Hcmv Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis: Impacts Of Cmvil-10 In The Tumor Microenvironment,
2013
The University of San Francisco
Hcmv Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis: Impacts Of Cmvil-10 In The Tumor Microenvironment, Robin Bishop
Master's Theses
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly species-specific, common human pathogen. While a large majority of people are infected with HCMV worldwide, infection is typically asymptomatic in immune competent individuals. To enhance virus persistence and avoid immune detection by the host, HCMV exploits the strategy of encoding homologs of cellular cytokines. One factor produced by HCMV-infected cells is the viral cytokine cmvIL-10, which acts through the cellular IL-10 receptor to induce downstream cell signaling. In instances where HCMV-infected cells infiltrate the tumor microenvironment, the presence of cmvIL-10 in may initiate events that promote a more invasive tumor phenotype. Cancer cells that …
Moving Nucleosomes To Regulate And Maintain Gene Function,
2013
Brigham Young University
Moving Nucleosomes To Regulate And Maintain Gene Function, Benjamin Jorgensen, Dr. Steven Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Gene therapy is a technique that uses gene insertions or transgenes to alter and correct genetic mutations that cause hereditary diseases. Gene therapy holds hope in curing diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or any disease caused by a recessive mutation in a single gene target. Transgenes may be incorporated into the nuclei of the patient’s cells, however, problems occur with the genes being turned off after time, negating the positive effects of the therapy. The goal of my research is to elucidate the contribution of underlying DNA sequences in the formation of nucleosomes (the basic unit …
Function Of Novel Nuclear-Variant Bone Morphogenic Protein (Nbmp2) In Muscle Fiber Type Differentiation,
2013
Brigham Young University
Function Of Novel Nuclear-Variant Bone Morphogenic Protein (Nbmp2) In Muscle Fiber Type Differentiation, Nicholas Wallace, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are in the transforming growth factor B (TGF-) super family of proteins, which were originally identified by their ability to induce bone formation in animals.A novel nuclear variant of BMP2 (nBMP2) was recently discovered by Dr. Bridgewater and her graduate researchers. In order to discern the exact function of this nuclear form of BMP2, nBMP2 chimeric mice were created.
Identification Of Yersiniapseudotuberculosisgenes That Affect Congo-Red Binding,
2013
Brigham Young University
Identification Of Yersiniapseudotuberculosisgenes That Affect Congo-Red Binding, Ryan Stewart, Dr. David Erickson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The plague bacterium Yersiniapestis recently evolved from the enteric pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, during which time it has adopted a flea-borne lifestyle.
Chemokine-Mediated Migration Of B-1 B Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Chemokine-Mediated Migration Of B-1 B Cells, Lauren Zagieboylo, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
B-1 B cells are an understudied type of white blood cell that provide T cell-independent antibody production, allowing them to play an important role in the early immune response to many bacterial and viral pathogens. They are especially important for defense in mucosal sites, such as the intestinal tract, where many infections occur.
Pas Kinase Interactions,
2013
Brigham Young University
Pas Kinase Interactions, Steven Sowa, Dr. Julianne Grose
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Signal transduction pathways are critical to the function of a cell. Correct signals help the cell to manage its resources effectively while improper or inactive signals contribute to cancer and many other human diseases. One protein involved in signal transduction is PAS kinase.
Quantification Of Kaposi’S Sarcoma Herpesvirus Gene Expression In Infected Humanized Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Quantification Of Kaposi’S Sarcoma Herpesvirus Gene Expression In Infected Humanized Mice, Mark Rowan, Dr. Bradford K. Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) is a prevalent disease around the world. Some Sub- Saharan African countries have infection levels as high as 40 percent. Usually the effects of this disease are not fatal unless the infected person has already been infected with HIV or has some other immunodeficiency. If both of these problems exist, deadly cancers can form within the infected person1. Studies have shown that people with HIV are 200,000 times more likely to have Kaposi’s sarcoma (a cancer caused by KSHV) than those not infected. Until now, no competent animal model existed to study KSHV pathogenesis.
The Effect Of Kalanchoe-Pinnata Extract On Epstein-Barr Virus,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effect Of Kalanchoe-Pinnata Extract On Epstein-Barr Virus, Miles Murri, Dr. Brian D. Poole
Journal of Undergraduate Research
For the last year I have been working on a project that would test the efficacy of a potential drug on a common human virus called Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Though the virus often resides in a latent or dormant state, it is commonly found in nearly all adults worldwide (1). When it is active, its upregulated gene expression leads to conditions ranging from ear infections and tonsillitis to highly serious conditions like lymphomas (1). It has also been linked substantially with multiple autoimmune diseases such as Lupus (2). A certain immunosuppressive plant extract called Kalanchoe has been used traditionally as …
Real-Time, In Vivo, Nad Biosensor,
2013
Brigham Young University
Real-Time, In Vivo, Nad Biosensor, Jonathan Neubert, Dr. Julianne Grose
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a crucial coenzyme used in the production of ATP and general cellular metabolism. Its structure consists of two nucleotides—pyridine and adenine—joined by a pyrophosphate bond. The pyridine allows the molecule to function as an electron carrier in the cell. In this capacity, NAD is involved in over 300 cellular reactions including enzymatic reactions in glycolysis, reactions within the TCA cycle, and especially in the electron transport chain (Grose et al, 2005). Differing levels of NAD have been associated with many pathologies, including diabetes, inflammatory syndromes, neurodegeneration, and cancer (Magni et al., 2008). Current methods of …
Function Of Novel Nuclear Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 In Regulating Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor 1 Expression,
2013
Brigham Young University
Function Of Novel Nuclear Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 In Regulating Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor 1 Expression, Broc Mccune, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) is a well-characterized secreted transforming growth factor. Researchers in the lab of Dr. Laura Bridgewater, Brigham Young University, discovered a novel nuclear variant of Bmp2 (nBmp2)1. Preliminary data indicates that mice not expressing nBmp2 have difficulty regulating intracellular Ca2+ (unpublished). Seeking to find a molecular explanation for this observation, I performed a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen to identify putative binding-partners of nBmp2. My results indicate nBmp2 binds Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1). Zhou et al2 have shown that PLSCR1 directly binds a 15 DNA base pair sequence (hereafter called P1) ~100 base pairs upstream of the …
The Contribution Of Ccr9 To The Homing, Migration, And Accumulation Of Iga Antibody Secreting Cells In Mouse Salivary Glands,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Contribution Of Ccr9 To The Homing, Migration, And Accumulation Of Iga Antibody Secreting Cells In Mouse Salivary Glands, Susanne Linderman, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
IgA is the most common antibody isotype involved in the immune system’s defense of mucosal membranes. In order to migrate and accumulate at these sites, IgA antibody secreting cells rely on chemokines. These chemokines, which are proteins differentially secreted in different tissues, bind to chemokine receptors on the cell’s surface. By discovering which receptors are important for immune cell migration to specific sites, we can gain a better understanding of how the immune system functions. This could eventually lead to better treatment of autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as to the development of better vaccines. My goal was to …
Assessing The Splicing Variants Of The Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Risk Haplotype,
2013
Brigham Young University
Assessing The Splicing Variants Of The Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Risk Haplotype, Jared Lambert, Dr. Brian Poole
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which commences from the immune system producing antibodies which target the body’s own tissues and cells. There are various factors thought to be involved in the development of SLE. In this study I assessed how the splicing variants of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF5) gene are affected by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Through this assessment I hoped to more fully determine the mechanisms through which this risk allele affects the development of SLE. IRF5 is a cytoplasmic transcription factor gene responsible for interferon …
Isolating Mononucleosome Core Dnas To Be Used In The Encode Project,
2013
Brigham Young University
Isolating Mononucleosome Core Dnas To Be Used In The Encode Project, Elliot Winters, Dr. Steven M. Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project has its roots in the nationwide mission named “ENCODE” for the “ENCyclopedia Of DNA Elements” the purpose of which is to map the functional elements of the human genome. The human genome was successfully sequenced in 2001, (Consortium T.I.H.G.S., 2001) but the functional units acting on the DNA are largely unknown in biomedical research. For example: the DNA contained in almost every cell of the human body is identical, encoding the same genes in each cell.
A Multiplex Real-Time Pcr Assay For Rapid Detection And Differentiation Of Burkholderia Mallei, B. Pseudomallei, And B. Thailandensis,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Multiplex Real-Time Pcr Assay For Rapid Detection And Differentiation Of Burkholderia Mallei, B. Pseudomallei, And B. Thailandensis, Chinn-Woan Shih, Richard Robison
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As stated in the proposal, my focus has been with three bacterial species of Burkholderia: mallei, pseudomallei, and thailandensis. Burkholderia mallei is the causative agent of glanders, an abscess-forming infection that is predominantly found in the equine population and is capable of being transmitted to humans from infected animals. There is documentation that B. mallei was used as a biowarfare agent in World War I (Gee et al., 2003).
Cancer And The Immune System: A Study Of Cytokine Communication With Macrophages,
2013
Brigham Young University
Cancer And The Immune System: A Study Of Cytokine Communication With Macrophages, Charles Daniel Knechtel, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Macrophages are a part of the early immune system that interacts with abnormal and foreign cells in your body. They are a non-specific defense system that engulfs foreign cells or stimulates other immune system cells to respond. We know they can play a role in fighting cancer, or promoting it, but we don’t fully understand how. According to Frontiers in Bioscience May 2008, “At late stages tumor-associated macrophages are known to produce molecules directly promoting tumor growth, invasion and metastasis….however, if properly activated, macrophages may control initial tumor development”(Nardin, A., Astado, J. 2008). Cytokines are small signaling molecules that play …
Characterization Of Herpes Simplex Clinical Isolate,
2013
Brigham Young University
Characterization Of Herpes Simplex Clinical Isolate, Daniel Hammond, Dr. Brian Poole
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My project was focused on the identification and characterization of a clinical isolate of Herpes Simplex, the virus family responsible for cold sores and genital herpes. The virus was collected from a 48 year old female who was otherwise healthy. The patient had no previous history of genital herpes. The patient’s sexual partner was also HSV positive. The specimen was collected from a suspected infected genital tract and was submitted for analysis for Herpes simplex virus. Initial analysis using non-specific antibody tests verified that the virus was indeed a member of the herpes simplex family. Further analysis, shown in Figure …
Analyzing The Homing Of Iga Antibody Secreting Cells In The Gestational Murine Mammary Gland Via Chemokine Interaction,
2013
Brigham Young University
Analyzing The Homing Of Iga Antibody Secreting Cells In The Gestational Murine Mammary Gland Via Chemokine Interaction, Taylor Gardner, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My purpose was to understand more deeply the process of mucosal immunological response in mice. Specifically, I hoped to understand the role of chemokine interactions in the recruitment of Immunoglobin A (IgA) in mouse colostrum/milk and mammary gland tissue during the gestation period. I focused on the time period just prior to the point at which milk production (and thus relative IgA levels) is upregulated in preparation for feeding young.
Yersinia Murine Toxin And Its Potential Role In Preventing Killing Of Yersinia Pestis Via Hympthiocyanate,
2013
Brigham Young University
Yersinia Murine Toxin And Its Potential Role In Preventing Killing Of Yersinia Pestis Via Hympthiocyanate, Sarah Pyne-Gehen, Dr. David Erickson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is transmitted by fleas such as the Oriental rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis. Very little is known about the Y. pestis factors that are important in establishing a transmissible infection in fleas. The Yersinia Murine Toxin (Ymt) is an intracellular phospholipase enzyme that is required for Y. pestis to survive inside the midgut after fleas take an infectious blood meal (1). The basis for the Ymt requirement is unknown.
Improvement Of Malaria Diagnosis Techniques In Low-Income Areas,
2013
Brigham Young University
Improvement Of Malaria Diagnosis Techniques In Low-Income Areas, Trenden Flanigan, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Malaria causes over 1 million deaths every year worldwide. Due to the difficulty in obtaining a precise diagnosis, combined with nonspecific symptoms in early stages (fever, aches, fatigue), many cases are misdiagnosed. Diagnosis methods are generally done through visual examination of peripheral blood smears or rapid diagnostic tests. Due to transient low levels of parasitemia in patients, these diagnostic methods often result in false negatives. By separating the parasitized erythrocytes from the others, the sensitivity of diagnostic tests improves. This was demonstrated by using a novel blood smear technique that introduces centrifugation and isolation into the conventional smear or by …
Phou Localization In Escherichia Coli,
2013
Brigham Young University
Phou Localization In Escherichia Coli, Austin Callison, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Just as simpler systems are studied to better understand more complex systems, E. coli has long been a standard for biological experiments aimed at a more complete comprehension of the mechanisms that propitiate cell life. One of these vital mechanisms in E. coli is the uptake of phosphate (Pi) in varying levels of environmental phosphorous. Pi is a key element involved in cell membranes, DNA, RNA, and metabolism in E. coli. This uptake is accomplished by the cooperation of the PstSCAB2, PhoU, PhoR and PhoB proteins in phosphate poor environments1. PhoU acts as a negative regulator of the Pho operon …
