New Types Of Morpho-Physiological Changes In Cells Exposed To Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field,
2013
Old Dominion University
New Types Of Morpho-Physiological Changes In Cells Exposed To Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field, Mikhail A. Rassokhin
Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences
Exposure of cells to a pulsed electric field (PEF) is the basis of multiple techniques and treatments. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) poses unique characteristics to induce subtle cellular effects while preserving cell integrity. Improving understanding of the mechanisms triggered by nsPEF in cells inspires new applications for the nanosecond pulse technology. Although many effects of nsPEF remain unknown, they can be inferred from morpho-physiologic changes, or cell reshaping, that accompany nsPEF exposure. During the exposure cells undergo reshaping that is manifested in swelling and diffuse blebbing. Recently we identified two new distinct forms of reshaping, pseudopod-like blebbing and microvesiculation, …
Germline Transgenic Methods For Tracking Cells And Testing Gene Function During Regeneration In The Axolotl,
2013
Gettysburg College
Germline Transgenic Methods For Tracking Cells And Testing Gene Function During Regeneration In The Axolotl, Shahryar Khattak, Maritta Schuez, Tobias Richter, Dunja Knapp, Saori L. Haigo, Tatiana Sandoval-Guzmán, Kristyna Hradlikova, Annett Duemmler, Ryan R. Kerney, Elly M. Tanaka
Biology Faculty Publications
The salamander is the only tetrapod that regenerates complex body structures throughout life. Deciphering the underlying molecular processes of regeneration is fundamental for regenerative medicine and developmental biology, but the model organism had limited tools for molecular analysis. We describe a comprehensive set of germline transgenic strains in the laboratory-bred salamander Ambystoma mexicanum(axolotl) that open up the cellular and molecular genetic dissection of regeneration. We demonstrate tissue-dependent control of gene expression in nerve, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, muscle, epidermis, and cartilage. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of tamoxifen-induced Cre/loxP-mediated recombination to indelibly mark different cell types. Finally, we inducibly …
Use Of Image Cytometry For Quantification Of Pathogenic Fungi In Association With Host Cells,
2013
Merrimack College
Use Of Image Cytometry For Quantification Of Pathogenic Fungi In Association With Host Cells, Charlotte A. Berkes, Leo Li-Ying Chan, Alisha Wilkinson, Benjamin Paradis
Biology Faculty Publications
Studies of the cellular pathogenesis mechanisms of pathogenic yeasts such as Candida albicans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Cryptococcus neoformans commonly employ infection of mammalian hosts or host cells (i.e. macrophages) followed by yeast quantification using colony forming unit analysis or flow cytometry. While colony forming unit enumeration has been the most commonly used method in the field, this technique has disadvantages and limitations, including slow growth of some fungal species on solid media and low and/or variable plating efficiencies, which is of particular concern when comparing growth of wild-type and mutant strains. Flow cytometry can provide rapid quantitative information regarding yeast …
Plant Cytoskeleton: Della Connects Gibberellins To Microtubules,
2013
Washington University in St Louis
Plant Cytoskeleton: Della Connects Gibberellins To Microtubules, Ram Dixit
Biology Faculty Research
A new study reveals that DELLA proteins directly interact with the prefoldin complex, thus regulating tubulin subunit availability in a gibberellin-dependent manner. This finding provides a mechanistic link between the growth-promoting plant hormone gibberellin and cortical microtubule organization.
Associations Between Alcohol Consumption And Fasting Blood Glucose In Young Adults,
2013
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Associations Between Alcohol Consumption And Fasting Blood Glucose In Young Adults, Julie Ann Lucca
Master's Theses
Current research shows moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of diabetes and excessive consumption or binge drinking can cause insulin resistance and diabetes. In 2010, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United Statesand was responsible for significant health complications: blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations, and is a large national economic burden. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) is a tool used to help diagnose diabetes. Abnormally high FBG, ≥100 mg/dl, is indicative of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Few studies have observed diabetic prevalence among young adults or college students. Studying young adults can help provide added …
Validation Of Antibodies Used To Study Hypoxia Inducible Factors In Two Species Of Fundulus,
2013
University of New Orleans
Validation Of Antibodies Used To Study Hypoxia Inducible Factors In Two Species Of Fundulus, Jenna D. Hill
LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations
Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors and the master regulators of oxygen-dependent gene expression in animals. The focus of this thesis is the distribution of HIF protein in tissues of the fish Fundulus heteroclitus and F. grandis, two widespread species that occur in naturally hypoxic waters. Polyclonal antibodies against HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-3α were tested on proteins made in vitro and on extracts made from several tissues of normoxic and hypoxic fish. Antibodies against HIF-1α and 3α bound specifically to full length protein made in vitro, and produced bands on western blots of nuclear extracts of near …
Dikar-Induced Synthetic Lethality In A Drosophila Model Of Cag Repeat Diseases Does Not Result From An Expression Feedback Loop,
2013
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Dikar-Induced Synthetic Lethality In A Drosophila Model Of Cag Repeat Diseases Does Not Result From An Expression Feedback Loop, Daniel Camacho
Honors Scholar Theses
Human CAG repeat diseases manifest themselves through the common pathology of neurodeneration. This pathological link is attributed to the property shared by all nine of these diseases: an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract. The most evident result of polyQ expansion is protein aggregation, and it is believed that this phenomenon is partly responsible for conferring cytotoxic properties on the mutated protein. Apart from sequestering the mutated protein, cellular aggregates are able to incorporate native proteins via polyQ-mediated aggregation, thus disrupting important cellular pathways. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a disease model, researchers have been able to compile collections of these so-called disease …
Investigations In Enhancing The Reproducibility Of Implantable Amperometric Glucose Biosensors For Mass Production,
2013
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Investigations In Enhancing The Reproducibility Of Implantable Amperometric Glucose Biosensors For Mass Production, Dipesh Manharbhai Patel
Honors Scholar Theses
Implantable glucose sensors for Diabetes management should possess several attributes such as linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, long life time and should elicit no negative tissue response. Based on this, the UConn implantable glucose sensor team has developed a 5-layer sensor architecture that simultaneously affords the aforementioned requirements. However, the large scale production of these 5-layer sensors is inhibited by the lack of high sensor-to-sensor reproducibility. Herein, we investigate the origin of sensor-to-sensor irreproducibility and develop methodologies for large-scale fabrication of these devices.
Mechanisms Underlying The Heterogeneous Sensitivities Of Cancer Cells To Proteasome Inhibitors,
2013
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Mechanisms Underlying The Heterogeneous Sensitivities Of Cancer Cells To Proteasome Inhibitors, Matthew C. White
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
The mechanisms underlying cellular response to proteasome inhibitors have not been clearly elucidated in solid tumor models. Evidence suggests that the ability of a cell to manage the amount of proteotoxic stress following proteasome inhibition dictates survival. In this study using the FDA-approved proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade®) in solid tumor cells, we demonstrated that perhaps the most critical response to proteasome inhibition is repression of global protein synthesis by phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2-α subunit (eIF2α). In a panel of 10 distinct human pancreatic cancer cells, we showed marked heterogeneity in the ability of cancer cells to induce …
Characterizing The Role Of Cortactin In Actin Pedestal Assembly By Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli (Ehec),
2013
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Characterizing The Role Of Cortactin In Actin Pedestal Assembly By Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli (Ehec), Sarah E. Grout
Honors Scholar Theses
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a major foodborne cause of bloody diarrhea and renal failure. During colonization of the intestine, EHEC injects the transmembrane receptor protein Tir and the cytoplasmic effector protein EspFU into host cells to reorganize the actin cytoskeleton into adhesion “pedestals.” EspFU has been shown to bind and activate the actin nucleation factor N-WASP to drive actin polymerization into pedestals. However, EspFU can still assemble pedestals in cells lacking N-WASP, suggesting that this effector protein is able to also trigger N-WASP-independent pathways of actin polymerization during infection. Cortactin is an atypical nucleation factor that localizes to pedestals, …
Oxidative Stress For An Acute Bout Of Bikram Yoga In Healthy, Trained Adults,
2013
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Oxidative Stress For An Acute Bout Of Bikram Yoga In Healthy, Trained Adults, Kimberly Anne Trocio
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
BACKGROUND:Generation of free radicals resulting in oxidative damage has been linked to cellular damage, aging, and human disease. Many studies have reported that physical exercise can contribute to oxidative stress. Further, exercise in a hyperthermic environment can promote additional oxidative stress. It is important to consider that practices in yoga may be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress according to some studies. The compound effects of exercise and hyperthermic exposure are experienced in the practice of Bikram yoga, the original "hot" yoga. Because Bikram yoga and other hot exercise classes are an increasingly growing fitness trend, it is necessary to investigate …
Molecular Mechanisms Of Vascular Disease In Patients With Rare Variants In Myh11,
2013
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Molecular Mechanisms Of Vascular Disease In Patients With Rare Variants In Myh11, Callie Kwartler
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) are the primary disease affecting the thoracic ascending aorta, with an incidence rate of 10.4/100,000. Although about 20% of patients carry a mutation in a single gene that causes their disease, the remaining 80% of patients may also have genetic factors that increase their risk for developing TAAD. Many of the genes that predispose to TAAD encode proteins involved in smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction and the disease-causing mutations are predicted to disrupt contractile function. SMCs are the predominant cell type in the ascending aortic wall. Mutations in MYH11, encoding the smooth muscle …
The P63 Isoform ∆Np63Α Inhibits Epithelial – Mesenchymal Transition By Promoting The Expression Of Mir-205 In Human Bladder Cancer Cells,
2013
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
The P63 Isoform ∆Np63Α Inhibits Epithelial – Mesenchymal Transition By Promoting The Expression Of Mir-205 In Human Bladder Cancer Cells, Mai Tran
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
p63, a p53 family member, is a transcription factor that has complex roles in cancer. This study focuses on the role of the ∆Np63α isoform in bladder cancer (BC). Epithelial – mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process that plays an important part in metastasis and drug resistance. At the molecular level, EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, and the acquisition of the transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin (ZEB1, ZEB2, TWIST, SNAI1 and SNAI2). Recent publications highlight the role of microRNAs belonging to the miR-200 family and miR-205 in preventing EMT through suppression of ZEB1 and …
Investigating The Roles Of The P63 Isoforms In The Microrna Biogenesis Pathway,
2013
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Investigating The Roles Of The P63 Isoforms In The Microrna Biogenesis Pathway, Deepavali Chakravarti
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
MicroRNAs play roles in various biological processes like development, tumorigenesis, metastasis and pluripotency. My thesis work has demonstrated roles for p63, a p53 family member, in the upstream regulation of microRNA biogenesis. The p63 gene has a complex gene structure and has multiple isoforms. The TAp63 isoforms contain an acidic transcription activation domain. The ΔNp63 isoforms, lack the TA domain, but have a proline rich region critical for gene transactivation. To understand the functions of these isoforms, the Flores lab generated TAp63 and ΔNp63 conditional knock out mice. Using these mice and tissues and cells from these mice we have …
Nuclear Localization Of Cpi-17, A Protein Phosphatase-1 Inhibitor Protein, Affects Histone H3 Phosphorylation And Corresponds To Proliferation Of Cancer And Smooth Muscle Cells.,
2013
Thomas Jefferson University
Nuclear Localization Of Cpi-17, A Protein Phosphatase-1 Inhibitor Protein, Affects Histone H3 Phosphorylation And Corresponds To Proliferation Of Cancer And Smooth Muscle Cells., Masumi Eto, Jason A Kirkbride, Rishika Chugh, Nana Kofi Karikari, Jee In Kim
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Faculty Papers
CPI-17 (C-kinase-activated protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) inhibitor, 17kDa) is a cytoplasmic protein predominantly expressed in mature smooth muscle (SM) that regulates the myosin-associated PP1 holoenzyme (MLCP). Here, we show CPI-17 expression in proliferating cells, such as pancreatic cancer and hyperplastic SM cells. Immunofluorescence showed that CPI-17 was concentrated in nuclei of human pancreatic cancer (Panc1) cells. Nuclear accumulation of CPI-17 was also detected in the proliferating vascular SM cell culture and cells at neointima of rat vascular injury model. The N-terminal 21-residue tail domain of CPI-17 was necessary for the nuclear localization. Phospho-mimetic Asp-substitution of CPI-17 at Ser12 attenuated the nuclear …
Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway: Effects Of Calcium On Murine Cytochrome C Release In Brain And Liver Mitochondria,
2013
Liberty University
Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway: Effects Of Calcium On Murine Cytochrome C Release In Brain And Liver Mitochondria, Dane M. Edwards
Senior Honors Theses
A cell may use one of three main apoptotic pathways leading to programmed cell death: the extrinsic pathway, the perforin/granzyme pathway and the intrinsic pathway. The most pertinent to this discussion is the intrinsic pathway, which utilizes the mitochondria as an essential intermediary. Mitochondria’s primary function in relation to this pathway is the subsequent release of pro-apoptotic factors including cytochrome c, which activate a caspase cascade leading to the death of the cell. Cytochrome c is released partly due to an increase in cytosolic calcium levels. Two methods of the release of cytochrome c have been proposed. The first is …
Effects Of Synthetic Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors On 3t3l1 Preadipocyte Adipogenic Differentiation Potential,
2013
Louisiana State University
Effects Of Synthetic Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors On 3t3l1 Preadipocyte Adipogenic Differentiation Potential, Vikramjeet Singh
Honors Capstones
No abstract provided.
A Myosin-Va Tail Fragment Sequesters Dynein Light Chains Leading To Apoptosis In Melanoma Cells,
2013
University of Sao Paulo
A Myosin-Va Tail Fragment Sequesters Dynein Light Chains Leading To Apoptosis In Melanoma Cells, Tc Izidoro-Toledo, Ac Borges, Dd Araujo, Dps Leitao Mazzi, Fo Nascimento Junior, Jf Sousa, Cp Alves, Apb Paiva, Dm Trindade, Ev Patussi, Pablo M. Peixoto, Kw Kinnally, Em Espreafico
Publications and Research
Previous studies proposed that myosin-Va regulates apoptosis by sequestering pro-apoptotic Bmf to the actin cytoskeleton through dynein light chain-2 (DLC2). Adhesion loss or other cytoskeletal perturbations would unleash Bmf, allowing it to bind and inhibit pro-survival Bcl2 proteins. Here, we demonstrated that over expression of a myosin-Va medial tail fragment (MVaf) harboring the binding site for DLC2 dramatically decreased melanoma cell viability. Morphological and molecular changes, including surface blebbing, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, cytochrome-c and Smac release, as well as caspase-9/-3 activation and DNA fragmentation indicated that melanoma cells died of apoptosis. Immobilized MVaf interacted directly with DLCs, but complexed …
Expression Of Growth Arrest And Dna Damage Protein 45-Alpha (Gadd45-Alpha) And The Ccaat/Enhancer Binding Protein-Delta (C/Ebp-Delta) In Fishes Exposed To Heat And Hypoxia,
2013
Portland State University
Expression Of Growth Arrest And Dna Damage Protein 45-Alpha (Gadd45-Alpha) And The Ccaat/Enhancer Binding Protein-Delta (C/Ebp-Delta) In Fishes Exposed To Heat And Hypoxia, Daniel Omar Hassumani
Dissertations and Theses
The cellular stress response (CSR) is one of the most highly conserved mechanisms among all organisms. Cellular stress can be defined as damage or the threat of damage to proteins, macromolecules and/or DNA. The response to damage can involve cell cycle regulation, protein chaperoning, DNA repair or, if macromolecular damage is too severe, apoptotic mechanisms can be initiated. This thesis details experiments that were designed to examine the cellular response to non-lethal environmental stressors at the protein level, using two fish species as study models. Two proteins that can cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mechanisms were examined. Expression of …
Metabolic Rescue Of “Glucose Addicted” Cancer Cells In Vitro,
2013
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Metabolic Rescue Of “Glucose Addicted” Cancer Cells In Vitro, Paolo Vignali
Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee
Transformations in the glycolytic metabolism of neoplasms modulate their robust cellular division. This characteristic leads to an “addiction” to glucose for continued proliferation and viability. This study investigated whether glucose metabolites could rescue cellular viability in glucose-starvation conditions, a model of the inter-tumoral nutrient-deficient environment. Findings illustrated potential cellular viability rescue with pyruvate addition in glucose-deprived conditions, yet the same potential was not observed with lactic acid, a metabolite that exists at characteristically high concentrations within the intertumoral microenvironment. These results could implicate a predominance of certain metabolic pathways in nutrient-starved cells. Molecular transport capacities across plasma membranes are tied …
