increased hepatic glucose production. As shown in some animal models, strong expression of PANDER, induced by viral delivery within the liver, induces hepatic steatosis. However, no studies to date have explicitly characterized the transcriptional regulation of PANDER from the liver. …
