Determination Of The Amino Acids Involved In The Interactions Between Dpy-30 And Ash2l, Key Components Of The Mll1 Core Complex,
2011
Syracuse University
Determination Of The Amino Acids Involved In The Interactions Between Dpy-30 And Ash2l, Key Components Of The Mll1 Core Complex, Carey Stuart
Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All
The human version of the DPY-30 protein is homologous to the DPY-30 protein in Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode), along with other DPY-30 homologous proteins in other organisms. This protein is involved in dosage compensation of X-linked genes, balancing the levels of expression of these genes between the sexes. The mechanism by which the balancing is carried out varies from organism to organism. For example, in C. elegans hermaphrodites (XX), transcript levels of the X-linked genes are cut in half. In Drosophila, the genes on the male’s (XY) X chromosome are transcribed at twice the rate of the female’s (XX) genes. …
Microrna Regulation Of Prostate Cancer Desensitization To Androgen Receptor Antagonist Drugs During Androgen Deprivation Therapy,
2011
University of Central Florida
Microrna Regulation Of Prostate Cancer Desensitization To Androgen Receptor Antagonist Drugs During Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Robert A. Lorch
HIM 1990-2015
The current standard treatment of prostate cancer by androgen deprivation therapy involves using drugs such as bicalutamide (Casodex) to antagonistically block androgen receptors that are normally present within prostate cells. Usually, the therapy is successful in the short run at limiting the growth of prostate cancer. However, in virtually all cases tumors begin to grow aggressively again after several months of treatment and new therapies must be started. The mechanism by which these prostate cells transform from androgen sensitive to androgen independent and anti-androgen resistant is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of microRNAs, small 15 to 18 …
Cross-Talk Of Retinoic Acid And Adrenergic Hormone Signaling May Influence Development Of Cardiac Conduction And Rhythmicity In Utero,
2011
University of Central Florida
Cross-Talk Of Retinoic Acid And Adrenergic Hormone Signaling May Influence Development Of Cardiac Conduction And Rhythmicity In Utero, Sabikha Alam
HIM 1990-2015
Stress hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline, have been shown to be critical for heart development. Mice lacking dopamine greek lower case letter beta]-hydroxylase (Dbh), an enzyme responsible for synthesis of these adrenergic hormones, die during mid-gestation due to cardiac failure. Prior research showed that adrenergic cells are found within the electrical conduction system of the heart, and adrenergic deficiency leads to slowed cardiac conduction during embryogenesis. Microarray analysis of wild-type (Dbh+/+) and knockout (Dbh-/-) mouse hearts revealed significant differences in expression of retinoic acid (RA) signaling genes. RA signaling has also been shown to be critical for heart development. These data …
Analysis Of The Repair Of Topoisomerase Ii Dna Damage,
2011
University of Central Florida
Analysis Of The Repair Of Topoisomerase Ii Dna Damage, Eric D. Goldstein
HIM 1990-2015
A large number of anti-cancer chemotherapeutics target DNA topoisomerases. Etoposide is a specific topoisomerase II poison which causes reversible double strand DNA breaks. The focus of this project is to analyze the repair of DNA damage induced by etoposide.. Double strand DNA break repair is mediated by through either non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination. NHEJ repairs through direct ligation of a double stranded break while homologous recombination utilizes a homologous template to recover the wild type sequence. A reporter cassette, RYDR-GFP, has been stably integrated into HeLa cells. This reporter contains an ultra-high affinity topoisomerase II cleavage site …
A Tripartile Biosensor For Real-Time Snss Detection In Dna Hairpin Motif,
2011
University of Central Florida
A Tripartile Biosensor For Real-Time Snss Detection In Dna Hairpin Motif, Camha Nguyen
HIM 1990-2015
The hybridization between two complementary strands of nucleic acid is the basis for a number of applications in DNA and RNA analysis, including in vivo RNA monitoring, microarrays, SNPs detection, and so on. The short oligonucleotide probes form Watson/Crick base pairs (A-T and G-C) with the analyzed nucleic acid. Molecular beacon (MB) probe is one of the most advantageous tools for nucleic acid analysis in real-time. A traditional MB probe consists of a DNA strand folded in hairpin motif with a fluorophore attached to the 5'end and a quencher attached to the 3' end. The loop segment is complementary to …
Plant-Made Oral Vaccines Evaluation Of Capsules,
2011
University of Central Florida
Plant-Made Oral Vaccines Evaluation Of Capsules, James Stewart New
HIM 1990-2015
Antigen expression through the Chloroplast Transformation Technology (CTT) produces bioencapsulated subunit-vaccines, capable of eliciting immune responses when delivered orally. Considerable challenges to effective plant-based vaccines are the normalization of dosage and preservation of accumulated antigen, which is complicated by variable high water content and protease activity. This study critically examines the efficacy of lyophilization in dehydrating plant-tissues and preserving plant-derived antigens with vaccine potential. Lyophilization was optimized through gravimetric analysis using lettuce expressing Protective Antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis (LS-HPAG) and the human autoantigen Proinsulin (Pins) fused to Cholera toxin subunit B (LS-CTB-Pins). Lyophilization for 48-hours was sufficient treatment to …
Characterization Of The Phytochelatin Synthase Of Schistosoma Mansoni,
2011
Rush University
Characterization Of The Phytochelatin Synthase Of Schistosoma Mansoni, Debalina Ray, David L. Williams
Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences
Treatment for schistosomiasis, which is responsible for more than 280,000 deaths annually, depends exclusively on the use of praziquantel. Millions of people are treated annually with praziquantel and drug resistant parasites are likely to evolve. In order to identify novel drug targets the Schistosoma mansoni sequence databases were queried for proteins involved in glutathione metabolism. One potential target identified was phytochelatin synthase (PCS). Phytochelatins are oligopeptides synthesized enzymatically from glutathione by PCS that sequester toxic heavy metals in many organisms. However, humans do not have a PCS gene and do not synthesize phytochelatins. In this study we have characterized the …
Protein-Lipid Interactions: Influence Of Anchoring Groups And Buried Arginine On The Properties Of Membrane-Spanning Peptides,
2011
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Protein-Lipid Interactions: Influence Of Anchoring Groups And Buried Arginine On The Properties Of Membrane-Spanning Peptides, Vitaly V. Vostrikov
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Designed transmembrane peptides were employed for investigations of protein-lipid interactions by means of oriented solid-state deuterium NMR spectroscopy using isotope-enriched alanine residues. Using the model GWALP23 sequence (GGALW(LA)6LWLAGA) as a host peptide having single interfacial tryptophan anchor residues, the effects of different guest mutations were explored. Replacements of glycine residues 2 and 22 to positively charged lysine or arginine on both termini had little influence on the peptide average orientation. Conversely, glycine to tryptophan substitutions had profound effects, manifested in the increased dynamics and altered tilt direction of the peptide. While the charged residues at the peptide termini did not …
Synthetic Dosage Lethality Screen With Actin Cytoskeleton In Yeast,
2011
Syracuse University
Synthetic Dosage Lethality Screen With Actin Cytoskeleton In Yeast, Jessica Cho
Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All
The actin cytoskeleton is a vitally important organizing structure found in the cytoplasm of our cells. It contributes to essential cell functions from growth and cell division, development, signal transduction, adaptation, to gene expression. Interest in how regulation of the actin cytoskeleton---due to actin cytoskeleton's importance to cell function-may contribute to diverse human disease states such as the rampant cell division and metastasis that occurs in cancerous tissues. It has been further elucidated that many human genetic disorders are the result of complex haploinsufficiencies (CHI) and/or altered gene dosages at multiple loci. By reviewing a large number of potential Synthetic …
Mechanisms Regulating The P120-Catenin/Kaiso Pathway,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Mechanisms Regulating The P120-Catenin/Kaiso Pathway, Ji Yeon Hong
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
The Wnt pathways contribute to many processes in cancer and developmental biology, with β-catenin being a key canonical component. P120-catenin, which is structurally similar to β-catenin, regulates the expression of certain Wnt target genes, relieving repression conferred by the POZ/ zinc-finger transcription factor Kaiso. In my first project, employing Xenopus embryos and mammalian cell lines, I found that the degradation machinery of the canonical Wnt pathway modulates p120-catenin protein stability, especially p120 isoform-1, through mechanisms shared with b-catenin. Exogenous expression of destruction-complex components such as GSK3b or Axin promotes p120-catenin degradation, and consequently, is able to rescue developmental phenotypes resulting …
Characterization Of Ceriporiopsis Subvermispora Bicupin Oxalate Oxidase Expressed In Pichia Pastoris,
2011
University of Florida
Characterization Of Ceriporiopsis Subvermispora Bicupin Oxalate Oxidase Expressed In Pichia Pastoris, Patricia Moussatche, Alexander Angerhofer, Witcha Imaram, Eric Hoffer, Kelsey Uberto, Christopher Brooks, Crystal Bruce, Daniel Sledge, Nigel G. J. Richards, Ellen W. Moomaw
Faculty Articles
Oxalate oxidase (E.C. 1.2.3.4) catalyzes the oxygen-dependent oxidation of oxalate to carbon dioxide in a reaction that is coupled with the formation of hydrogen peroxide. Although there is currently no structural information available for oxalate oxidase fromCeriporiopsis subvermispora (CsOxOx), sequence data and homology modeling indicate that it is the first manganese-containing bicupin enzyme identified that catalyzes this reaction. Interestingly, CsOxOx shares greatest sequence homology with bicupin microbial oxalate decarboxylases (OxDC). We show that CsOxOx activity directly correlates with Mn content and other metals do not appear to be able to support catalysis. EPR spectra indicate that the Mn is present …
Molecular Modulation Of A-Subunit Visit-Dg Sequence Residue Asp-350 In The Catalytic Sites Of Escherichia Coli Atp Synthase.,
2011
East Tennessee State University
Molecular Modulation Of A-Subunit Visit-Dg Sequence Residue Asp-350 In The Catalytic Sites Of Escherichia Coli Atp Synthase., Sneha R. Jonnalagadda
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
ATP Synthase is the fundamental means of cellular energy production in animals, plants, and almost all microorganisms. In order to understand the mechanism of ATP catalysis, critical amino acid residues involved in Pi binding have to be identified. The αVISIT-DG sequence at the interface of α/β subunits that contains residues from 345-351 is highly conserved and αAsp-350 has been chosen because of its negative charge side chain and its close proximity (~2.8 Å) to the known phosphate binding residue αArg-376. The mutant's αD350R, αD350Q, αD350A, αR376A/D, and αG351R/A/D were generated by site directed mutagenesis and several biochemical assays were performed …
Biomass V2.0: A New Tool For Bioprocess Simulation,
2011
Clemson University
Biomass V2.0: A New Tool For Bioprocess Simulation, Y Phan-Thien
All Theses
A simulation software (BioMASS - Biological Modeling and Simulation Software) was upgraded from the previous version and provided with additional enhancements. Several new bioprocess configurations and their subroutines have been added. The additional processes included continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with biomass recycle, and CSTR with additional stream in the second stage. The primary goal in the development of BioMASS v2.0 was to provide users with a ready-to-use, expressive visual modeling tools. In this new version, output from simulation can be visualized in graphics. Printing, exporting, and saving file options also are available. In summary, BioMASS v2.0 offers an effective …
Molecular Mechanism By Which The Escherichia Coli Nucleoid Occlusion Factor, Slma, Keeps Cytokinesis In Check,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Molecular Mechanism By Which The Escherichia Coli Nucleoid Occlusion Factor, Slma, Keeps Cytokinesis In Check, Nam K. Tonthat
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Cell division or cytokinesis is one of the most fundamental processes in biology and is essential for the propagation of all living species. In Escherichia coli, cell division occurs by ingrowth of the membrane envelope at the cell center and is orchestrated by the FtsZ protein. FtsZ self-assembles into linear protofilaments in a GTP dependent manner to form a cytoskeletal scaffold called the Z-ring. The Z-ring provides the framework for the assembly of the division apparatus and determines the site of cytokinesis. The total amount of FtsZ molecules in a cell significantly exceeds the concentration required for Z-ring formation. Hence, …
The Role And Mechanism Of The Homeobox Gene Dlx4 In Transforming Growth Factor-B Resistance In Cancer,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
The Role And Mechanism Of The Homeobox Gene Dlx4 In Transforming Growth Factor-B Resistance In Cancer, Bon Q. Trinh
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) is a cytokine that plays essential roles in regulating embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. In normal cells, TGF-b exerts an anti-proliferative effect. TGF-b inhibits cell growth by controlling a cytostatic program that includes activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p15Ink4B and p21WAF1/Cip1 and repression of c-myc. In contrast to normal cells, many tumors are resistant to the anti-proliferative effect of TGF-b. In several types of tumors, particularly those of gastrointestinal origin, resistance to the anti-proliferative effect of TGF-b has been attributed to TGF-b receptor or Smad mutations. However, these mutations are absent from many …
A Novel Function For Aurora B Kinase In The Regulation Of P53 By Phosphorylation,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
A Novel Function For Aurora B Kinase In The Regulation Of P53 By Phosphorylation, Chris P. Gully
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
The mitotic kinase Aurora B plays a pivotal role in mitosis and cytokinesis and governs the spindle assembly checkpoint which ensures correct chromosome segregation and normal progression through mitosis. Aurora B is overexpressed in breast and other cancers and may be an important molecular target for chemotherapy. Tumor suppressor p53 is the guardian of the genome and an important negative regulator of the cell cycle. Previously, it was unknown whether Aurora B and p53 had mutual regulation during the cell cycle. A small molecule specific inhibitor of Aurora B, AZD1152, gave us an indication that Aurora B negatively impacted p53 …
Regulation Of Set1-Mediated Methylation Of Dam1,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Regulation Of Set1-Mediated Methylation Of Dam1, John A. Latham
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Eukaryotic genomes exist within a dynamic structure named chromatin in which DNA is wrapped around an octamer of histones forming the nucleosome. Histones are modified by a range of posttranslational modifications including methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, which are integral to a range of DNA-templated processes including transcriptional regulation. A hallmark for transcriptional activity is methylation of histone H3 on lysine (K) 4 within active gene promoters. In S. cerevisiae, H3K4 methylation is mediated by Set1 within the COMPASS complex. Methylation requires prior ubiquitination of histone H2BK123 by the E2-E3 ligases Rad6 and Bre1, as well as the Paf1 transcriptional …
The Role Of Il-6 In Adenosine-Mediated Pulmonary Fibrosis,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
The Role Of Il-6 In Adenosine-Mediated Pulmonary Fibrosis, Mesias Pedroza
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Adenosine is a purinergic signaling molecule that regulates various aspects of inflammation and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that adenosine up-regulates IL-6 production through the engagement of the A2B adenosine receptor in various cell types, including alveolar macrophages. IL-6 is elevated in mouse models and humans with chronic lung disease, suggesting a potential role in disease progression. Furthermore, chronic elevation of adenosine in the lungs of adenosine deaminase deficient (Ada-/-) mice leads to the development of pulmonary inflammation, alveolar destruction, and fibrosis, in conjunction with IL-6 elevation. …
Expression And Regulation Of Human Cytochrome P450 4f Isoforms In Tissue Samples And Under Tnf-Alpha Challenges,
2011
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Expression And Regulation Of Human Cytochrome P450 4f Isoforms In Tissue Samples And Under Tnf-Alpha Challenges, Jordan C. Bell
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
CYP4F (Cytochrome P4504F) enzymes metabolize endogenous molecules including leukotrienes, prostaglandins and arachidonic acid. The involvement of these endogenous compounds in inflammation has led to the hypothesis that changes in the inflamed tissue environment may affect the expression of CYP4Fs during the pro-inflammatory state, which in turn may modulate inflammatory conditions during the anti-inflammatory state. We demonstrated that inflamed tissues have different levels of CYP4F isoform expression profiles in a number of human samples when compared to the average population. The CYP4F isoform expression levels change with the degree of inflammation present in tissue. Further investigation in cell culture studies revealed …
Competition For Hydrogen-Bond Formation In The Helix-Coil Transition And Protein Folding,
2011
Portland State University
Competition For Hydrogen-Bond Formation In The Helix-Coil Transition And Protein Folding, A. V. Badasyan, S. A. Tonoyan, Y. S. Mamasakhlisov, A. Giacometti, Albert S. Benight, V. F. Morozov
Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations
The problem of the helix-coil transition of biopolymers in explicit solvents, such as water, with the ability for hydrogen bonding with a solvent is addressed analytically using a suitably modified version of the Generalized Model of Polypeptide Chains. Besides the regular helix-coil transition, an additional coil-helix or reentrant transition is also found at lower temperatures. The reentrant transition arises due to competition between polymer-polymer and polymer-water hydrogen bonds. The balance between the two types of hydrogen bonding can be shifted to either direction through changes not only in temperature, but also by pressure, mechanical force, osmotic stress, or other external …
