The Effect Of Hemodynamic Force On The Maturation Of Blood Vessels During Embryogenesis,
2017
Missouri State University
The Effect Of Hemodynamic Force On The Maturation Of Blood Vessels During Embryogenesis, Rachel Lee Padget
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
Throughout embryonic development, blood vessels are derived from endothelial cells by way of vasculogenesis. During angiogenesis, vessels remodel to form a hierarchy of large-diameter arteries that branch into small-diameter capillaries. In this maturation, vessels respond to unidentified signaling events to become surrounded with an outer layer of vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs). This results in arteries that have a thick vSMC layer, veins that have a thin vSMC layer, and capillaries that have a very thin or absent vSMC layer. What remains to be determined is the cause of the thicker layer of vSMCs around proximal arteries. Previous studies …
Eye Repair In Xenopus Laevis,
2017
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Eye Repair In Xenopus Laevis, Cindy Xuan-Mai Kha
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Eye development in vertebrates of complex steps that include specific interactions of the neuroectoderm and overlying head ectoderm. The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis (X. laevis), has a well-characterize eye developmental pathway and is an established model for eye regeneration research. Additionally, Xenopus frogs have high regenerative abilities to regenerate individual eye tissues such as the retina, lens, and cornea. However, it was previously shown that the removal of the specified eye field during the neurulation stage or an eye during the swimming tadpole stage does not permit an eye to regenerate. Here we will describe a model for investigating …
The Role Of Hemodynamic Force On Development Of The Mouse Embryonic Heart,
2017
Missouri State University
The Role Of Hemodynamic Force On Development Of The Mouse Embryonic Heart, Samantha Jean Fredrickson
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
The most common type of birth defects are congenital heart defects (or CHDs). Though a few cases of CHDs have been attributed to genetic defects specific to the heart, substance exposure, or to maternal disease, the cause of most CHDs is unknown. Thus, further research is needed to determine how CHDs form. Very few studies have investigated how physiological factors like perturbations of blood flow can affect normal heart development. For instance, increasing or decreasing the resistance to blood flow can alter development of the heart in both zebrafish and chicken embryos. This could be one mechanism to explain CHD …
Gcn5 Impacts Fgf Signaling At Multiple Levels And Activates C-Myc Target Genes During Early Differentiation Of Embryoid Bodies,
2017
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Gcn5 Impacts Fgf Signaling At Multiple Levels And Activates C-Myc Target Genes During Early Differentiation Of Embryoid Bodies, Li Wang
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Precise control of gene expression during development is orchestrated by transcription factors, signaling pathways and co-regulators, with complex cross-regulatory events often occurring. Growing evidence has identified chromatin modifiers as important regulators for development as well, yet how particular chromatin modifying enzymes affect specific developmental processes remains largely unclear. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are self-renewing, pluripotent, and have the abilities to generate almost all cell types in adult tissues. The dual capacity of ESCs to self-renew and differentiate offers unlimited potential for studying gene regulation events at specific developmental stages in vitro that parallel developmental events during embryogenesis in vivo. …
A Multiscale Modeling Study Of The Mammary Gland,
2017
University of New Mexico
A Multiscale Modeling Study Of The Mammary Gland, Joseph D. Butner
Biomedical Engineering ETDs
Multiscale, hybrid computer modeling has emerged as a valuable tool in the fields of computational systems biology and mathematical oncology. In this work, we present an overview of the motivations for, and development and implementation of, three hybrid multiscale models of the mammary gland system and early stage ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the gland. Pubertal mammary gland development was described first using a two-dimensional, lattice-based hybrid agent-based model description of the mammary terminal end bud (TEB), and then with a three-dimensional lattice-free TEB model. Both models implement a discrete, agent-based description of the cell scale, and a continuum, …
Ivd Formation In Monodelphis Domestica,
2017
Parkland College
Ivd Formation In Monodelphis Domestica, Emma C.B. Gray, Jen Maier, Karen Sears
PRECS student projects
The research summarized on this poster supports the use of the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) as a lab animal for research into invertebral disc formation and degeneration. Preliminary data suggests that some genes involved in the formation and maintenance of the notochord in mice are the same in the short-tailed opossum. Data also suggests the ossification of the vertebral column of pups proceeds anteriorly to posteriorly and that much of the maturation of the nucleus puposus happens in the first ten days.
Abnormal Dendritic Maturation Of Developing Cortical Neurons Exposed To Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (Crh): Insights Into Effects Of Prenatal Adversity?,
2017
University of California Irvine
Abnormal Dendritic Maturation Of Developing Cortical Neurons Exposed To Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (Crh): Insights Into Effects Of Prenatal Adversity?, Megan M. Curran, Curt A. Sandman, Elysia Poggi Davis, Laura M. Glynn, Tallie Z. Baram
Psychology: Faculty Scholarship
Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) produced by the hypothalamus initiates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response. CRH levels typically are undetectable in human plasma, but during pregnancy the primate placenta synthesizes and releases large amounts of CRH into both maternal and fetal circulations. Notably, placental CRH synthesis increases in response to maternal stress signals. There is evidence that human fetal exposure to high concentrations of placental CRH is associated with behavioral consequences during infancy and into childhood, however the direct effects on of the peptide on the human brain are unknown. In this study, we used a …
A Linkage Map For The Newt Notophthalmus Viridescens: Insights In Vertebrate Genome And Chromosome Evolution,
2017
University of Kentucky
A Linkage Map For The Newt Notophthalmus Viridescens: Insights In Vertebrate Genome And Chromosome Evolution, Melissa C. Keinath, S. Randal Voss, Panagiotis A. Tsonis, Jeramiah J. Smith
Biology Faculty Publications
Genetic linkage maps are fundamental resources that enable diverse genetic and genomic approaches, including quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses and comparative studies of genome evolution. It is straightforward to build linkage maps for species that are amenable to laboratory culture and genetic crossing designs, and that have relatively small genomes and few chromosomes. It is more difficult to generate linkage maps for species that do not meet these criteria. Here, we introduce a method to rapidly build linkage maps for salamanders, which are known for their enormous genome sizes. As proof of principle, we developed a linkage map with thousands …
Subcutaneous Neurotophin 4 Infusion Using Osmotic Pumps Or Direct Muscular Injection Enhances Aging Rat Laryngeal Muscles,
2017
University of Kentucky
Subcutaneous Neurotophin 4 Infusion Using Osmotic Pumps Or Direct Muscular Injection Enhances Aging Rat Laryngeal Muscles, Richard D. Andreatta, Joseph C. Stemple, Tanya S. Seward, Colleen A. Mcmullen
Physical Therapy Faculty Publications
Laryngeal dysfunction in the elderly is a major cause of disability, from voice disorders to dysphagia and loss of airway protective reflexes. Few, if any, therapies exist that target age-related laryngeal muscle dysfunction. Neurotrophins are involved in muscle innervation and differentiation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). It is thought that neurotrophins enhance neuromuscular transmission by increasing neurotransmitter release. The neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) become smaller and less abundant in aging rat laryngeal muscles, with evidence of functional denervation. We explored the effects of NTF4 for future clinical use as a therapeutic to improve function in aging human laryngeal muscles. Here, we provide …
Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor B (Pdgfrb) Expressing Cells During Zebrafish Coronary Vessel Development,
2017
California State University, San Bernardino
Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor B (Pdgfrb) Expressing Cells During Zebrafish Coronary Vessel Development, Juancarlos Fierros
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Coronary heart disease is a prevalent issue in developed countries throughout the world. It can have crippling effects on the quality of life and even lead to mortality, in the case of myocardial infarction. Part of the problem is the lack of a robust regenerative response in mammals after injury. Zebrafish have an amazing ability to regenerate after injury, and studies have demonstrated that the regenerative response recapitulates embryonic development. Our lab previously reported the first analysis of coronary vessel development in zebrafish and demonstrated that coronary endothelial cells undergo angiogenesis to form a vascular network. The roles of perivascular …
Macrophages Are Necessary For Epimorphic Regeneration In African Spiny Mice,
2017
University of Kentucky
Macrophages Are Necessary For Epimorphic Regeneration In African Spiny Mice, Jennifer Simkin, Thomas R. Gawriluk, John C. Gensel, Ashley W. Seifert
Biology Faculty Publications
How the immune system affects tissue regeneration is not well understood. In this study, we used an emerging mammalian model of epimorphic regeneration, the African spiny mouse, to examine cell-based inflammation and tested the hypothesis that macrophages are necessary for regeneration. By directly comparing inflammatory cell activation in a 4 mm ear injury during regeneration (Acomys cahirinus) and scarring (Mus musculus), we found that both species exhibited an acute inflammatory response, with scarring characterized by stronger myeloperoxidase activity. In contrast, ROS production was stronger and more persistent during regeneration. By depleting macrophages during injury, we demonstrate …
Epigenetic Modifications Of Human Placenta Associated With Preterm Birth,
2017
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Epigenetic Modifications Of Human Placenta Associated With Preterm Birth, Drissa Toure
Theses & Dissertations
Preterm birth is a complex multifactorial process. Despite the well-known role of the placenta in supporting the fetal development and maternal-fetal tolerance, the placental epigenetic modifications and preterm birth (PTB) remains poorly understood and under investigated. Various maternal and environment factors can influence epigenetic programming during fetal development to affect the functioning and structures of organs, including the placenta, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including PTB. The understanding of the placental epigenetic alterations and maternal determinants associated with PTB are apparently indispensable for the development of actual diagnosis and methods of prevention and treatment of premature labor. The …
Transciptome Analysis Illuminates The Nature Of The Intracellular Interaction In A Vertebrate-Algal Symbiosis,
2017
American Museum of Natural History
Transciptome Analysis Illuminates The Nature Of The Intracellular Interaction In A Vertebrate-Algal Symbiosis, John A. Burns, Huanjia Zhang, Elizabeth M. Hill, Eunsoo Kim, Ryan R. Kerney
Biology Faculty Publications
During embryonic development, cells of the green alga Oophila amblystomatis enter cells of the salamander Ambystoma maculatum forming an endosymbiosis. Here, using de novo dual-RNA seq, we compared the host salamander cells that harbored intracellular algae to those without algae and the algae inside the animal cells to those in the egg capsule. This two-by-two-way analysis revealed that intracellular algae exhibit hallmarks of cellular stress and undergo a striking metabolic shift from oxidative metabolism to fermentation. Culturing experiments with the alga showed that host glutamine may be utilized by the algal endosymbiont as a primary nitrogen source. Transcriptional changes in …
Modeling 3d Retinogenesis In Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Following Crispr-Mediated Crx Knockdown,
2017
Dominican University of California
Modeling 3d Retinogenesis In Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Following Crispr-Mediated Crx Knockdown, Pooja Prasad
Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects
An emerging technology known as three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering has allowed scientists to mimic tissues found in vivo. Previous studies indicate that it is possible to differentiate dissociated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into 3D retinal tissues in vitro (Bertacchi, 2015; Eiraku, 2012). The newly differentiated retinal tissues are said to encompass all of the major components found in retinal tissues. The generation of in vitro 3D tissues holds great potential in terms of patient-specific disease modeling. Although various diseases have been well-studied in animal models, there are limitations with regards to patient-specificity. The generation of animal models to study …
Lymphoid Hematopoiesis And The Role Of B-Cells In Transgenic Mouse Model Of Sickle Cell Disease,
2017
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Lymphoid Hematopoiesis And The Role Of B-Cells In Transgenic Mouse Model Of Sickle Cell Disease, Christina Cotte
University Scholar Projects
Sickle cell disease (SCD) has been shown to be associated with decreased baseline immunity and thus increased susceptibility to infection. I sought to discern possible causes of this by looking into the correlations between SCD and hematopoiesis, the immune system and the neuroendocrine system, and ultimately by conducting experiments surrounding the impaired immune system of SCD. These experiments focused on the potential causes and effects of the diminution of B-1a cells in the SCD spleen. Adoptive transfers, infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae, and histologic imaging were conducted to establish if the diminution of the B-1a cells in the SCD spleen …
Characterization Of Myod And Myf5 Double-Knockout Muscle Stem Cells During Muscle Development,
2017
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Characterization Of Myod And Myf5 Double-Knockout Muscle Stem Cells During Muscle Development, Andreea Dinicu
University Scholar Projects
MyoD and Myf5 are transcription factors that regulate myogenesis by promoting satellite cell transcription. The two genes are known to display functional redundancy. Both genes are considered myogenic determination genes and are expressed in satellite cells. The fate of myogenic precursors in the absence of both MyoD and Myf5 remains largely unknown. We aimed to begin attaining this knowledge as part of this project. We utilized a CreLoxP system to control the expression of MyoD in mice lacking Myf5. MyoD was knocked out at embryonic day (E) 11.5 during myogenesis. Limbs were collected from experimental mice following tamoxifen injection. …
The Developmental And Genetic Basis Of Differences In Cave And Surface-Dwelling Forms Of The Crustacean, Asellus Aquaticus,
2017
Dominican University of California
The Developmental And Genetic Basis Of Differences In Cave And Surface-Dwelling Forms Of The Crustacean, Asellus Aquaticus, Hafasa Mojaddidi
Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects
Currently, there are many gaps in our understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for human diseases. One novel method to bridge these gaps is to investigate the naturally occurring variation of wild populations, which is arguably more similar to the genetic complexity present in human disease than artificially induced mutations in model species. Species adapted to subterranean environments often share phenotypic characteristics such as the reduction or complete absence of eyes, reduced pigmentation, and enhanced sensory systems. In order to understand the evolution of these morphological changes, we selected an invertebrate model system the freshwater isopod crustacean Asellus aquaticus, …
Mating Patterns And Post-Mating Isolation In Three Cryptic Species Of The Engystomops Petersi Species Complex,
2017
Gettysburg College
Mating Patterns And Post-Mating Isolation In Three Cryptic Species Of The Engystomops Petersi Species Complex, Paula A. Trillo, Andrea E. Narvaez, Santiago R. Ron, Kim L. Hoke
Biology Faculty Publications
Determining the extent of reproductive isolation in cryptic species with dynamic geographic ranges can yield important insights into the processes that generate and maintain genetic divergence in the absence of severe geographic barriers. We studied mating patterns, propensity to hybridize in nature and subsequent fertilization rates, as well as survival and development of hybrid F1 offspring for three nominal species of the Engystomops petersi species complex in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. We found at least two species in four out of six locations sampled, and 14.3% of the wild pairs genotyped were mixed-species (heterospecific) crosses. We also found reduced …
Acetaminophen Associated Neurotoxicity And Its Relevance To Neurodevelopmental Disorders,
2017
University of South Florida
Acetaminophen Associated Neurotoxicity And Its Relevance To Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Seol-Hee Kim
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. The etiology of autism still remains unclear due to the heterogeneous and complex nature of the disorder, however synergistic actions between genetic components and environmental factors have been suggested. Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs that possess antipyretic and analgesic effects. It is considered a relatively safe and effective within therapeutic doses. Recently, early exposure to APAP has been suggested to be one of the underlying cause of autism. Children are often prescribed APAP to lessen fever or irritability after vaccination during the first year, and APAP may adversely affect …
Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of The Drosophila Anterior Determinant, Bicoid,
2017
CUNY Graduate Center
Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of The Drosophila Anterior Determinant, Bicoid, John Mclaughlin
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
In a wide variety of biological contexts, messenger RNA (mRNA) is known to have a complex and dynamic life cycle. In particular, the localization and translational control of mRNA are essential for proper development in eukaryotes. The fly Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model for studying these processes. During D. melanogaster oogenesis, several mRNAs are trafficked and localized within the developing egg chamber, and regulated at the translational level to enable embryo patterning. One such mRNA, bicoid, is localized at the anterior of the oocyte and translated in the early embryo, where its encoded protein directs formation of the fly's …
