Genetics Commons^™

Sex Determination Using Discriminant Function Analysis In Hispanic Children And Adolescents: A Lateral Cephalometric Study, Alyssa E. Sprowl

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Lateral cephalometric radiographs have been used for years to help diagnose skeletal and dental patterns in Orthodontics. Within the last decade, these radiographs have caught the interest of the department of Anthropology for the identification of gender within the adult and adolescent population. Numerous publications have been made but failed to identify sexual dimorphism in the pre-adolescent population. 303 lateral cephalograms of pre and post Latino adolescence age ranging from 6.5 to 17.9 years old were obtained from University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) digital database. 25 variables were identified and plotted with all linear and angular measurements transferred into …

The Roles Of Phenotypic Plasticity And Genotypic Specialization In High Altitude Adaptation, Danielle M. Tufts

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In vertebrates living at high altitude, arterial hypoxemia may be ameliorated by reversible changes in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood (regulated by erythropoiesis) and/or changes in blood–oxygen affinity (regulated by allosteric effectors of hemoglobin function). These hematological traits often differ between taxa that are native to different elevational zones, but it is often unknown whether the observed physiological differences reflect fixed, genetically based differences or environmentally induced acclimatization responses (phenotypic plasticity). Here, we report measurements of hematological traits related to blood–O₂ transport in populations of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that are native to high- and low-altitude …

The Role Of Histone H3 And H4 In Centromere Function And Genome Integrity, Payel Chaudhuri

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Histone H2A plays an important role in chromosomal segregation among parent and daughter cells during mitosis. While it is established that this histone is important in maintaining chromosome number in cell, further work is carried out to explore the role of other histones like H3 and H4 for similar effects. A systematic study is initiated by screening a library based on mutation of different amino acid residues in these histones. This detailed screening identified specific regions within H3 and H4, which are critically important for centromeric function. These histones residing near the DNA entry/exit region of nucleosome effects the functionality …

An Intergenic Region Shared By At4g35985 And At4g35987 In Arabidopsis Thaliana Is A Tissue Specific And Stress Inducible Bidirectional Promoter Analyzed In Transgenic Arabidopsis And Tobacco Plants, Joydeep Banerjee, Dipak K. Sahoo, Nrisingha Dey, Robert Houtz, Indu B. Maiti

Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center Faculty Publications

On chromosome 4 in the Arabidopsis genome, two neighboring genes (calmodulin methyl transferase At4g35987 and senescence associated gene At4g35985) are located in a head-to-head divergent orientation sharing a putative bidirectional promoter. This 1258 bp intergenic region contains a number of environmental stress responsive and tissue specific cis-regulatory elements. Transcript analysis of At4g35985 and At4g35987 genes by quantitative real time PCR showed tissue specific and stress inducible expression profiles. We tested the bidirectional promoter-function of the intergenic region shared by the divergent genes At4g35985 and At4g35987 using two reporter genes (GFP and GUS) in both orientations in transient tobacco protoplast and …

Reflections On The Cost Of "Low-Cost" Whole Genome Sequencing: Framing The Health Policy Debate, Timothy Caulfield, Jim Evans, Amy Mcguire, Christopher Mccabe, Tania M. Bubela, Robert Cook-Deegan, Jennifer Fishman, Stuart Hogarth, Fiona A. Miller, Vardit Ravitsky

Office of the Provost

The cost of whole genome sequencing is dropping rapidly. There has been a great deal of enthusiasm about the potential for this technological advance to transform clinical care. Given the interest and significant investment in genomics, this seems an ideal time to consider what the evidence tells us about potential benefits and harms, particularly in the context of health care policy. The scale and pace of adoption of this powerful new technology should be driven by clinical need, clinical evidence, and a commitment to put patients at the centre of health care policy.

Novel Neuroprotective Function Of Apical-Basal Polarity Genecrumbs In Amyloid Beta 42 (Aβ42) Mediated Neurodegeneration, Andrew Steffensmeier, Meghana Tare, Oorvashi Roy Puli, Rohan Modi, Jaison Nainaparampil, Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh

Biology Faculty Publications

Alzheimer's disease (AD, OMIM: 104300), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no cure to date, is caused by the generation of amyloid-beta-42 (Aβ42) aggregates that trigger neuronal cell death by unknown mechanism(s). We have developed a transgenic Drosophilaeye model where misexpression of human Aβ42 results in AD-like neuropathology in the neural retina. We have identified an apical-basal polarity gene crumbs (crb) as a genetic modifier of Aβ42-mediated-neuropathology. Misexpression of Aβ42 caused upregulation of Crb expression, whereas downregulation of Crb either by RNAi or null allele approach rescued the Aβ42-mediated-neurodegeneration. Co-expression of full length Crb with Aβ42 increased severity of Aβ42-mediated-neurodegeneration, …

Homeotic Gene Teashirt (Tsh) Has A Neuroprotective Function In Amyloid-Beta 42 Mediated Neurodegeneration, Michael T. Moran, Meghana Tare, Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh

Biology Faculty Publications

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating age related progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of cognition, and eventual death of the affected individual. One of the major causes of AD is the accumulation of Amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) polypeptides formed by the improper cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain. These plaques disrupt normal cellular processes through oxidative stress and aberrant signaling resulting in the loss of synaptic activity and death of the neurons. However, the detailed genetic mechanism(s) responsible for this neurodegeneration still remain elusive.

Methodology/Principal Findings: We have generated a transgenic Drosophila eye model where …

Identification Of Set1 Target Genes, William Beyer, Scott D. Briggs

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

The Set1 complex, a histone methyltransferase complex found in S. cerevisiae (budding yeast), is the only histone methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing methylation of histone H3 at Lysine 4. It possesses homologues in other species, humans included. While yeast only have the Set1 complex, the human homologues of the yeast Set1 complex include mixed-lineage leukemia family (MLL1-4), Set1 A, Set1 B, among others. MLL1-4 has been shown to play a role in transcription, cell type specification, and the development of leukemia. One application of characterizing the role of a protein is that the information gained can provide insight into the function …

Forward Genetic Screen Of Trichomes For Discovery Of Cytoskeleton-Based Mutants, Adam M. Fessenden, Samuel Belteton, Daniel B. Szymanski

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Understanding plant cell development and what genes influence cell growth can lead to breakthroughs in beneficial areas such as bioremediation, agricultural production, and biofuels. However, information on many of the genes that control plant cell growth is either unknown or severely limited. Further research to fully comprehend the genetic pathways within the cells will enable the genetic engineering of plants to further benefit society. One approach is the combined use of a forward genetic screen, sophisticated growth analysis, and gene identification. Using Arabidopsis thaliana trichomes, leaf hairs, as a model system, the mutagenized population of thousands of plants was screened …

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Cdc7 Homology In Drosophila Melanogaster, Marcus R. Hosler, Robert E. Stephenson, Vikki M. Weake

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dbf4(Dumbbell former 4) and Cdc7(Cell Division Cycle 7) form a complex that phosphorylates Mcm2 (Minichromosome maintenance 2) to initiate DNA replication. Cdc7 is a target for cancer research because there is a Cdc7 ortholog in humans that is necessary for DNA replication and cell survival. Our goal is to characterise a putative Cdc7 homolog in Drosophila melanogaster (dCdc7). We have previously shown that expression of the known Drosophila Dbf4 ortholog, Chiffon, and dCdc7 can rescue yeast cells deficient in active Cdc7. Our hypothesis is that the dCdc7 is activated by Chiffon to phosphorylate MCM2. To test this hypothesis, …

Resolution By Unassisted Top3 Points To Template Switch Recombination Intermediates During Dna Replication, M. Rebecca Glineburg, Alejandro Chavez, Vishesh Agrawal, Steven J. Brill, F. Brad Johnson

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The evolutionarily conserved Sgs1/Top3/Rmi1 (STR) complex plays vital roles in DNA replication and repair. One crucial activity of the complex is dissolution of toxic X-shaped recombination intermediates that accumulate during replication of damaged DNA. However, despite several years of study the nature of these X-shaped molecules remains debated. Here we use genetic approaches and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA to show that Top3, unassisted by Sgs1 and Rmi1, has modest capacities to provide resistance to MMS and to resolve recombination-dependent X-shaped molecules. The X-shaped molecules have structural properties consistent with hemicatenane-related template switch recombination intermediates (Rec-Xs) but not Holliday …

Notchless Interacts With Multiple Signaling Pathways During Mouse Peri-Implantation Development, Chiao-Ling Lo

Open Access Dissertations

During peri-implantation, the embryo transitions from a suspension environment in the fallopian tubes to an adherent system within the uterus. Successful transition requires maternal and fetal signaling cascades that establish maternal-fetal boundaries. Failure is common, as ~ 25% of all human pregnancies terminate during these steps. A large-scale mutation study in mice produced two mutants (l11Jus1 and l11Jus4) that are excellent models of this transition. l11Jus1 and l11Jus4 contain missense mutations in the Notchless homolog 1 (Drosophila) (Nle1) gene. NLE1 is thought to signal via the canonical NOTCH pathway in vertebrates. Although in invertebrates and lower vertebrates, NOTCH signaling directs …

Identifying Chromosome Rearrangements In The Allopolyploid Brassica Napus Using Pyrosequencing, Alexandra R. Barbella

Master's Theses

Allopolyploids form through the hybridization of two or more diploid genomes. A challenge to reproduction in allopolyploids is that pairing can occur between homologous chromosomes or homeologous chromosomes (i.e.different subgenomes.). Crossover between homeologous chromosomes can result in chromosome rearrangements that lower fertility and overall fitness. Rearrangements can alter the dosage of either entire chromosomes or just parts of chromosomes. Understanding the frequency and extent of rearrangements will help to explain the evolution and genome stabilization of agriculturally important allopolyploid species. Pyrosequencing is a useful tool in the study dosage changes in allopolyploids because it allows quantification of the relative contribution …

Natural Genetic Variation Affecting Calcium Homeostasis, Rebecca Anna Replogle

Open Access Dissertations

Calcium (Ca) is essential for multiple functions within the body including skeletal health. The level of Ca in the serum is tightly regulated. During periods of habitual low Ca intake, the body senses a decrease in serum Ca and increases renal conversion of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). 1,25(OH)2D acts through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to increase intestinal Ca absorption, renal Ca reabsorption and skeletal Ca resorption. Efficient intestinal Ca absorption, especially during periods of low Ca intake, is critical for protecting bone mass. Ca absorption and its primary regulator, 1,25(OH)2D, are affected by both …

The Genetic Architecture Of Juvenile Migration In Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss), Benjamin Charles Hecht

Open Access Dissertations

Animal migrations play a critical role in the health and balance of ecological systems and in the evolution and diversification of species, and this is perhaps best displayed amongst salmonid fishes (salmon, trout, and char) who exhibit variation in the propensity to migrate both within and among species. Rainbow and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), members of the salmonid family of fishes, capture this variation throughout their native range. Some populations and ecotypes will remain resident in freshwater habitats throughout their life history; while others have the ability to embark on tremendous marine migrations. Those that migrate undergo a suite of …

Gene Expression Life History Markers In A Hatchery And A Wild Population Of Young-Of-The-Year Oncorhynchus Mykiss, Ian D. F. Garrett

Dissertations and Theses

Life history within a single species can vary significantly. Many of these differences are associated with varying environmental conditions. Understanding what environmental conditions cue alternate life histories within a single species has been researched extensively. In salmonid fishes, more than almost any other group, varying environmental conditions give rise to individuals within species that take markedly different life history trajectories.

Oncorhynchus mykissis a species of salmonid native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. This species has two life history forms, anadromous and resident. The anadromous form spends a portion of its life in ocean while the resident life …

Function Of A Novel Checkpoint Protein In The Germ Line, Steven Drellishak, Marina Bykova, G. Valentin Börner

Undergraduate Research Posters 2013

Successful reproduction of Saccharomyces cerevisiae relies on the organism’s ability to complete the meiotic cell cycle and produce viable gametes. Zip1 is a protein that constitutes the central component of a protein structure that connects homologous chromosomes known as the synaptonemal complex. Zip1 is important for progression through the meiotic cell cycle. The C terminus of the coiled-coil Zip 1 protein is responsible for localization to the axes of the chromosomes. An internal deletion near the C terminus of Zip1, called zip1-c1, yields a stronger meiotic arrest than a mutation where Zip1 is completely deleted. The more efficient meiotic progression …

Maternal Genital Tract Colonisation By Group-B Streptococcus: A Hospital Based Study, Nida Najmi, Rozina Sikandar, Nadeem F. Zuberi, Imtiaz Jehan

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Group B Streptococcus genital tract infection in pregnant women and to determine the risk factors for its colonisation.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi and Sobhraj Hospital, Karachi, from May to August 2007. Pregnant women at 35-37 weeks gestation attending antenatal clinic at these hospitals constituted the study population. Based on stratified sampling, 405 patients were recruited. High vaginal swabs of these patients were taken in order to calculate the prevalence of infection at each hospital. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factor association. SPSS …

Identifying Molecular Markers Associated With Salt And Boron Tolerance In Poplar Trees, Darshanpreet Gill, Nathan Follen, Davis W. Cheng, Kyan Salehi, Gary Banuelos, James P. Prince

STAR Program Research Presentations

Standard irrigation practices promote salt and boron accumulation in soils on the Westside of Central California. The build-up of these inorganic salts leads to the degradation of arable land and reduction of crop production. Different clones of poplar trees have been shown to grow in salt- and boron-contaminated soils, and in doing so, gradually remove significant amounts of these inorganic salts from the soil. In an effort to identify molecular markers linked with salt and boron tolerance in poplars, 31 PCR primer pairs have been designed based on candidate genes identified from the literature, and an additional 31 PCR primer …

Creating A Package In R, Brit Schneiders, Eric Archer

STAR Program Research Presentations

In a time of increasingly efficient technology and data production, scientists are producing data faster than it can be analyzed. Therefore, user accessibility to data analysis is becoming more and more critical. In general, researchers have a set of raw data and want an efficient means to their final analysis. A package serves as that means by creating a set of functions and making them accessible to the user. Often, a user has a small piece of code to run (a single R script, for example), and that script requires the use of certain functions, which are contained in a …