Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell
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. Since ethical and practical issues limit the availability of human tissue in OA research it is necessary to use animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Current research suggests the heterozygous Dmm mouse (D/+) is a valid model for early-onset OA …
Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells, Brian Powell, Dr. Allan Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Before the turn of the century, biological research was taken by storm with the discovery of inhibitory RNA (RNAi). In 1995, Guo and Kemphues (Mello & Conte, 2004) stumbled into this discovery and were later awarded the Nobel Prize in science for their discovery. The discovery turned into a technique that is used to knock out genes with laser-like precision, and although the precision of RNAi has come into question recently, it is still a valued technique (Couzin, 2004). However, still in its infancy, the extent to which RNAi is used naturally in different tissues is unclear. To the extent …
Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression,
2013
Brigham Young University
Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression, Matt Peterson, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Hippocampal interneurons are a particularly diverse population of cells. Classifying these interneurons has historically been difficult using traditional schemes such as anatomical morphology, action potential spiking pattern, and receptor pharmacology. More recently however, classification of interneurons by examining expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and calcium-binding proteins (Ca-BPs: parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin) has been promoted as an effective means for identifying subpopulations within the hippocampus. Categorization of the expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and Ca-BPs with the various types of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) could provide information valuable for characterizing how various interneuron subpopulations function to modulate the overall activity of …
Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway,
2013
Brigham Young University
Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway, Vu Mai Phuong, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a secretory enzyme thought to mainly function in hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids in certain conditions of signaling induced by the immune system or hormone activity. sPLA2 is known to be implicated in inflammatory diseases, sepsis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, ischemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, pre-eclampsia, and gall stones; therefore, understanding its mechanism of action is an important step in helping other researchers determine therapeutic means for these diseases.
Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And,
2013
Brigham Young University
Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And, Richard Swenson, David Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In general, research of the function of proteins involved in harmful diseases helps researchers who are investigating these diseases better understand part of their puzzle to be able to find solutions to these problems and often opens doors for new treatments of other disorders. For example, to reduce wrinkles, doctors inject patients with Botulinum Neurotoxin(BoTox). I would like to add to the world’s understanding of BoTox so that new procedures can be developed and the harmful effects of botulism can be reduced. My research of Phospholipase A-2 (sPLA2) will likewise add to knowledge of the function of this and other …
A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients, Dedra A. Cutler, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair and cell proliferation. Increased cell proliferation results in higher than normal levels of TK1. Because of this relationship, TK1 has recently been identified as a useful marker in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes,
2013
Brigham Young University
Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes, Kristen H. Parker, Dr. John D. Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Our research team in Dr. Bell’s laboratory has focused primarily on studying interactions between cell membranes and the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This enzyme is able to distinguish between healthy cells and foreign or damaged cells, which it hydrolyzes. The purpose of my individual project was to use a specific fluorescent probe to study the mechanism for the selective susceptibility and degradation of cell membranes by sPLA2.
Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An,
2013
Brigham Young University
Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An, Sandra B. Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recently, a non-endemic species of fish, Salvelinus namaycush, was introduced into Yellowstone Lake. These lake trout feed on the native cutthroat trout, an important food source for higher predators in the area. During routine examinations of the lake trout, an abnormally high infection of intestinal nematodes was discovered. These intestinal nematodes are also found in the endemic lake trout in nearby Lewis Lake, but at a lower level of infection.
Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice, Lisa Higgenbotham, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Microinjection is a technique used to introduce DNA into the genome of an animal at the embryo stage. It is an effective way to insert replacement, or rescue, copies of a gene that the embryo may be lacking. In this study, I prepared purified copies of the mouse Col2a1 gene and microinjected them into the pronuclei of single-cell mouse embryos. Col2a1 encodes type II collagen, a major component of cartilage. Mice carrying one or two mutant alleles of Col2a1 are characterized by developmental abnormalities, degenerative joint disease, and even death. This phenotype is observed in Disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) mice, which …
The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer, Eric M. Troxell, Marci L. Troxell, Dr. Marci L. Troxell, John D. Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Phospholipase A is a protein that interacts reversibly with the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. This interaction is affected by physical alterations in the bilayer, which can be caused by a variety of sources, including temperature and certain drugs. Cholesterol is one of the sources known to change the physical properties of the bilayer. It was hypothesized that estrone (Cl8H2202), which is similar in structure to cholesterol, would also affect the bilayer. Studying the effects of various drugs on the bilayer and phospholipase A2 can lead to greater understanding of the lipid/protein interactions occurring in cells.
The -9/+9 Polymorphism Of The Bradykinin Receptor Beta 2 Gene And Athlete Status: A Study Involving Two European Cohorts.,
2013
University of Szczecin, Poland
The -9/+9 Polymorphism Of The Bradykinin Receptor Beta 2 Gene And Athlete Status: A Study Involving Two European Cohorts., Marek Sawczuk, Yevgeniya I. Timshina, Irina V. Astratenkova, Agnieszka Maciejewska-Karłowska, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Krzysztof Ficek, Leysan J. Mustafina, Paweł Cięszczyk, Tomasz Klocek, Ildus I. Ahmetov
Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints
Background: Previous studies concerning the relevance of the BDKRB2 gene polymorphisms revealed that the absence (–9 allele) of a 9 base pair sequence in exon 1 of the BDKRB2 gene is correlated with higher skeletal muscle metabolic efficiency, glucose uptake during exercise, as well as endurance athletic performance. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the BDKRB2 -9/+9 polymorphism and elite athletic status in two cohorts of east-European athletes. Therefore, we examined the genotype distribution of the BDKRB2 9/+9 polymorphic site in a group of Polish athletes and confirmed the results obtained in a replication …
Retinal Detachment In Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia,
2013
Brigham Young University
Retinal Detachment In Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia, Jared R. Jackson, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Stickler syndrome, caused by a mutation of the Collagen 2A1 gene, is the most common cause of inherited retinal detachment in children. A mutation of the same gene in mice causes Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm). “In cases where mouse mutations occur in genes that are also responsible for human disorders, the mouse strains provide essential model systems for studies of pathogenetic mechanisms.” The purpose of this study is to find and document evidence of retinal detachment that is hypothesized in heterozygous (Dmm/+) mutant mice.
Understanding Actin To Stop Metastasis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding Actin To Stop Metastasis, James Moody, Ben Werner
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project is to identify the organization and mechanism of the proteins in the Zyxin-VASP actin regulatory system using biochemical analysis and in vitro reconstitution.
Chondrocyte Apoptosis Correlated With Progression Of Osteoarthritis In Dmm Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Chondrocyte Apoptosis Correlated With Progression Of Osteoarthritis In Dmm Mice, Ryan Anderson, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease resulting in the degeneration of synovial joint cartilage and is the leading cause of chronic disability in the elderly1. Despite the prevalence of this disease, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. There is need for low cost, short generation animal model to study this disease. For this, we used a proven mouse model as the means for researching OA, the Disproportionate micromellia (Dmm) mouse which has been shown to develop early onset OA. One mechanism involved in OA that we are specifically researching is programmed cell death, apoptosis, of cartilage cells, chondrocytes and how it …
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics, Nicholas H. Bishop
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research aims to elucidate the protein interactions at cell-cell contacts (adherens junctions or AJs) by studying the fluorescence recovery of three known AJ proteins (zyxin, VASP, and actin) after photobleaching. At AJs, zyxin interacts with VASP (Vasioukhin et al., 2000) which in turn encourages the polymerization of actin (Vasioukhin et al., 2000). Mutation of certain regions of zyxin may reveal their role in zyxin-VASP binding and regulation. The effects of altering VASP activity should be evident in actin turnover rate. In Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP), regions of cell-cell adhesions with fluorescently labeled zyxin, VASP, or actin are bleached …
Fetal Programming Of A Hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Fetal Programming Of A Hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, Joshua P. Thatcher, Dr. James P. Porter
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cardiovascular diseases have become among the most widespread of adult diseases in the United States. Over the last few decades, the United States has experienced a dramatic increase in the rate of diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Obesity and Hypertension.
Aspirin And Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Combination Therapy Effectively Prevents Recurrent Miscarriage In Hyperhomocysteinemic Women.,
2013
Institute of Reproductive Medicine
Aspirin And Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Combination Therapy Effectively Prevents Recurrent Miscarriage In Hyperhomocysteinemic Women., Pratip Chakraborty, Sayani Banerjee, Piyali Saha, Shyam Sundar Nandi, Sunita Sharma, Sourendra K. Goswami, Baidyanath Chakravarty, Syed N. Kabir
Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology
The management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) still remains a great challenge, and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at a greater risk for spontaneous abortion. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has become an accepted treatment option for women with RPL; however, the subgroup of women, who are likely to respond to LMWH, has not been precisely identified. The present study evaluated the efficacy of LMWH with reference to PCOS and associated metabolic phenotypes including hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. This prospective observational study was conducted at Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Kolkata, India. A total of 967 …
Histological Validation Of Iron As An Imaging Biomarker For Amyloid Beta And Tau Depositions In Alzheimer’S Disease,
2013
Brigham Young University
Histological Validation Of Iron As An Imaging Biomarker For Amyloid Beta And Tau Depositions In Alzheimer’S Disease, Ashley Salin, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
At present, no one can diagnose a patient with Alzheimer’s disease until postmortem examination. It was our goal to change that theory and make it possible to diagnose varying degrees of Alzheimer’s through Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Analysis of the spatial overlap of non-heme iron, phosphorylated tau protein, and Amyloid Beta depositions in consecutive tissue slices of the hippocampus of post-mortem subjects ultimately facilitated characterization and detection of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s through MRI’s.
Three-Dimensional Characterization And Mapping Of Gluteus Medius Muscle Fibers,
2013
Brigham Young University
Three-Dimensional Characterization And Mapping Of Gluteus Medius Muscle Fibers, Kylen Zibetti, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The human body is amazingly complex. Every structure and function affects multiple other structures and functions in a very automated way. Going from sitting to standing includes thousands of activated neurons, millions of contracting muscle fibers, and perfect balance coordinated between the semicircular canals and brain. With so much to study it was difficult to narrow it down. I decided though that I wanted to better understand anatomy, and especially the very fine anatomy of the hip because I am interested in gait pattern. After working with Dr. Wisco, I concluded that I would create a three dimensional model of …
Lipid Regulation After Induction Of The C-Met Pathway In Mdck Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Lipid Regulation After Induction Of The C-Met Pathway In Mdck Cells, Kristen Alexander, Dr. Marc Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
A key characteristic of cancer is metastasis of the primary tumor to other locations in the body. Hepatocyte-growth factor (HGF) is a highly characterized and studied factor that induces epithelial cell scattering, through the c-met pathway, and mediates a similar response to metastasis (Cecchi, et al., 2012, Lai, et al, 2012). Trademarks of the c-Met pathway, as stimulated by HGF, include proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, cell survival and migration (Bozkaya, et al., 2012). When activated in cancer patients, the c-Met pathway leads to a poor prognosis (Wang, et al., 2003). The scientific community is trying to understand characteristics and cellular changes …
