Cgrp Modulation Of Intracellular Calcium Levels In Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons And Glia,
2025
Missouri State University
Cgrp Modulation Of Intracellular Calcium Levels In Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons And Glia, Nicole M. Nalley
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
Elevated levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are implicated in migraine and TMD pathology, but its effects on the excitability state of Aδ and C-fiber neurons and glia have not been investigated. The goal of this study was to determine changes mediated by CGRP on intracellular calcium levels in trigeminal ganglion neurons and glia in response to depolarizing stimulation. Intracellular calcium levels were determined in Aδ and C-fiber neurons of primary trigeminal ganglion cultures obtained from neonatal Sprague Dawley rats using Fura-2 and fluorescent microscopy. Cells were left untreated or preincubated for 2 hours with CGRP, then incubated with the …
Characterizing A Rad23 Dependent Ultraviolet Radiation Resistance In Tetrahymena Thermophila,
2025
Missouri State University
Characterizing A Rad23 Dependent Ultraviolet Radiation Resistance In Tetrahymena Thermophila, Emma June Liimatta
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
In 2020, 10 million deaths were attributed to cancer, with multidrug resistance being responsible for over 90% of deaths in cancer patients receiving treatment. This study utilized the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila to study how cells become resistant to Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) radiation, a process similar to multidrug resistance, specifically focusing on the nucleotide excision repair and ubiquitin shuttle protein Rad23. The National Cancer Institute documented 30-60% of cancers tested had a mutation in RAD23. Knockdown of RAD23 in Tetrahymena thermophila demonstrated a UV resistance phenotype with decreased nucleotide excision repair and differential expression of proteins active within caspase-independent …
The Role Of Host Factor Sptbn1 In Hiv-1 Capsid Uncoating In Human Microglial Cells,
2025
Missouri State University
The Role Of Host Factor Sptbn1 In Hiv-1 Capsid Uncoating In Human Microglial Cells, Callie Marie Fry
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and currently, there is no cure once an individual is infected. The development of new drugs targeting HIV-1 replication steps is essential for keeping viral loads low or undetectable to prevent further transmission. An attractive replication step for new drug targets is viral capsid uncoating, where the virus loses the protein structure encapsulating the genome. The exact mechanism of capsid uncoating is unknown; however, several host-factors may be involved including protein SPTBN1. Recent studies have shown a significant decrease in viral infectivity when SPTBN1 is knocked down, yet its role …
Molecular Insights Into The Impact Of Bone Marrow Stroma, Cb-6644 Inhibition Of The Ruvbl1/2 Complex, And Cebpβ On Regulating Drug Sensitivity In Multiple Myeloma,
2025
West Virginia University
Molecular Insights Into The Impact Of Bone Marrow Stroma, Cb-6644 Inhibition Of The Ruvbl1/2 Complex, And Cebpβ On Regulating Drug Sensitivity In Multiple Myeloma, Sebastian Adam Dziadowicz
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Multiple myeloma (MM), is a hematological cancer originating in plasma cells. Currently multiple myeloma represents a significant clinical challenge due its incurable nature mainly due to inevitable drug resistance. MM is characterized by abnormal plasma cell proliferation within the bone marrow and production of abnormal immunoglobulin resulting in a plethora of physiological abnormalities. Although a rare malignancy, MM accounts for 1% of all cancers and currently has five-year survival rate of around 50%. Utilizing a combination of laboratory experiments and bioinformatics techniques, this dissertation examines multiple layers of MM physiology in the context of regulating drug resistance or sensitivity. First, …
Bridging The Gap Between Structural And Cellular Biology: Insight Into The Organization Of Glycolytic Enzymes In Cells,
2025
West Virginia University
Bridging The Gap Between Structural And Cellular Biology: Insight Into The Organization Of Glycolytic Enzymes In Cells, Heather Hansen
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Glycolytic enzymes are spatially organized in the cytoplasm, and are shown to localize with cellular structures such as the plasma membrane, F-actin, mitochondria, or associate independently within the cytosol. The assembly of these enzymes is hypothesized to regulate pathway flux to meet the energetic needs of the cell. However, it is unclear whether all of these assemblies have the same mechanism of formation or function in the cell. We investigated the role of glycolytic enzyme assemblies in cells, using the glycolytic “gatekeeper” enzyme phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1). PFK1 is extensively regulated by multiple mechanisms, including over 20 allosteric ligands, post translational modifications, …
Caspases Protect Against Hyperglycemia Induced Necroptosis-Like Cell Death In Brain Endothelial Cells,
2025
Lehman College, City University of New York
Caspases Protect Against Hyperglycemia Induced Necroptosis-Like Cell Death In Brain Endothelial Cells, Aleena S. Mathew
Theses and Dissertations
Acute diabetes characterized by high spikes in blood glucose levels in association with severe hyperglycemia can lead to an increased risk of ischemic stroke in the brain. To better understand high blood glucose levels, hyperglycemia, in the brain we explored its effects on endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line the inner walls of blood vessels and are directly impacted in hyperglycemia. Brain endothelial cells are a major component of the blood brain barrier (BBB) which tightly regulates the brain’s microenvironment. The type of cell death such as apoptosis, caspase dependent, or necroptosis, caspase independent, can exacerbate diabetes associated complications. There is …
Characterization Of Dietary And Hormonal Influences On Renal Sodium Transporters And Channels In Rodent Models,
2025
Claremont Colleges
Characterization Of Dietary And Hormonal Influences On Renal Sodium Transporters And Channels In Rodent Models, Evelyn Chan
Scripps Senior Theses
Within kidneys, a diverse array of renal epithelial cells works to maintain electrolyte and water balance to regulate blood pressure and pH. These cells contain varying types of sodium transporters that adjust sodium reabsorption according to the body’s needs. Previous studies have observed sex-specific differences in renal sodium transporter regulation, which are thought to optimize reproduction in females. In this study, we performed high resolution microscopy and detailed characterization of cell type-specific expression and localization of major sodium transporters and channels in rodents in response to dietary and hormonal influences. Specifically, we examined the impact of dietary salt intake and …
Chromosome Segregation Dynamics During Meiosis I, Meiosis Ii, And Mitosis Cell Divisions In Acheta Domesticus (House Crickets),
2025
Bucknell University
Chromosome Segregation Dynamics During Meiosis I, Meiosis Ii, And Mitosis Cell Divisions In Acheta Domesticus (House Crickets), Sweta Aryal
Master’s Theses
Chromosomes exhibit diverse types of organization and movement during the cell division process. Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction, producing haploid cells from diploid precursors. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up, and separate in anaphase I, with two chromatids moving toward each pole. In meiosis II, the sister chromatids move to opposite poles during anaphase II and produce haploid cells. In contrast, in mitosis, the chromosomes are copied and distributed to produce genetically identical diploid somatic cells. Understanding the behavior of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis is significant for accurate chromosome segregation to prevent birth defects and diseases like …
Evaluation Of Sex Trivalent Chromosome In Giant Shield Mantis (Rhombodera Megaera) And Holocentric Chromosome In Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus Fasciatus),
2025
Bucknell University
Evaluation Of Sex Trivalent Chromosome In Giant Shield Mantis (Rhombodera Megaera) And Holocentric Chromosome In Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus Fasciatus), Hedyeh Davoudi Kianersi
Master’s Theses
Aneuploidy, which refers to the abnormal number of chromosomes within a haploid set, has a significant effect in both physical and cognitive process of development. Proper chromosome segregation during cell division is crucial to prevent aneuploidy. Chromosome segregation is affected by the alignment of chromosomes on the metaphase plate as well as the position of centromere on the chromosome. Many arthropod species have sex chromosomes that either naturally are unpaired or pair in ways that differ for the usual patterns for autosomes. Also, some arthropods possess unique centromere position on their chromosomes which directly affects chromosome segregation pattern. Evaluating the …
Exploring The Effects Of Road Salt On Earthworm Species,
2025
The University of Akron
Exploring The Effects Of Road Salt On Earthworm Species, Alea Mry Koston
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This study examines the effects of two road salts, sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), on the health of two earthworm species: Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris. Over a 4-week period, approximately 168 earthworms were exposed to varying concentrations of either NaCl, CMA, or mixed ratios of both, with a control group included for comparison. The experiment involved monitoring the changes in earthworm weight and measuring their contraction rates to determine physiological responses. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in weight or activity between NaCl and CMA treatments for either species. However, higher concentrations of NaCl resulted in …
Micro- And Nano-Plastics Preparation And Their Impact On Cobetia Marina,
2025
University of Rhode Island
Micro- And Nano-Plastics Preparation And Their Impact On Cobetia Marina, Lauren Lamothe
Open Access Master's Theses
Plastic pollution has become an increasing threat to marine and coastal environments. Macroplastics derived from consumer waste are broken down by chemical and physical degradation processes, resulting in micro- and nano-plastics (MPs and NPs). This thesis presents an investigation into the MP and NP pollution in the sea surface microlayer (SSML). The SSML contains surface active compounds and natural and anthropogenic matter. This study provides insight into the deeper impacts on the transport and fate of MPs and NPs and on marine bacteria. The first chapter works through the breakdown of plastic particles with the use of a top-down approach …
Plastics And Their Interactions With Bacterial Biofilms Of Synechococcus Sp. Pcc 7002 And Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917,
2025
University of Rhode Island
Plastics And Their Interactions With Bacterial Biofilms Of Synechococcus Sp. Pcc 7002 And Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917, Jackson Zmich
Open Access Master's Theses
Plastic waste is a leading global pollutant with increasing concerns, as recent studies have shown that these wastes are not only concentrated on a macro scale but on a micro and nano scale. These micro- and nano- sized plastic particles, denoted as MPs and NPs, have been measured in marine and freshwater sources, air, food products, and within biosolids expelled from organisms, including humans. Due to their small size, MNPs are entering organisms through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. [1] Humans are ingesting MNPs daily, with median rates of approximately 200 ng/capita/day for children and 600 ng/capita/day for adults. [2] …
Dusp8 Gene Expression Is Increased Upon The Stimulation Of Hek293 Cells,
2025
Grand Valley State University
Dusp8 Gene Expression Is Increased Upon The Stimulation Of Hek293 Cells, Oanh Vo, Lukas Macha
Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts
Dual specificity phosphatase 8 (DUSP8) is one of the phosphatases that oppose the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Previous mouse studies have demonstrated the functional role of DUSP8 in regulating cardiomyocyte growth. However, it is still unclear how the activity of DUSP8 is regulated, and little is known about the regulation of DUSP8 at the gene level. The goal of this study is to determine whether the DUSP8 gene is immediately transcribed upon MAPK activation in the cells. Here, we found that the expression of the DUSP8 gene was significantly increased after stimulation of cells for 30, 60, 90, and …
Biomechanics Of The Atherosclerotic Lipidome: (Un)Expected Statin Interactions And Membrane Remodelling,
2025
Pomona College
Biomechanics Of The Atherosclerotic Lipidome: (Un)Expected Statin Interactions And Membrane Remodelling, Ethan M. Fong
Pomona Senior Theses
Statins interact with lipid membranes in ways that shape their pharmacokinetics, off-target effects, and pleiotropic actions, yet these interactions' mechanical and biophysical consequences remain poorly understood. This thesis employs a combination of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and rheological modelling to characterize how representative statins intercalate within biomimetic supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) of healthy and diseased composition. SPR reveals that lipophilic statins exhibit higher apparent affinities and slower dissociation kinetics, especially in cholesterol- and anionic lipid-rich membranes. QCM-D analyses demonstrate that statins alter membrane mass, dissipation, and interfacial stiffness in a statin- and membrane-dependent …
Temporal Dynamics Of Programmed Genome Rearrangement In Sea Lamprey Embryogenesis: A Deep Learning & Lightsheet Imaging Approach To Studying Early Developmental Transitions,
2025
University of Kentucky
Temporal Dynamics Of Programmed Genome Rearrangement In Sea Lamprey Embryogenesis: A Deep Learning & Lightsheet Imaging Approach To Studying Early Developmental Transitions, Kasturi Rajandran
Theses and Dissertations--Biology
Programmed genome rearrangement (PGR) in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) leads to the elimination of ~0.5Gb (20%) of the germline genome during early embryogenesis, yet its timing relative to the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) remains unclear. In this study, we imaged embryos cleared at 3-hour intervals (up to 72 hours post fertilization (hpf)) using high-resolution lightsheet fluorescence microscopy and a custom deep-learning image-analysis pipeline (~80% accuracy) to quantify nuclei and micronuclei counts. Micronuclei, which are the hallmarks of PGR first appear between 24 to 27hpf (vs ~36hpf previously reported) indicating PGR starts earlier than previously reported in the sea …
The Role Of Metabolic Gate Keepers In Cell Fate Decision Making,
2025
University of Kentucky
The Role Of Metabolic Gate Keepers In Cell Fate Decision Making, Brian Kelly
Theses and Dissertations--Biology
Maintaining cellular energy balance and redox stability is crucial to cell survival, with glutamine metabolism playing a central role. While extensively studied in cancer, where it supports biosynthesis and reduces oxidative stress to promote tumor growth, its function in non-cancerous contexts like tissue development and muscle regeneration remains less understood. A key aspect of stem cell biology is quiescence, a metabolically dormant state that preserves the stem cell pool, yet the mechanisms regulating this state are not fully clear. Here, we identify glutamine metabolism as a critical factor governing myoblast proliferation and quiescence through a metabolic program distinct from that …
Mir-27a-3p Regulates Intestinal Cell Proliferation And Differentiation Through Wnt/Β-Catenin Signalling,
2025
University of Kentucky
Mir-27a-3p Regulates Intestinal Cell Proliferation And Differentiation Through Wnt/Β-Catenin Signalling, Chang Li, Yuning Zhou, Yinping Jiang, Zhijie Yin, Heidi L. Weiss, Qingding Wang, B. Mark Evers
Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications
Intestinal stem cells differentiate into absorptive enterocytes, characterised by increased brush border enzymes such as intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), making up the majority (95%) of the terminally differentiated cells in the villus. Loss of integrity of the intestinal epithelium plays a key role in inflammatory diseases and gastrointestinal infection. Here, we show that the intestinal microRNA (miR)-27a-3p is an important regulator of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and enterocyte differentiation. Repression of endogenous miR-27a-3p leads to increased enterocyte differentiation and decreased intestinal epithelial cell proliferation in mouse and human small intestinal organoids. Mechanistically, miR-27a-3p regulates intestinal cell differentiation and proliferation at …
Using Abandoned Model Systems And Historical Literature To Teach Modern Concepts And Techniques In Cell Biology,
2025
Bucknell University
Using Abandoned Model Systems And Historical Literature To Teach Modern Concepts And Techniques In Cell Biology, Leocadia V. Paliulis, Gunar Fabig, Sandra Stein, Silke Tulok, Anja Nobst, Chukwuebuka William Okafornta, Thomas Kurth, Thomas Müller-Reichert
Faculty Journal Articles
The cell biology literature of the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries is full of the seminal works that were critical for the development of our current understanding of biology but were done using model systems that are no longer commonly used. We argue that these historical papers are ideal for the development of course-based research experiences, both because the background work is conceptually and technically straightforward, and because the study of the abandoned systems stopped prior to the availability of modern techniques. These abandoned systems offer outstanding opportunities for teaching modern light and electron microscopy techniques, thus providing students with …
Elucidating The Effects Of Environmental And Physiological Conditions On Stem Cell Regulation In Vivo,
2025
University at Albany, State University of New York
Elucidating The Effects Of Environmental And Physiological Conditions On Stem Cell Regulation In Vivo, Nimmy John
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
The Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved intercellular signaling pathway that any dysregulation can lead to a variety of human diseases. These diseases are further exacerbated by various environmental, pathological and genetic conditions. Previous studies have shown that these conditions have been known to affect the Notch transcriptional response. However, the molecular mechanisms by which such conditions influence Notch signaling remained largely unknown. Moreover, most Notch studies have relied on in vitro systems and indirect reporters, which can miss the dynamic and contextual nature of Notch signaling. Here, we systematically analyzed the effects of these conditions with single molecule …
Accurate Body Weight Class Prediction From Mirna And Gene Expression In Blood And Saliva Samples,
2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Accurate Body Weight Class Prediction From Mirna And Gene Expression In Blood And Saliva Samples, Kimberly Lettner
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
miRNA interference on protein abundance related to glucose uptake and lipid production has been evaluated in biomedical research and linked to metabolic disorders like severe obesity. The direct regulation of protein abundance caused by miRNAs on a person’s metabolism can lead to an increased weight and overall size. Body size, measured by BMI, provides additional physical descriptions that can be combined with hair color, eye color, age, and skin pigment to aid investigations of unidentified remains or unknown suspects not found in a database. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the miRNA expression of target biomarkers in dried …
