Modification Of Culture Medium And Identification Of Microbial Contaminants For Improved In Vitro Propagation Of Freshwater Mussels,
2022
Virginia Commonwealth University
Modification Of Culture Medium And Identification Of Microbial Contaminants For Improved In Vitro Propagation Of Freshwater Mussels, Raquel M. Wetzell
Theses and Dissertations
In vitro propagation efforts play an essential role in conserving and restoring threatened freshwater mussel populations by circumventing the need for a fish host. Across a broad range of taxa, transformation is induced with an artificial M199 medium and rabbit serum. However, such formulation may not be sufficient in culturing critical species with more specific physiological requirements. In this study, multiple serum mixtures were tested to improve in vitro transformation of two freshwater mussel species: yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) and tidewater mucket (Atlantaconcha ochracea). These species were selected because they parasitize similar fish host species but …
Cell-Engineered Vesicles For Therapeutic Delivery And Immunomodulatory Applications,
2022
University of Kentucky
Cell-Engineered Vesicles For Therapeutic Delivery And Immunomodulatory Applications, Khaga Neupane
Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry
Development of a new kind of drug delivery system (DDS) that could efficiently deliver therapeutics to the cell of interest would allow us to accomplish cell-specific drug delivery while eliminating systemic toxicity. Although nanocarriers including endogenously released extracellular vesicles (EEVs), liposomes, and small molecules seem to be promising drug delivery systems, biological challenges persist for their use in clinical applications. Here, we demonstrate nanovesicles engineered by fragmenting cellular membranes can be exploited as versatile DDSs for therapeutics delivery as well as immunomodulatory functions. Cell-engineered vesicles were produced by cavitating cells using nitrogen gas at high pressure followed by serial centrifugation. …
The Transcription Factor Nfe2l2a Is Required For Development Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells In The Zebrafish Embryo,
2022
Virginia Commonwealth University
The Transcription Factor Nfe2l2a Is Required For Development Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells In The Zebrafish Embryo, Sivam Bhatt, Teerth Patel, Madeleine Seputro, Anubhav Thapaliya, Erich Damm
UROP Posters
Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are the self-renewing population of cells that generate all erythrocytes and leukocytes over the lifetime of a vertebrate organism. HSCs are also the therapeutic units of curative bone marrow transplants used in the treatment of blood malignancies and in gene therapy for genetic blood disorders. In all vertebrate embryos, HSCs originate from the floor of the embryonic dorsal aorta during the endothelial to hematopoietic transition. Nascent HSCs will bud into the blood vessel and be carried to maturation sites by the embryonic blood flow. Despite the curative potential of HSC transplants in blood disorders, this approach …
Comparison Of Free Versus Encapsulated Drugs On 3t3 Differentiation,
2022
Virginia Commonwealth University
Comparison Of Free Versus Encapsulated Drugs On 3t3 Differentiation, Simon H. Friedrich, Gabriel Volpe
UROP Posters
The scope of this project was to design, synthesize and test targeted nanoparticles containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs that promote browning in adipose tissue. For hydrophilic drugs the use of liposomes and their hydrophilic core is more useful than the PLGA nanoparticles which have hydrophobic cores. The inhibition of the FOXO1 pathway and modulation of autophagy in adipose tissue can promote browning of white adipose tissue, or an energy burning state where excess energy is burned as heat instead of stored in the cell. If successful, these drugs would offer an alternative treatment for obesity where changes to the patient's …
Elucidating The Role Of Kmt2d In Her2+ Breast Cancer,
2022
Loyola University Chicago
Elucidating The Role Of Kmt2d In Her2+ Breast Cancer, Emily Ma
Dissertations
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the US. Histone modifications are common epigenetic changes that have been implicated in several breast cancers, including HER2+ breast cancers. Current therapies, such as trastuzumab, block the HER2 receptor to reduce tumor growth. Unfortunately, HER2+ breast cancers have found ways to overcome these therapies, leading to tumor resistance, metastases, and poor survival outcomes. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to HER2+ breast cancer resistance may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.One prognostic marker for poor survival in women with …
Characterizing The Relationship Of Lgl1 And Akt In Migration Of Murine Neural Stem And Progenitor Cells,
2022
Humboldt State University
Characterizing The Relationship Of Lgl1 And Akt In Migration Of Murine Neural Stem And Progenitor Cells, Natalie Pedicino
Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects
Asymmetric cell division and migration are critical for neural stem cell differentiation and brain development. When these processes are dysregulated in neural progenitor cells (NPCs), developmental defects and diseases like glioma can result. Lgl1 is a tumor suppressor gene that was first characterized in Drosophila neuroblasts (Strand et al., 1994). It is best known for its regulation of asymmetric cell division through its association with the Par complex. The PI3K/AKT signaling cascade is involved in cellular migration and is also regulated by Par signaling. Unpublished data from the Sprowles laboratory suggests a potential role of Lgl1 in migration and other …
Identifying The Human Homologs Of Yeast Rab Proteins Ypt10 & Ypt11 And A Global-Scale Louse Endosymbiont Genome Variation,
2022
Virginia Commonwealth University
Identifying The Human Homologs Of Yeast Rab Proteins Ypt10 & Ypt11 And A Global-Scale Louse Endosymbiont Genome Variation, Nathaniel P. Smith
Theses and Dissertations
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes loss of upper and/or lower motor neurons, and currently has no treatment or cure available. Over 90% of cases occur spontaneously with unknown causes, highlighting the complexity of the disease, and only 10% of cases are linked to heritable genetic mutations. Numerous ALS-linked genes are conserved through evolution, and model organisms may therefore provide opportunities to understand disease pathology at a molecular or cellular level, proving instrumental in identifying therapeutic targets. ALS subtype 8 (ALS8) is caused by an autosomal dominant P56S mutation in the VAPB gene that …
Of Course Crustaceans Are Sentient: But There's More To The Story,
2022
University of British Columbia
Of Course Crustaceans Are Sentient: But There's More To The Story, Arthur S. Reber, Frantisek Baluska, William B. Miller Jr.
Animal Sentience
We are in basic agreement with Crump et al. that animal welfare, particularly with regard to the experience of pain, is a topic of importance. However, we come to the issue from a different perspective, one in which all species are sentient and can feel pain. The implications of this theory are discussed.
Sources And Therapeutic Strategies Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Regenerative Medicine,
2022
The British University in Egypt
Sources And Therapeutic Strategies Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Regenerative Medicine, Mohamed M. Kamal, Dina H. Kassem
Pharmacy
During the past decade, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have made their mark as a potential weapon in regenerative medicine. Since their first isolation by Friedenstein in the late 1970s of the last century, MSCs have opened new avenues in the field of regenerative medicine. The main fascination about MSCs lies in their ease of isolation and large ex vivo expansion capacity, as well as demonstrated multipotency and immunomodulatory activities. Basically, several reports have proved that MSCs isolated from different sources possess different characteristics and potentials. In addition, the mechanisms by which these cells can help regenerate tissues and treat several …
An Antimicrobial Polydopamine Surface Coating To Reduce Biofouling On Telemetry Tags Used In Marine Conservation Practices,
2022
Michigan Technological University
An Antimicrobial Polydopamine Surface Coating To Reduce Biofouling On Telemetry Tags Used In Marine Conservation Practices, Ariana Smies
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Satellite telemetry tags are used to track the migration patterns of large cetaceans. These tags penetrate the dermis and remain embedded in the underlying blubber tissue. As the dermis of cetaceans is host to a diverse microbiome, and it is impossible to clean the skin before implanting the devices, the potential for infection is increased when the tags penetrate through the skin. H2O2 is a potential antimicrobial agent that, in addition to showing broad-spectrum efficacy against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, can promote wound healing outcomes by promoting proliferative factors and peptides that protect against oxidative stress. However, …
Regulation Of Ppp1r15a (Gadd34) And Ppp1r15b (Crep) Mrna Expression And Localization In The Unfolded Protein Response,
2022
University of the Pacific
Regulation Of Ppp1r15a (Gadd34) And Ppp1r15b (Crep) Mrna Expression And Localization In The Unfolded Protein Response, Krithika Giresh
University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations
The failure to balance protein synthesis, folding, and degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to the accumulation of unfolded proteins, leading to ER stress. Cells respond to this stress by activating a response signaling pathway known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). One of the branches of the UPR induces the phosphorylation of eIF2α (Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2) to attenuate global protein synthesis, allowing for a chance to clear misfolded and unfolded proteins. This phosphorylation of eIF2α is opposed by a phosphatase, containing a catalytic subunit, Protein Phosphatase 1, and a scaffolding protein, either GADD34 or CReP. Inhibition of …
Evaluation Of Ivermectin Antiviral Activity Against
Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Using A Chicken
Embryo Model,
2022
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Evaluation Of Ivermectin Antiviral Activity Against Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Using A Chicken Embryo Model, Donald L. Reynolds, E. Barry Simpson
School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications
Ivermectin is widely used in both animals and humans as an FDA-approved parasiticide. Ivermectin has also been reported to have antiviral activity against several viruses including coronaviruses. There are reports that indicate ivermectin may have some role in diminishing the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, but the evidence is inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine if ivermectin was efficacious in inhibiting avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV, a coronavirus) replication in chicken embryos. Briefly, our approach was to use the Massachusetts vaccine strain of IBV in combination with various doses of ivermectin and then inoculate these preparations into chicken …
Rna Nanovaccine Protects Against White Spot Syndrome
Virus In Shrimp,
2022
Iowa State University
Rna Nanovaccine Protects Against White Spot Syndrome Virus In Shrimp, Yashdeep Phanse, Supraja Puttamreddy, Duan Loy, Julia Vela Ramirez, Kathleen A. Ross, Ignacio Alvarez-Castro, Mark Mogler, Scott Broderick, Krishna Rajan, Balaji Narasimhan, Lyric C. Bartholomay
School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications
In the last 15 years, crustacean fisheries have experienced billions of dollars in economic losses, primarily due to viral diseases caused by such pathogens as white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Asian tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. To date, no effective measures are available to prevent or control disease outbreaks in these animals, despite their economic importance. Recently, double-stranded RNA-based vaccines have been shown to provide specific and robust protection against WSSV infection in cultured shrimp. However, the limited stability of double-stranded RNA is the most significant hurdle for the field application of these …
The Application Of The Skin Virome For Human Identification,
2022
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Application Of The Skin Virome For Human Identification, Ema H. Graham, Jennifer Clarke, Samodha Fernando, Joshua Herr, Michael Adamowicz
Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications
The use of skin virome offers a unique approach for human identification purposes in instances where a viable and statistically relevant human DNA profile is unavailable. The skin virome may act as an alternative DNA profile and/or an additional form of probative genetic material. To date, no study has attempted to investigate the human virome over a time series across various physical locations of the body to identify its diagnostic potential as a tool for human identification. For this study, we set out to evaluate the stability, diversity, and individualization of the human skin virome. An additional goal was to …
Immunogenicity And Protective Efficacy Of A Recombinant
Pichinde Viral-Vectored Vaccine Expressing Influenza Virus
Hemagglutinin Antigen In Pigs,
2022
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Immunogenicity And Protective Efficacy Of A Recombinant Pichinde Viral-Vectored Vaccine Expressing Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Antigen In Pigs, Sushmita Kumari, Jayeshbhai Chaudhari, Qinfeng Huang, Phillip Gauger, Marcelo Nunes De Almeida, Yuying Liang, Hinh Ly, Hiep Vu
Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications
Influenza A virus of swine (IAV-S) is an economically important swine pathogen. The IAV-S hemagglutinin (HA) surface protein is the main target for vaccine development. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using the recombinant tri-segmented Pichinde virus (rPICV) as a viral vector to deliver HA antigen to protect pigs against IAV-S challenge. Four groups of weaned pigs (T01–T04) were included in the study. T01 was injected with PBS to serve as a non-vaccinated control. T02 was inoculated with rPICV expressing green fluorescence protein (rPICV-GFP). T03 was vaccinated with rPICV expressing the HA antigen of the IAV-S H3N2 strain …
The Role Of Glis3 In Zebrafish Endocrine Development And Regeneration,
2022
Murray State University
The Role Of Glis3 In Zebrafish Endocrine Development And Regeneration, Tasha Swenney
Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Maintenance of proper blood glucose homeostasis is governed by the endocrine cells of the pancreas. Dysregulation of blood glucose is characteristic of the disease, diabetes mellitus. Relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie diabetes. The genes associated with more common forms of diabetes remain more enigmatic and likely have less direct roles in blood glucose homeostasis such as glucose sensing, insulin secretion, and β cell maintenance. GLIS3, a transcription factor involved in pancreatic development as well as the transcriptional regulation of insulin has been identified as a risk locus for type 1 and type 2 diabetes …
Characterization Of Cofilin And Its Potential Role In The Epha4 Pathway,
2022
Eastern Michigan University
Characterization Of Cofilin And Its Potential Role In The Epha4 Pathway, Brian Donald Condron
Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations
EphA4 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is responsible for cellular adhesion and locomotion using repulsion signaling in early development of Xenopus laevis. EphA4 regulates cellular locomotion by controlling proteins within its signal transduction pathway, which may include the protein cofilin. Cofilin actively severs and removes actin monomers, thus altering the actin cytoskeleton, leading to the cessation of cellular crawl. During the gastrulation phase of embryonic development, individual cells are relocating to create the three primary germ layers of the organism. Failure of this process to occur results in attrition of the embryos, frequently by way of embryonic exogastrulation. …
Functionalization Of Chitosan Based Microparticles For In Vitro 3d Culture Of Human Liver Cells,
2022
The University of Akron
Functionalization Of Chitosan Based Microparticles For In Vitro 3d Culture Of Human Liver Cells, William Imes
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Previous work involving 3D culture of human liver cells with fluorinated chitosan based microparticles has shown that their incorporation provides needed structural cues that the culture of cells alone does not provide, such as increased gas transport. However, using bare microparticles to grow large 3D cellular structures is not practical as they tend to collapse before any meaningful research can be done on them. It is proposed that this is because of the lack of extracellular matrix (ECM)components within pure cell culture in vitro, which in their absence cannot adequately facilitate biochemical communication and adhesion between cells. It is …
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Shape TReg Cells,
2022
Old Dominion University
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Shape TReg Cells, Piotr Kraj
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family includes cytokines controlling cell behavior, differentiation and homeostasis of various tissues including components of the immune system. Despite well recognized importance of TGF-β in controlling T cell functions, the immunomodulatory roles of many other members of the TGF-β cytokine family, especially bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), start to emerge. Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor 1α (BMPR1α) is upregulated by activated effector and Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Treg cells) and modulates functions of both of these cell types. BMPR1α inhibits generation of proinflammatory Th17 cells and sustains peripheral Treg cells. This finding underscores the importance of …
Alternative Splicing Regulates The Innate Immune Response To Viral Infection,
2022
University of Montana, Missoula
Alternative Splicing Regulates The Innate Immune Response To Viral Infection, Luke A. White
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that infects humans and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian peninsula, causing disease ranging from a mild flu-like illness to liver damage, blindness, hemorrhagic fever, death, and, especially in livestock animals, high rates of abortive pregnancies. There is no approved vaccine for RVFV, and as a disease with a high rate of spread that causes severe illness, it is listed as a Category A pathogen by the USA CDC. A better understanding of RVFV’s molecular virology will be instrumental to combating RVFV as climate change causes its mosquito host …
