Adrenergic Signaling Regulates Mitochondrial Ca(2+) Uptake Through Pyk2-Dependent Tyrosine Phosphorylation Of The Mitochondrial Ca(2+) Uniporter.,
2014
Thomas Jefferson University
Adrenergic Signaling Regulates Mitochondrial Ca(2+) Uptake Through Pyk2-Dependent Tyrosine Phosphorylation Of The Mitochondrial Ca(2+) Uniporter., Jin O-Uchi, Bong Sook Jhun, Shangcheng Xu, Stephen Hurst, Anna Raffaello, Xiaoyun Liu, Bing Yi, Huiliang Zhang, Polina Gross, Jyotsna Mishra, Alina Ainbinder, Sarah Kettlewell, Godfrey L Smith, Robert T Dirksen, Wang Wang, Rosario Rizzuto, Shey-Shing Sheu
Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers
Abstract Aims: Mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis is crucial for balancing cell survival and death. The recent discovery of the molecular identity of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter pore (MCU) opens new possibilities for applying genetic approaches to study mitochondrial Ca(2+) regulation in various cell types, including cardiac myocytes. Basal tyrosine phosphorylation of MCU was reported from mass spectroscopy of human and mouse tissues, but the signaling pathways that regulate mitochondrial Ca(2+) entry through posttranslational modifications of MCU are completely unknown. Therefore, we investigated α1-adrenergic-mediated signal transduction of MCU posttranslational modification and function in cardiac cells. Results: α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) signaling translocated activated proline-rich …
The Quadmill: Effects Of Eccentric Training Vs. Concentric Training On Lower Extremity Power And Anaerobic Capacity 2014.,
2014
SUNY College Cortland
The Quadmill: Effects Of Eccentric Training Vs. Concentric Training On Lower Extremity Power And Anaerobic Capacity 2014., John Crosby
Master's Theses
Training focuses on the concentric action of muscle during exercise for most exercise programs, but eccentric training may yield greater results. The QuadmillTM is a unique piece of training equipment that focuses on training the quadriceps muscle eccentrically. Purpose: to determine if using the QuadmillTM could increase power and anaerobic capacity to the same level, if not greater, than a standard concentric focused lower body training protocol. Participants were 44 undergraduate college students (24 Male 20 Female) Design: participants placed into three equal groups (QuadmillTM, Lifting, Control). The two experimental groups (QuadmillTM and Lifting) underwent …
Physical Activity And Nutritional Behavior Of Overweight College Students Trying To Lose Weight 2014,
2014
SUNY College Cortland
Physical Activity And Nutritional Behavior Of Overweight College Students Trying To Lose Weight 2014, Santino Vallejos M.S.
Master's Theses
Although there are numerous benefits to increased physical activity and proper dietary behaviors, the decreased participation in physical activity and poor dietary behaviors has emerged as a significant problem within the college student population. The focus of this research study was to identify the relationship between physical activity and dietary behavior to weight loss behaviors within an undergraduate student sample of a small, comprehensive northeastern university. College-aged students (age range: 17 to 27 years old) completed the American College Health Association’s (ACHA) National College Health Assessment II (NCHA) during the years 2009 and 2012. According to the results, there were …
Phthalates And Phthalate Alternatives: Effects On Proliferative And Estrogenic Target Genes In Ishikawa Cells,
2014
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Phthalates And Phthalate Alternatives: Effects On Proliferative And Estrogenic Target Genes In Ishikawa Cells, Ranjani Sundar '15, Ping Yin, Serdar E. Bulun
Student Publications & Research
Phthalates are used as plasticizers in many of the products found in medical, household, and industrial applications. Much research has not been completed on the effects of these phthalates as potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). As these chemicals are ingested, the mechanism by which they affect the reproductive system is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to observe how 2 phthalates, Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and 2 phthalate alternatives, Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)affect uterine cells in comparison to a vehicle treatment and 17β-Estradiol treatment. Changes in expression of mRNA were observed using …
Epigenetic Modifications Associated With Aortic Remodeling In Hyperhomocysteinemia.,
2014
University of Louisville
Epigenetic Modifications Associated With Aortic Remodeling In Hyperhomocysteinemia., Nithya Narayanan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is prevalent in hypertensive patients and is an independent risk factor for aortic pathologies. HHcy is known to cause an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) leading to accumulation of collagen in the aorta resulting in stiffness and development of hypertension. Although the exact mechanism of extracellular matrix remodeling (ECM) is unclear, emerging evidence implicates epigenetic regulation involving DNA methylation. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether inhibition of DNA methylation reduces high blood pressure by regulating aortic ECM remodeling in HHcy. Methods: In the first set of experiments, we …
The Anti-Obesogenic Effects Of Nitric Oxide.,
2014
University of Louisville
The Anti-Obesogenic Effects Of Nitric Oxide., Brian Edward Sansbury 1985-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Obesity is a strong risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and has quickly reached epidemic proportions with few tangible and safe treatment options. While it is generally accepted that the primary cause of obesity is energy imbalance, i.e., more calories are consumed than are utilized, understanding how caloric balance is regulated has proven a challenge. Molecular processes and pathways that directly regulate energy metabolism represent promising targets for therapy. In particular, nitric oxide (NO) is emerging as a central regulator of energy metabolism and body composition. NO bioavailability is decreased in animal models of obesity and …
Mitoneet: Reduction In Insulin Resistance Through Ameliorated Oxidative Stress?,
2014
Eastern Illinois University
Mitoneet: Reduction In Insulin Resistance Through Ameliorated Oxidative Stress?, Nicolas A. Ferry
Undergraduate Honors Theses
MitoNEET is a mitochondrial iron-sulfur protein with poorly-understood functions. Proposed functions of mitoNEET include regulating of oxidative capacity, reactive oxygen homeostasis, and other possible roles. Investigating the interactions of mitoNEET with other proteins might help identify functional roles of this protein. MitoNEET was discovered in 2004 to identify physiological targets of pioglitazone hydrochloride, a drug that is commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is a metabolic disease and, although the exact pathology is complex, the role of the mitochondrion in cellular energy production and glucose oxidation indicates that this organelle has a role in type-2 diabetes. Because of …
Synaptic Plasticity In Gabaergic Inhibition Of Vta Neurons,
2014
Brigham Young University - Provo
Synaptic Plasticity In Gabaergic Inhibition Of Vta Neurons, Jennifer Kei Mabey
Theses and Dissertations
Past research has demonstrated that the motivational effects of opiates causes a change in ventral tegmental area (VTA) γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) subtype A receptor [GABA(A)R] complexes in opiate-dependent animals, which switch from a GABA-induced hyperpolarization of VTA GABA neurons to a GABA-induced depolarization. Previously shown in naïve animals, superfusion of ethanol (IC50 = 30 mM) and the GABA(A)R agonist muscimol (IC50 = 100 nM) decreased VTA GABA neuron firing rate in a dose-dependent manner. The aim of this study was to evaluate VTA GABA neuron excitability, GABA synaptic transmission to VTA GABA neurons, and a potential switch in GABA(A)R …
Eggshell Calcium Regulates Calcium Transport Protein Expression In An Oviparous Snake,
2014
East Tennessee State University
Eggshell Calcium Regulates Calcium Transport Protein Expression In An Oviparous Snake, Hannah Frye
Undergraduate Honors Theses
One hypothesis explaining the numerous independent evolutionary transitions from oviparity to viviparity among squamates (snakes and lizards) proposed that squamate embryonic development is independent of eggshell calcium. Recent research showed at least 25% of the calcium in hatchling oviparous squamates is extracted from the shell. Though not a direct test, these results are inconsistent with the hypothesis. To directly test the hypothesis, we removed eggshell calcium (through peeling) early in development of Pantherophis guttatus (corn snake) eggs. Survivorship to hatching did not differ between peeled and intact eggs. Yet hatchlings from peeled eggs were shorter (273.6 ± 3.4 vs. 261.0 …
Salivary Alpha-Amylase As An Indicator Of Body Stress Following An Acute Session Of Repetitive Jumping,
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Salivary Alpha-Amylase As An Indicator Of Body Stress Following An Acute Session Of Repetitive Jumping, Shaelee Allen
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Determining body stress levels is important when developing training programs for athletes and rehab facilities. Stress levels during exercise are commonly measured using heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), and blood biomarkers. These collection measures involve training on the part of the data collector and the participant, are invasive, and themselves elicit some stress. The purpose of this study is to test whether a 10-min repetitive jumping session will cause a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase, a potential stress biomarker. This study also looks to determine if a 20-min recovery is enough time for amylase levels to return to …
Understanding How Honey Bee Flight And Senescence Are Connected Through Oxidative Stress.,
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Understanding How Honey Bee Flight And Senescence Are Connected Through Oxidative Stress., Joseph Margotta
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
The goal of this dissertation was to exploit the tractability of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) to understand how the physiological and cellular mechanisms that determine the onset and duration of senescence are shaped by behavioral development and behavioral intensity. These data reveal how behavior can damage cells and consequently limit lifespan. The honey bee represents the ideal model to address these factors because age, behavior, functional senescence, and lifespan are easily manipulated independently of each other while in its natural environment. I determined if there was a cause-effect relationship between honey bee flight and oxidative stress by comparing damage …
The Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes, Pugio: Hypoxic Influences On Embryonic Development,
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes, Pugio: Hypoxic Influences On Embryonic Development, Christensen C. Javier
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Grass shrimp,Palaemonetes pugio, can survive in brackish waters and estuarine ecosystems despite the frequent oscillations and fluctuations in salinity, temperature and oxygen. AdultP. pugiohave the ability to osmoregulate (Romney and Reiber 2011), change cardiac parameters to tolerate temperatures (not yet published, Mika and Reiber) and oxyregulate (Guadagnoli and Reiber 2013). Manipulation of cardiac parameters allows for these methods of regulation. However, cardiac contraction and internal convection of oxygen do not occur until later stages of embryonic development. Studies focused on these morphological and physiological advantages may provide further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms within grass shrimp embryos, larvae and adults. …
Life History Tradeoffs And The Costs Of Reproduction In Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides Sculpturatus),
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Life History Tradeoffs And The Costs Of Reproduction In Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides Sculpturatus), Michael Marie Webber
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Tradeoffs in life history evolution result from conflicts in the time and energy that can be simultaneously invested in activities such as growth, reproduction, and survival. Reproduction is an energetically costly activity for organisms, and is known to elicit alterations in the daily activity patterns of individuals. I investigated reproductive tradeoffs in the Arizona Bark Scorpion,Centruroides sculpturatus. To better understand the nature of tradeoffs in this species, I examined the influence of reproductive state on the predatory efficiency and thermal preference of reproductive females. Further, I examined the influence of reproductive activities (i.e. gestation) on the ability of reproductive females …
Myocyte-Specific Overexpression Of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Facilitates Cardiac Regeneration And Improves Myocardial Function After Infarction In Mice.,
2014
University of Louisville
Myocyte-Specific Overexpression Of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Facilitates Cardiac Regeneration And Improves Myocardial Function After Infarction In Mice., Detlef Ernst-Rudolf Obal
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Interruption of cardiac stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXCR4 axis by chronic AMD3100 administration increased myocardial injury after permanent coronary artery ligation, demonstrating the important role of this chemokine in cardiac regeneration. Hypothesis: Cardiomyocyte-specific conditional overexpression of SDF prevents heart failure after permanent coronary ligation and facilitates cardiac regeneration. Methods and Results: Tetracycline-controlled, a-myosine heavy chain promoter directed overexpression of cardiac SDF resulted in a significant increase of SDF expression (SDF: 8.1 ng / g protein) compared with littermate WT mice (0.02 ng / g protein) four weeks after doxycycline withdrawal. SDF overexpression increased AKT and casein kinase 1 levels …
Inflammation-Resolving Lipid Mediators Promote Revascularization To Enhance Wound Healing.,
2014
University of Louisville
Inflammation-Resolving Lipid Mediators Promote Revascularization To Enhance Wound Healing., Michael Jingyuan Zhang
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Wound healing is a highly concerted cellular process that begins with inflammation and proceeds to resolution to revascularize the site of injury. Although inflammation is essential to revascularization during wound healing, it is now recognized that resolution is an active process that is equally important. Other investigations have implicated a beneficial effect of resolving inflammation and promoting resolution in the remission of inflammatory pathologies. Recently investigations have yielded a novel class of ?-3 fatty acid derived lipid mediators, biosynthesized by leukocytes, which are capable of resolving inflammation and promoting resolution. We therefore hypothesized that these leukocyte-derived pro-resolving lipid mediators can …
Cloning The Ultrabithorax Gene In Tribolium Castaneum,
2014
Brigham Young University
Cloning The Ultrabithorax Gene In Tribolium Castaneum, Kara I. Ludlow, Dr. Randy Bennett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My original proposal was to clone the extradenticle gene in Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle); however, I worked in conjunction with Laura Newell who received an ORCA grant to work with Dr. Bennett cloning the Ultrabithorax gene of the red flour beetle. To further previous research, it was determined that the Ultrabithorax gene needed to be cloned first, so Laura and I worked on that project together. Due to complications and unexpected delays, we were only able to finish cloning the Ultrabithorax gene of the beetle and did not have time to clone the extradenticle gene, as well.
Physiological And Biochemical Consequences Of Sleep Deprivation,
2014
Georgia Southern University
Physiological And Biochemical Consequences Of Sleep Deprivation, Jade Catherine Boykin
Honors College Theses
Sleep is a universal phenomenon in vertebrates and lack of sleep has been linked with various abnormal behaviors (Singh et al 2013). Studies have shown that a strong linkage exists between stress and sleep, or lack thereof. In fact, the Better Sleep Council’s 2009 survey revealed that 65% of Americans lose sleep due to elevated stress (Wells and Vaughn 2012). Continual (chronic) elevated stress levels have been linked with serious negative health effects. By using sleep deprivation studies, on a simpler animal model than humans it is our aim to investigate the consequences of sleep deprivation at the physiological and …
Gpr55: A Potential Enhancer Of Learning And Memory In The Hippocampus,
2014
Brigham Young University
Gpr55: A Potential Enhancer Of Learning And Memory In The Hippocampus, Rachel Schneider, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My project goal was to understand how G-protein coupled receptor 55, (GPR55), a novel cellular pathway in the hippocampus, contributes to learning and memory. Recent research of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, has primarily focused on understanding how learning occurs and how memories are encoded within the brain. Understanding the process in a normal brain and then how it is disrupted in a diseased brain is essential to making headway on treatments for neurodegeneration. Some studies have shown that to encode memories, the brain changes neural synapses to either strengthen or weaken the electrical pathways, which is a process known as …
Ceramides, Mitochondrial Fission, And Reactive Oxygen Species, A Novel Mechanism Of Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance,
2014
Brigham Young University
Ceramides, Mitochondrial Fission, And Reactive Oxygen Species, A Novel Mechanism Of Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance, Braden Tucker, Dr. Benjamin Bikman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
With the unabated rise in obesity in the United States and globally (1), increasing efforts are being devoted to understand and prevent both the onset and the consequences of excess fat gain. As evidenced by health trends, efforts to curtail weight gain have proven largely ineffective, as the number of obese adults in the U.S. is projected to grow by 2.4 million annually (2). The increased prevalence of obesity would not be noteworthy if such a trend were not accompanied by a substantial economic and personal cost—medical costs are roughly $150 billion annually and obese individuals may expect a loss …
Histological Validation Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Cerebrovascular Disease Imaging Biomarkers,
2014
Brigham Young University
Histological Validation Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Cerebrovascular Disease Imaging Biomarkers, Brigham Barzee, Brett Gardiner, Dr. Jon Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this study is to analyze spatial co-localizations between amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, and iron in postmortem brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) patients. Iron is readily visible in T2* magnetic resonance images (MRI), and has been shown to be spatially correlated with Aβ plaques in AD. Neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein are also associated with AD, and Aβ plaques are also found in the walls of the vessels in CVD. If iron co-localizes with Aβ, then the location of the iron—parenchyma vs. sulci—as seen in MRI could reveal if the disease is possibly AD …
