Erythrocyte Shape Change And Vesicle Release With Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin,
2013
Brigham Young University
Erythrocyte Shape Change And Vesicle Release With Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin, Jeremy Fairbourn, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The study of membrane properties has direct applications in many branches of science. These properties influence the shape and behavior of the cell. With respect to erythrocytes, the membrane becomes susceptible to the action of secretory Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) following treatment with ionophores such as ionomycin. The changes produced by ionomycin are experimental analogs to occurrences in the body. The normal actions of the immune system and metabolism cause changes to the cells such that apoptosis is eventually the endpoint of the cell.
Influenza A Virus M2 Protein Selectivity And Permeability Of Ammonium Ions At Varying Ph,
2013
Brigham Young University
Influenza A Virus M2 Protein Selectivity And Permeability Of Ammonium Ions At Varying Ph, Jared Kevin Pearson, David D. Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The M2 protein inside the Influenza A virus capsid is vital to the virus’ replication. When the virus enters a cell, the M2 protein forms ion channels that allow the viral RNA to dissociate from stabilizing proteins, enter the host cell nucleus, and replicate. Blocking the formation of these ion channels, or disabling M2 protein ion transport therefore is an important area of research; inactivating the channel will prevent Influenza A replication.
The Effects Of Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, And Tumor Necrosis Factor On Aldosterone Release From The Bovine Adrenal Cortex,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effects Of Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, And Tumor Necrosis Factor On Aldosterone Release From The Bovine Adrenal Cortex, Todd A. Richards, Dr. Allan M. Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The adrenal is an endocrine gland that is important for the release of steroid hormones and cathecholamines. The adrenal gland is closely associated with the immune system. This association is closely linked by the release of cytokines. Cytokines are a diverse group of proteins first isolated within the immune system but have now been identified in numerous tissues, including those of the endocrine system. The principle cytokines affecting the adrenal gland are interleukin-1 (IL-alpha and IL-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These cytokines can regulate adrenal function, particularly during increased stress and disease, and because they are produced …
Degeneration Of Articular Cartilage In The Temporomandibluar Joint Of Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm),
2013
Brigham Young University
Degeneration Of Articular Cartilage In The Temporomandibluar Joint Of Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm), Robert R. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease affecting humans today. This disease leads to premature degradation of articular cartilage in joints, such as the knee, and it can be caused by mutations in collagen coding genes. Collagen is the basic building block of cartilage, so any mutations would affect the response of collagen to outside factors.
Type Iia Procollagen – Osteoarthritis Biomarker In Dmm Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Type Iia Procollagen – Osteoarthritis Biomarker In Dmm Mice, John Mcallister, Kenneth Merrell, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA), results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Ethical and practical issues limiting the availability of human tissue in OA research necessitate the use of animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Use of Dmm as a model of OA may lead a discovery of a common mechanism associated …
Does Addition Of The Snare Protein Snap-25 To Syntaxin 1a Enhance Fusion Rates Of Modified Synaptic Vesicles In A System Containing The Minimum Vesicle Fusion Machinery?,
2013
Brigham Young University
Does Addition Of The Snare Protein Snap-25 To Syntaxin 1a Enhance Fusion Rates Of Modified Synaptic Vesicles In A System Containing The Minimum Vesicle Fusion Machinery?, Jeremy Curtis, Dr. Dixon Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The original intent of my project was to compare the fusion rates of synaptic vesicles to a syntaxin artificial membrane with and without SNAP-25. Recent research has shown that modified synaptic vesicles may fuse to a syntaxin-only bilayer . Prior to this, the major dogma of the SNARE-induced hypothesis of vesicle fusion has included SNAP-25 as a necessary component.
Untitled,
2013
Brigham Young University
Untitled, Legg Barzee
Journal of Undergraduate Research
We have previously shown that treatment of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells with a serum-achievable concentration of a biologically relevant form of selenium (Se) dramatically reduces binding of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to its DNA response element, and reduces by half the transcription rates and steady state mRNA levels for anti-apoptotic and other NF-kappaB regulated genes. However, the activation of NF-kappaB is a multistep process (See Figure 1). It is possible that Se could affect various steps in that process ultimately resulting in a decreased binding to DNA. The purpose of this work was to identify those steps in the …
Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers,
2013
Brigham Young University
Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers, Brian Knudson, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As the original goal of the project was to investigate the channel-forming mechanism of Nystatin, I began the project as outlined in the proposal.
Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers,
2013
Brigham Young University
Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers, James E. Ricks, David Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The existence of multicellular organisms is dependent on the concerted activities of scores of individual cells. These vital communication links are supplied by hosts of receptors, hormones, and trans-membrane channels. One of these key links is the gramicidin ion channel, a helical peptide which when dimerized forms an uncharged channel spanning its host membrane.1
Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis, Luke M. Gessel, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Apoptosis, or “programmed cell death”, is one process used by cells to terminate their existence. The phenomenon of an increase of apoptotic cell death in cases of osteoarthritis (OA) has recently become a much disputed topic among laboratories dedicated to the advancement of OA research . The standard progression of OA, based on our current knowledge, shows an increase in cellularity, or cell density, of the cartilage cells known as chondrocytes, followed by a subsequent decrease in this chondrocyte cellularity and a breakdown of the cartilage. Apoptosis would provide a mechanism through which this rapid decrease in cellularity may occur, …
The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Sean Georgi, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Modern medicine has dramatically increased the lifespan of individuals in industrialized societies, leading to large populations of elderly adults. With this lengthened lifespan, however, has come an increased incidence in age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The causes of these diseases are enigmatic and complex, making them difficult to cure or prevent. Rather, current treatments try to delay or slow the progression of such diseases. One such treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involves the drug galantamine, derived from a natural compound in daffodil bulbs. Studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms through which galantamine alleviates Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, and this project’s …
Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin,
2013
Brigham Young University
Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin, Rachel Williams Bailey, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nystatin is a fluorescent molecule that has recently been characterized as a probe of phospholipid properties in artificial membranes. The hypothesis purported by my research group was that nystatin binds preferentially to the boundary between ordered and disordered phases of phospholipids in both artificial and biological membranes. My project was to test this hypothesis in biological membranes. By further characterizing nystatin as a probe, our group would have another tool with which to understand the binding properties of the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Secretory PLA2 adsorbs to the surface of cells and hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids to release free fatty …
Interim Report Mutations In The Wnt/Pcp Signaling Pathway And Neural Tube Closure Defects,
2013
Brigham Young University
Interim Report Mutations In The Wnt/Pcp Signaling Pathway And Neural Tube Closure Defects, Nathan Hawley, Dr. Jeff Barrow
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thus far in our study of the Wnt/PCP Signaling Pathway we have collected some intriguing data.
Affects Of Ergosterol On Nystatin Binding To Artificial Cell Membranes,
2013
Brigham Young University
Affects Of Ergosterol On Nystatin Binding To Artificial Cell Membranes, Quinn Bahm, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The phospholipids that make up the cell membrane change in order and liquidity with temperature and sterol concentration. This change in phase can be recognized by using a fluorescent probe called nystatin. Nystatin is currently used pharmaceutically as a fungicide; it forms channels in membranes with ergosterol allowing water and ions to rush inside and rupture the fungal cell. Nystatin is assumed to bind to the membrane differently in the presence of cholesterol, as is the case with humans than in the presence of ergosterol, thus allowing the drug to destroy fungal cells while accumulating harmlessly on the surface of …
Protein Kinase C Dependent Inhibition Of Kir3.2 (Girk2) Channel Activity And Its Molecular Determinants,
2013
Virginia Commonwealth University
Protein Kinase C Dependent Inhibition Of Kir3.2 (Girk2) Channel Activity And Its Molecular Determinants, Scott Adney
Theses and Dissertations
Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are critically important for regulating resting membrane potential in excitable cells, a job underscored by the severe pathophysiology associated with channel dysfunction. While all Kir channels require the activating lipid PIP2, many of these channels have diverse modulatory factors that couple to PIP2-dependent gating. Channels in the Kir3 (GIRK) family, in particular, have several co-activating elements, including G-protein betagamma subunits, ethanol, and sodium. During stimulation of Gq-coupled receptors, downstream activation of Protein Kinase C can phosphorylate and inhibit Kir3 channels, yet the mechanism of inhibition and phosphorylation sites are incompletely understood. We took a combined …
Lipids And Vesicular Fusion (The Doorway To My Future),
2013
Brigham Young University
Lipids And Vesicular Fusion (The Doorway To My Future), Brady Atwood, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Exocytosis is the process by which a cell excretes intracellular substances into an extracellular space. Cells perform this by storing these substances in lipid membrane enclosed spheres called vesicles. These vesicles are brought to the inside surface of the cellular membrane where they are docked and primed for release upon the appropriate signal. When the signal occurs the vesicles fuse to the membrane releasing the stored material into the space around the cell. This is especially relevant in neuroscience as this is the process by which neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft which then go on to stimulate/inhibit another …
The Role Of Phob In The Phosphate Signaling Pathway,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Role Of Phob In The Phosphate Signaling Pathway, Eliza H. Norcross, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Every living cell requires a means of sensing its environment and responding appropriately. Even a single cell needs to coordinate its functions to survive. One way cells process environmental stimuli is through signal transduction pathways. Types of signaling used in bacteria include two component systems. “Two component” refers to the two parts of the system, a histidine kinase and a response regulator. The bacterium E. coli uses a two component system called the phosphate signaling pathway to sense and respond to varying levels of phosphate in the environment.
Cytokine Regulation Of Adrenal Secretion Of Dehydroepiandrosterone (Dhea),
2013
Brigham Young University
Cytokine Regulation Of Adrenal Secretion Of Dehydroepiandrosterone (Dhea), Edward C. Miner, Dr. Allan M. Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The adrenal cortex releases aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) into the blood stream. The regulation of aldosterone and cortisol release by the adrenal gland is well studied. In contrast, little is known about the regulation of DHEA secretion. Since low plasma levels of DHEA are associated with the aging process, rheumatoid arthritis, and disease progression in HIV-infected individuals, it is medically significant to determine the mechanism of DHEA release from the adrenal gland.
The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6, Timothy E. Lindsay, Dr. Allan M. Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Up to this point, the study of adrenal glands has utilized mostly rat and bovine models. However, in the research of human physiology, human models are preferable to animal models. But human adrenal glands are difficult to obtain, and when they are obtained, experiments often have limited sample sizes. In addition, human adrenal glands available for research are often functionally altered by disease. Also, donors with healthy adrenal glands may be administered multiple pharmacological agents which modify adrenal functions. These obstacles show how a model that provides an unlimited quantity of tissue with consistent secretion patterns would take precedent over …
The Effects Of Neurotensin On The Rat Distal Colon,
2013
Virginia Commonwealth University
The Effects Of Neurotensin On The Rat Distal Colon, Rick Chainani
Theses and Dissertations
The enteric nervous system controls the gut through the release of specific neurotransmitter and neuromodulators at specific sites such as mucosal secretory cell or smooth muscle cell. In the present study, we have examined the response to one of these neurohumoral agents, Neurotensin, in the rat distal colon. Neurotensin is a paracrine and endocrine modulator of the digestive tract. Even though these effects have been seen in colonic preparations, there are very few functional studies of the effects of Neurotensin in the rat colon, especially the distal colon. In the current study we propose the following hypothesis that Neurotensin will …
