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- Title
- A comprehensive study of mammalian SNAG transcription family members.
- Creator
- Chiang, Cindy Chung-Yue., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Transcriptional regulation by the family of SNAG (Snail/Gfi-1) zinc fingers has been shown to play a role in various developmental states and diseases. These transcriptional repressors have function in both DNA- and protein-binding, allowing for multiple interactions by a single family member. This work aims to characterize the SNAG members Slug, Smuc, Snail, Scratch, Gfi-1, Gfi-1B, and IA-1 in terms of both DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. The specific DNA sequences to which the...
Show moreTranscriptional regulation by the family of SNAG (Snail/Gfi-1) zinc fingers has been shown to play a role in various developmental states and diseases. These transcriptional repressors have function in both DNA- and protein-binding, allowing for multiple interactions by a single family member. This work aims to characterize the SNAG members Slug, Smuc, Snail, Scratch, Gfi-1, Gfi-1B, and IA-1 in terms of both DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. The specific DNA sequences to which the zinc finger regions bind were determined for each member, and a general consensus of TGCACCTGTCCGA, was developed for four of the members. Via these studies, we also reveal thebinding affinities of E-box (CANNTG) sequences to the members, since this core is found for multiple members' binding sites. Additionally, protein-protein interactions of SNAG members to other biological molecules were investigated. The Slug domain and Scratch domain have unknown function, yet through yeast two-hybrid screening, we were able to determine protein interaction partners for them as well as for other full length SNAG members. These protein-interacting partners have suggested function as corepressors during transcriptional repression. The comprehensive information determined from these studies allow for a better understanding of the functional relationship between SNAG-ZFPs and other genes. The collected data not only creates a new profile for each member investigated, but it also allows for further studies to be initiated from the results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3342041
- Subject Headings
- Cellular signal transduction, Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Metalloproteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A role for polynucleotide phosphorylase in protecting cells and controlling RNA quality under oxidative stress.
- Creator
- Wu, Jinhua., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
RNA damage occurring under oxidative stress has been shown to cause RNA dysfunction and must be detrimental to cells and organisms. We propose that damaged RNA can be removed by specific RNA surveillance activities. In this work, we investigated the role of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), a 3'->5' exoribonuclease, in protecting the cells against oxidative stress and eliminating oxidatively-damaged RNA. Previously, it was reported that E. coli PNPase has a higher affinity to poly(8-oxoG...
Show moreRNA damage occurring under oxidative stress has been shown to cause RNA dysfunction and must be detrimental to cells and organisms. We propose that damaged RNA can be removed by specific RNA surveillance activities. In this work, we investigated the role of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), a 3'->5' exoribonuclease, in protecting the cells against oxidative stress and eliminating oxidatively-damaged RNA. Previously, it was reported that E. coli PNPase has a higher affinity to poly(8-oxoG:A). We further confirmed that E. coli PNPase can specifically bind to an oxidized RNA with a high affinity. An E. coli strain deficient in PNPase (pnp) is hypersensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Importantly, the level of H2O2-induced RNA damage, measured by the content of 8-hydroxyguanosine, increases significantly in the pnp mutant cells. Consistent with the notion that PNPase plays a direct role in these processes, introduction of the pnp gene encoding E. coli PNPase can restore the viability and RNA oxidation level of the pnp mutant cells in response to H2O2 treatment. Interestingly, degradosome-association is not required for PNPase to protect cell against oxidative stress. PNPase is evolutionary conserved in most of organisms of all domains of life. The human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase) localizes mainly in mitochondria and plays pleiotropic roles in cell differentiation and has been previously shown to bind 8- oxoG-RNA with a high affinity. Here we show that similar to E. coli PNPase, hPNPase plays an indispensable role in protecting HeLa cells against oxidative stress. The viability in HeLa cell and 8-oxoG levels in RNA are inversely correlated in response to H2O2- treatment. After removal of oxidative challenge, the elevated level of 8-oxoG in RNA decreases, suggesting the existence of surveillance mechanism(s) for cleaning up oxidized RNA., We have shown that hPNPase may be responsible for the surveillance of oxidized RNA in mammalian cells.Overexpresion of hPNPase reduces RNA oxidation and increases HeLa cell viability against H2O2 insult. Conversely, hPNPase knockdown decreases the viability and increases 8-oxoG level in HeLa cells exposed to H2O2. Taken together, our results suggest that RNA oxidation is a challenging problem for living organisms, and PNPase may play an important role in protecting both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells by limiting damage to RNA under oxidative stress.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186302
- Subject Headings
- RNA, Metabolism, Biopolymers, Physiological transport, Bacterial genetics, Proteins, Synthesis, Cellular signal transduction
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A novel optimization algorithm and other techniques in medicinal chemistry.
- Creator
- Santos, Radleigh G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
In this dissertation we will present a stochastic optimization algorithm and use it and other mathematical techniques to tackle problems arising in medicinal chemistry. In Chapter 1, we present some background about stochastic optimization and the Accelerated Random Search (ARS) algorithm. We then present a novel improvement of the ARS algorithm, DIrected Accelerated Random Search (DARS), motivated by some theoretical results, and demonstrate through numerical results that it improves upon...
Show moreIn this dissertation we will present a stochastic optimization algorithm and use it and other mathematical techniques to tackle problems arising in medicinal chemistry. In Chapter 1, we present some background about stochastic optimization and the Accelerated Random Search (ARS) algorithm. We then present a novel improvement of the ARS algorithm, DIrected Accelerated Random Search (DARS), motivated by some theoretical results, and demonstrate through numerical results that it improves upon ARS. In Chapter 2, we use DARS and other methods to address issues arising from the use of mixture-based combinatorial libraries in drug discovery. In particular, we look at models associated with the biological activity of these mixtures and use them to answer questions about sensitivity and robustness, and also present a novel method for determining the integrity of the synthesis. Finally, in Chapter 3 we present an in-depth analysis of some statistical and mathematical techniques in combinatorial chemistry, including a novel probabilistic approach to using structural similarity to predict the activity landscape.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352830
- Subject Headings
- Drugs, Design, Mathematical models, Combinatorial optimization, Combinatorial chemistry, Genetic algorithms, Mathematical optimization, Stochastic processes
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A novel NN paradigm for the prediction of hematocrit value during blood transfusion.
- Creator
- Thakkar, Jay., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
During the Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) process used to treat patients suffering from acute Ulcerative Colitis, medical practitioners have to continuously monitor the Hematocrit (Ht) level in the blood to ensure it is within the acceptable range. The work done, as a part of this thesis, attempts to create an early warning system that can be used to predict if and when the Ht values will deviate from the acceptable range. To do this we have developed an algorithm based on the Group Method of Data...
Show moreDuring the Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) process used to treat patients suffering from acute Ulcerative Colitis, medical practitioners have to continuously monitor the Hematocrit (Ht) level in the blood to ensure it is within the acceptable range. The work done, as a part of this thesis, attempts to create an early warning system that can be used to predict if and when the Ht values will deviate from the acceptable range. To do this we have developed an algorithm based on the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) and compared it to other Neural Network algorithms, in particular the Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP). The standard GMDH algorithm captures the fluctuation very well but there is a time lag that produces larger errors when compared to MLP. To address this drawback we modified the GMDH algorithm to reduce the prediction error and produce more accurate results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174078
- Subject Headings
- Neural networks (Computer science), Scientific applications, GMDH algorithms, Pattern recognition systems, Genetic algorithms, Fuzzy logic
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A Phylogeny of Mexican Ambystoma Salamanders (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) from Larval Characters.
- Creator
- Cole, Lauren A., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
A phylogeny of Mexican Ambystoma salamanders was constructed using larval morphology. Characters were scored for 19 ambystomatid species from Mexico and North America Twenty-five continuous characters came from external measurements of cranial and branchial features and ratios of measurements. Twenty-six categorical characters were scored from internal and external larval, branchial, and cranial features, as well as overall color and adult life history. Cladograms constructed from individual...
Show moreA phylogeny of Mexican Ambystoma salamanders was constructed using larval morphology. Characters were scored for 19 ambystomatid species from Mexico and North America Twenty-five continuous characters came from external measurements of cranial and branchial features and ratios of measurements. Twenty-six categorical characters were scored from internal and external larval, branchial, and cranial features, as well as overall color and adult life history. Cladograms constructed from individual character matrices lack major resolution beyond individual species level. The consensus cladogram did not resolve the majority of species, and was similar to consensus results from previous cladistic analysis based on molecular characters. Convergent morphology is evident in characters of geographically distant members of the clade. However, species determination was possible for all examined taxa. Neoteny is widespread in the A. tigrinum complex and, as an isolating mechanism, may be the main driver of speciation in the complex.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000734
- Subject Headings
- Salamanders--Reproduction, Salamanders--Classification, Cladistic analysis--Mathematics, Evolutionary genetics--Mathematics, Evolution (Biology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Intra and interspecies association patterns of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and the effects of demographic changes following two major hurricanes.
- Creator
- Elliser, Cindy Rogers., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Demographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable...
Show moreDemographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable community split into two cohesive units. Preferences in association in relation to reproductive status and sex remained. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. There is a conflict of interest between resident males and females in accepting immigrants and often females find more resistance than males. Long-term analysis of spotted dolphins revealed a community structure defined by long-term site fidelity, natal philopatry of both sexes and three social clusters., Female associations were influenced by reproductive status and social familiarity within clusters. Males formed long-term alliances and shorter-term coalitions. Some movement between clusters occurred. Alliance formation crystallized in adulthood. Mating strategies and sex were the primary factors shaping social structure. Thirty-six percent of the spotted dolphin population was lost after the hurricanes with no influx of immigrants. The spotted dolphin community differed little from long-term analysis, including definitive social clusters and sex preferences. Social cohesion increased within units and across age classes. Some juveniles had associations of alliance level. Loss of individuals resulted in subtle changes in social structure. Interspecies associations reveal striking differences in association patterns between species. Group sizes and re-sightings of spotted dolphins were larger than for bottlenose dolphins, particularly for aggressive encounters., Male alliances and coalitions were prevalent for spotted dolphins, but not for bottlenose dolphins. After the hurricanes lower re-sighting and group sizes for spotted dolphin males and less aggressive behavior documented, indicates a re-structuring period of relationships between the species. This study shows that environmental variations may alter the structure of mammal societies through demographic upheaval and survival of populations may depend on their social structure and the social adaptability of the species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927313
- Subject Headings
- Social behavior in animals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Weather, Environmental aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Synaptic Rearrangements and the Role of Netrin-Frazzled Signaling in Shaping the Drosophila Giant Fiber Circuit.
- Creator
- Lloyd, Brandon N., Murphey, Rodney K., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
In the developing CNS, presynaptic neurons often have exuberant overgrowth and form excess (and overlapping) postsynaptic connections. Importantly, these excess connections are refined during circuit maturation so that only the appropriate connections remain. This synaptic rearrangement phenomenon has been studied extensively in vertebrates but many of those models involve complex neuronal circuits with multiple presynaptic inputs and postsynaptic outputs. Using a simple escape circuit in...
Show moreIn the developing CNS, presynaptic neurons often have exuberant overgrowth and form excess (and overlapping) postsynaptic connections. Importantly, these excess connections are refined during circuit maturation so that only the appropriate connections remain. This synaptic rearrangement phenomenon has been studied extensively in vertebrates but many of those models involve complex neuronal circuits with multiple presynaptic inputs and postsynaptic outputs. Using a simple escape circuit in Drosophila melanogaster (the giant fiber circuit), we developed tools that enabled us to study the molecular development of this circuit; which consists of a bilaterally symmetrical pair of presynaptic interneurons and postsynaptic motorneurons. In the adult circuit, each presynaptic interneuron (giant fiber) forms a single connection with the ipsilateral, postsynaptic motorneuron (TTMn). Using new tools that we developed we labeled both giant fibers throughout their development and saw that these neurons overgrew their targets and formed overlapping connections. As the circuit matured, giant fibers pruned their terminals and refined their connectivity such that only a single postsynaptic connection remained with the ipsilateral target. Furthermore, if we ablated one of the two giant fibers during development in wildtype animals, the remaining giant fiber often retained excess connections with the contralateral target that persisted into adulthood. After demonstrating that the giant fiber circuit was suitable to study synaptic rearrangement, we investigated two proteins that might mediate this process. First, we were able to prevent giant fibers from refining their connectivity by knocking out highwire, a ubiquitin ligase that prevented pruning. Second, we investigated whether overexpressing Netrin (or Frazzled), part of a canonical axon guidance system, would affect the refinement of giant fiber connectivity. We found that overexpressing Netrin (or Frazzled) pre- & postsynaptically resulted in some giant fibers forming or retaining excess connections, while exclusively presynaptic (or postsynaptic) expression of either protein had no effect. We further showed that by simultaneously reducing (Slit-Robo) midline repulsion and elevating Netrin (or Frazzled) pre- & postsynaptically, we significantly enhanced the proportion of giant fibers that formed excess connections. Our findings suggest that Netrin-Frazzled and Slit-Robo signaling play a significant role in refining synaptic circuits and shaping giant fiber circuit connectivity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004758, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004758
- Subject Headings
- Drosophila melanogaster--Cytogenetics., Genetic transcription., Transcription factors., Cellular signal transduction., Cellular control mechanisms., Cell receptors.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Structure-function relationships in eukaryotic and prokaryotic family 6 glycosyltransferases.
- Creator
- Tumbale, Percy., Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Carbohydrate Active Enzyme family 6 (CA6) glycosyltransferases (GTs) are type II transmembrane proteins localized in the Golgi apparatus. CA6 GTs have a GT-A fold, a type of structure that resembles the Rossman fold and catalyze the transfer either galactose (Gal) or N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) from the UDP nucleotide sugar to an non-reducing terminal Gal or GalNAc on an acceptor via an a-1,3 linkage. In this reaction, the anomeric configuration of the sugar moiety of the donor is retained...
Show moreCarbohydrate Active Enzyme family 6 (CA6) glycosyltransferases (GTs) are type II transmembrane proteins localized in the Golgi apparatus. CA6 GTs have a GT-A fold, a type of structure that resembles the Rossman fold and catalyze the transfer either galactose (Gal) or N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) from the UDP nucleotide sugar to an non-reducing terminal Gal or GalNAc on an acceptor via an a-1,3 linkage. In this reaction, the anomeric configuration of the sugar moiety of the donor is retained in the product. CA6 GTs includes the histo-blood group A and B GTs, a-galactosyltransferase (a3GT), Forssman glycolipid synthase (FS), isogloboside 3 synthase (iGb3) in mammals. a3GT and its products (a-Gal epitode) are present in most mammals but are absent in humans and old world primates because of inactivating mutations. The absence of a3GT and its products results in the production of anti-a-Gal epitope natural antibodies in these species., Up to date, the catalytic mechanisms of the CA6 GTs are not well understood. Based on previous structural and mutagenesis studies of bovine aB3GT, we investigated active site residues (His315, Asp316, Ser318, His319, and Lys359) that are highly conserved among CA6 GTs. We have also investigated the role of the C-terminal region by progressive C-terminal truncations. Findings from these studies clarify the functional roles of these residues in structure, catalysis, and specificity in these enzymes and have implications for their catalytic mechanisms. GTs are useful tools in synthesis of glycans for various applications in science and medicine. Methods for the large scale production of pure glycans are continuously being developed. We created a limited randomized combinatorial library based on knowledge of structural information and sequence analysis of the enzyme and its mammalian homologues., Two GalNAc-specific variants were identified from the library and one Glc-specific variant was identified by site-direct mutagenesis. The glycosyltransferase activities of these variants are expected to be improved by further screens of libraries which are designed using the variants as templates. The mammalian CA6 GTs that have been characterized to date are metal-independent and require the divalent cation, Mn2+ for activity. In some recently-discovered bacterial CA6 GTs, the DXD sequence that is present in eukaryotic GTs is replaced by NXN. We cloned and expressed one of these proteins from Bacteroides ovatus, a bacterium that has been linked with inflammatory bowel disease. Functional characterization shows it is a metal-independent monomeric GT that efficiently catalyzes the synthesis of oligosaccharides similar to human blood group A glycan., Mutational studies indicated that despite the lack of a metal cofactor there are similarities in structure-function relationships between the bacterial and vertebrate family 6 GTs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186686
- Subject Headings
- Molecular biology, Mathematical models, Glycotransferase genes, Biological transport, Proteins, Synthesis, Evolutionary genetics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Real-Time Localization of a Magnetic Anomaly: A Study of the Effectiveness of a Genetic Algorithm for Implementation on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.
- Creator
- Philippeaux, Harryel Arsene, Dhanak, Manhar R., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
The primary objective of this research is to investigate the viability of magnetic anomaly localization with an autonomous underwater vehicle, using a genetic algorithm (GA). The localization method, first proposed by Sheinker. et al. 2008, is optimized here for the case of a moving platform. Extensive magnetic field modeling and algorithm simulation has been conducted and yields promising results. Field testing of the method is conducted with the use of the Ocean Floor Geophysics Self...
Show moreThe primary objective of this research is to investigate the viability of magnetic anomaly localization with an autonomous underwater vehicle, using a genetic algorithm (GA). The localization method, first proposed by Sheinker. et al. 2008, is optimized here for the case of a moving platform. Extensive magnetic field modeling and algorithm simulation has been conducted and yields promising results. Field testing of the method is conducted with the use of the Ocean Floor Geophysics Self-Compensating Magnetometer (SCM). Extensive out-of-water field testing is conducted to validate the ability to measure a target signal in a uniform NED frame as well as to validate the effectiveness of the GA. The outcome of the simulation closely matches the results of the conducted field tests. Additionally, the SCM is fully integrated with FAU’s Remus 100 AUV and preliminary in-water testing of the system has been conducted.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005948
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Autonomous underwater vehicles, Genetic algorithms., Geomagnetic field, Geomagnetism.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- POPULATION GENETICS AND ALGAL SYMBIONT COMMUNITIES OF THE CORAL SPECIES MONTASTRAEA CAVERNOSA ON THE BELIZE BARRIER REEF.
- Creator
- Eckert, Ryan J., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Coral reefs worldwide are experiencing unprecedented and rapid declines. However, deeper, mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; 30–150 m) may act as refuges for coral species, providing larvae to recolonize degraded shallow reefs. This study assessed the genetic connectivity of shallow and mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa populations on the Belize Barrier Reef and the community structure of their endosymbiotic algae (Family Symbiodiniaceae) across a fine-scale depth gradient (10, 16, 25, 35 m)....
Show moreCoral reefs worldwide are experiencing unprecedented and rapid declines. However, deeper, mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; 30–150 m) may act as refuges for coral species, providing larvae to recolonize degraded shallow reefs. This study assessed the genetic connectivity of shallow and mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa populations on the Belize Barrier Reef and the community structure of their endosymbiotic algae (Family Symbiodiniaceae) across a fine-scale depth gradient (10, 16, 25, 35 m). Evaluation of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers demonstrated that relatively shallow (10 and 16 m) M. cavernosa populations were genetically distinct from relatively deep (25 and 35 m) populations. High throughput sequencing of ribosomal coding DNA from Symbiodiniaceae communities of M. cavernosa revealed differences in community structure across depth, with shallow-specialist and depth-generalist community profiles. This research provides important information for the management of distinct deep and adds to the body of research on the understudied MCEs of the Mesoamerican Reef.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013302
- Subject Headings
- Montastraea, Coral reefs and islands--Belize, Mesoamerican Reef, Population genetics, Symbiosis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Parameters impacting the reproductive fitness of Tursiops truncatus (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin): interactions between native endocrinology and endocrine-disruptors.
- Creator
- Homer-Drummond, Sharon M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Persistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid...
Show morePersistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid chromatography method to newly-validated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Serum and urine samples were obtained from two marine parks, and from free-ranging dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Charleston Harbor (CHS) systems. Relative binding affinities of steroids versus putative EDCs to steroid receptors were compared in dolphin reproductive tissues, obtained by the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Conservation Field Station (GADCFS) from strained bottlenose dolphins (four male, three female) during 2010 and 20ll.........I conclude that endocrine disruptors are tissue and receptor specific, and both legacy and emerging contaminants are of concern to dolphin stocks, particularly those facing other significant environmental stressors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355561
- Subject Headings
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Health aspects, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals, Environmental toxicology, Marine mammals, Reproduction
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Pathogenesis of idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Creator
- Li, Yuejin, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science
- Abstract/Description
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Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a heart muscle disease, characterized by diastolic dysfunction. The present dissertation is to understand the mechanisms underlyijng the initiation of diastolic dysfunction and the fast disease progression to early death in a RCM mouse model, the transgenic cTnI193His mouse... These data showed that myocardial ischemia occurred after diastolic dysfunction and before systolic dysfunction which proceeded congestive heart failure. The results demonstrate that...
Show moreRestrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a heart muscle disease, characterized by diastolic dysfunction. The present dissertation is to understand the mechanisms underlyijng the initiation of diastolic dysfunction and the fast disease progression to early death in a RCM mouse model, the transgenic cTnI193His mouse... These data showed that myocardial ischemia occurred after diastolic dysfunction and before systolic dysfunction which proceeded congestive heart failure. The results demonstrate that myocardial ischemia causing cardiomycete death is a link between the initial diastolic dysfunction and late-stage systolic dysfunction, and accelerates the disease progression to fatal heart failure in the early age.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362045
- Subject Headings
- Mice as laboratory animals, Heart conduction system, Cardiovascular system, Diseases, Genetic aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Highwire coordinates synapse formation and maturation by regulating both a map kinase cascade and the ability of the axon to respond to external cues in the giant fiber system of Drosophila Melanogaster.
- Creator
- Borgen, Melissa A., Murphey, Rodney K., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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The ubiquitin ligase Highwire is responsible for cell-autonomously promoting synapse formation in the Drosophila Giant Fiber system. highwire mutants show defects in synaptic function and extra branching at the axon terminal, corresponding to transient branching that occur in the course of giant synapse formation during metamorphosis. The MAP kinase pathway, including Wallenda and JNK/Basket, plus the transcription factor Jun, act to suppress synaptic function and axon pruning in a dosage...
Show moreThe ubiquitin ligase Highwire is responsible for cell-autonomously promoting synapse formation in the Drosophila Giant Fiber system. highwire mutants show defects in synaptic function and extra branching at the axon terminal, corresponding to transient branching that occur in the course of giant synapse formation during metamorphosis. The MAP kinase pathway, including Wallenda and JNK/Basket, plus the transcription factor Jun, act to suppress synaptic function and axon pruning in a dosage sensitive manner, suggesting different molecular mechanisms downstream of the MAP kinase pathway govern function and pruning. A novel role for Highwire is revealed, regulating the giant fiber axon’s ability to respond to external cues regulated by Fos. When expression of the transcription factor Fos is disrupted in the post-synaptic TTMn or surrounding midline glia of highwire mutants, the giant fiber axons show a marked increase in axon overgrowth and midline crossing. However, synaptic function is rescued by the cell nonautonomous manipulation of Fos, indicating distinct mechanisms downstream of Highwire regulating synaptic function and axon morphology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004081, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004081
- Subject Headings
- Cell differentiation, Cellular control mechanisms, Cellular signal transduction, Drosophila melanogaster -- Cytogenetics, Gene expression, Genetic transcription
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Heterologous expression and purification of cell function components -: an effort towards developing an antigen-capture ELISA diagnostics for metastatic cancers.
- Creator
- Irvine, Michael., Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Metastatic cancers are problematic because they spread throughout the body. A crucial step in cancer metastasis is the separation of the cancer cells from their surrounding normal cells. This occurs due to suppression or destruction of cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin, occludin, and various claudins. The Snail and Slug transcription factors play a direct role in suppressing these cell adhesion molecules through their SNAG repression domain. We explored the possibility of developing...
Show moreMetastatic cancers are problematic because they spread throughout the body. A crucial step in cancer metastasis is the separation of the cancer cells from their surrounding normal cells. This occurs due to suppression or destruction of cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin, occludin, and various claudins. The Snail and Slug transcription factors play a direct role in suppressing these cell adhesion molecules through their SNAG repression domain. We explored the possibility of developing an ELISA diagnostics capable of detecting soluble E-cadherin, occludin, and claudin fragments in the serum of cancer patients. Using several bioinformatics tools, unique extracellular antigenic sequences were identified on claudins-1, 4, 16, occludin, and E-cadherin. These sequences were cloned as GST fusion proteins, expressed, and purified in large quantities to raise antibodies. In parallel, expression profiling of metastatic cancer cell lines was carried out to derive a correlation between Snail-Slug expression and suppression of cell adhesion molecules.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369191
- Subject Headings
- Cellular signal transduction, Extracellular matrix proteins, Genetic transcription, Research, Metalloproteinases, Inhibitors
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Molecular characterization of ARID and DDT domain.
- Creator
- MacDonald, Emmanuel., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Transcriptional regulation of genes is vital to cell success making it an important aspect of research. Transcriptional regulation can occur in many ways; transcription factors bind to the promoter region and block transcription, disrupt an activator protein, or interact with histones to lead to higher order chromatin. Plant HomeoDomain can recognize and bind to different methylation states of histone tails. PHD proteins use other functional regions to carry out functions. Two associated...
Show moreTranscriptional regulation of genes is vital to cell success making it an important aspect of research. Transcriptional regulation can occur in many ways; transcription factors bind to the promoter region and block transcription, disrupt an activator protein, or interact with histones to lead to higher order chromatin. Plant HomeoDomain can recognize and bind to different methylation states of histone tails. PHD proteins use other functional regions to carry out functions. Two associated domains having DNA-binding capacity were characterized in this study; the ARID domains of JARID1A and JARID1C and the DDT domains of BAZ1A, BAZ1B and BAZ2A. These genes are important because of their roles in various diseases such as cancer. The consensus sequences for BAZ1A-DDT is GGACGGRnnGG, GnGAGRGCRnnGGnG, RAGGGGGRnG and CRYCGGT. Consensus sequences for BAZ1B-DDT were CGnCCAnCTTnTGGG and YGCCCCTCCCCnR. Consensus sequences for BAZ2A-DDT were TACnnAGCnY and CnnCCRGCnRTGnYY. Consensus sequence for JARID1A-ARID was GnYnGCGYRCYnCnG. Consensus sequences for JARID1C-ARID was RGGRGCCRGGY.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2705077
- Subject Headings
- Genetic transcription, Regulation, Transcription factors, Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Cellular signal transduction, Gene expression
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Molecular characterization of a subset of KRAB-ZFPs.
- Creator
- Chamoun, Alain., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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There are approximately 20,000 genes in the human genome. Around 2% of these genes code for transcriptional repressors known as KRAB-ZFPs. It is already known that Zinc-Finger Proteins contain two main functional domains at either end of the polypeptide. In today's database, you will find a KRAB (Kruppell-associated Box) domain at one end and a tandem array of Zinc-finger repeats at the other end. The carboxyl terminal tandem Zinc-finger repeats function as sequence-specific DNA-binding...
Show moreThere are approximately 20,000 genes in the human genome. Around 2% of these genes code for transcriptional repressors known as KRAB-ZFPs. It is already known that Zinc-Finger Proteins contain two main functional domains at either end of the polypeptide. In today's database, you will find a KRAB (Kruppell-associated Box) domain at one end and a tandem array of Zinc-finger repeats at the other end. The carboxyl terminal tandem Zinc-finger repeats function as sequence-specific DNA-binding domains. The amino terminal KRAB domain serves as a repressor domain, which will recruit a co-repressor termed KAP-1 (KRAB Associated Protein-1). Located in between these two domains is a region of uncharacterized DNA referred to as the "Linker Region". This thesis will explore the DNA-binding domains of 6 known KRAB-ZFPs, as well as utilize the linker regions to derive an evolutionary history for this superfamily.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2684313
- Subject Headings
- Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Metalloproteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Gene expression
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Characterization of Cellular Proteins Binding HIV's Rev Responsive Element (RRE).
- Creator
- Dhir, Neetika, Caputi, Massimo, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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The RRE is a sequence of the HIV genome which is required for the export of the unspliced mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Previous studies show that RRE on the HIV mRNA binds directly to Rev which then interacts with Ran and CRM 1 to form an export complex. Our results indicate that Ran can interact with the RRE in the absence of Rev and CRM 1 but in the presence of other factor(s) present in the nuclear extract. Ran-GEF or RCC 1 seems to be a potential mediating factor. Our results...
Show moreThe RRE is a sequence of the HIV genome which is required for the export of the unspliced mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Previous studies show that RRE on the HIV mRNA binds directly to Rev which then interacts with Ran and CRM 1 to form an export complex. Our results indicate that Ran can interact with the RRE in the absence of Rev and CRM 1 but in the presence of other factor(s) present in the nuclear extract. Ran-GEF or RCC 1 seems to be a potential mediating factor. Our results suggest that Ran binds directly to RCC 1 and that the binding is disrupted by addition of excess nucleotides and magnesimn. Our suggestion is that Ran and RCC 1 are members of an alternate export pathway present in the HIV. Our observation that the binding is nonspecific makes us speculate that this export pathway may be present in other cell types as well.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000742
- Subject Headings
- AIDS (Disease)--Genetic aspects, AIDS (Disease)--Molecular aspects, Medical virology, Immunoinformatics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Elucidation of Microbial Communities From South Florida Beaches Using 16S rRNA Sequence Analysis.
- Creator
- Ponukumati, Sushma, Esiobu, Nwadiuto, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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The composition of marine bacterial communities from South Florida beaches were characterized using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. To compare cultivable and noncultured populations, community genomic DNA was extracted directly from sand and seawater samples and from two cultured equivalents. Only two ofthe 86 (2.3%) direct extracted sequences and 79 of 150 (52.6%) culture sequences belong to known isolates in Ribosomal Database (version 9.0) at 95% confidence level. At low stringency (p=0.70),...
Show moreThe composition of marine bacterial communities from South Florida beaches were characterized using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. To compare cultivable and noncultured populations, community genomic DNA was extracted directly from sand and seawater samples and from two cultured equivalents. Only two ofthe 86 (2.3%) direct extracted sequences and 79 of 150 (52.6%) culture sequences belong to known isolates in Ribosomal Database (version 9.0) at 95% confidence level. At low stringency (p=0.70), the populations cluster into several unknown clads with early divergence, indicating the presence of novel well established bacterial groups. Members of phylum Bacteroidetes, Firmicuites and Proteobacteria were identified, with the latter being the most prevalent in culture. Diversity indices rank Hollywood beach > Fort Lauderdale > Hobie beach. Taxonomic representation indicates marine water as more diverse compared to dry sand and wet sand. A combination of phylogenetic markers will be needed to define the immense diversity of this niche.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000809
- Subject Headings
- Marine microbiology--Florida, Evolutionary genetics, Biodiversity--Research, Marine biodiversity conservation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Object recognition by genetic algorithm.
- Creator
- Li, Jianhua., Florida Atlantic University, Han, Chingping (Jim), Zhuang, Hanqi, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
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Vision systems have been widely used for parts inspection in electronics assembly lines. In order to improve the overall performance of a visual inspection system, it is important to employ an efficient object recognition algorithm. In this thesis work, a genetic algorithm based correlation algorithm is designed for the task of visual electronic parts inspection. The proposed procedure is composed of two stages. In the first stage, a genetic algorithm is devised to find a sufficient number of...
Show moreVision systems have been widely used for parts inspection in electronics assembly lines. In order to improve the overall performance of a visual inspection system, it is important to employ an efficient object recognition algorithm. In this thesis work, a genetic algorithm based correlation algorithm is designed for the task of visual electronic parts inspection. The proposed procedure is composed of two stages. In the first stage, a genetic algorithm is devised to find a sufficient number of candidate image windows. For each candidate window, the correlation is performed between the sampled template and the image pattern inside the window. In the second stage, local searches are conducted in the neighborhood of these candidate windows. Among all the searched locations, the one that has a highest correlation value with the given template is selected as the best matched location. To apply the genetic algorithm technique, a number of important issues, such as selection of a fitness function, design of a coding scheme, and tuning of genetic parameters are addressed in the thesis. Experimental studies have confirmed that the proposed GA-based correlation method is much more effective in terms of accuracy and speed in locating the desired object, compared with the existing Monte-Carlo random search method.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15225
- Subject Headings
- Genetic algorithms, Robots--Control systems, Computer vision, Quality control--Optical methods
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Peroxiredoxin 3 and Methionine sulfoxide reductase A are Essential for Lens Cell Viability by Preserving Lens Cell Mitochondrial Function through Repair of Cytochrome c.
- Creator
- Lee, Wanda, Florida Atlantic University, Kantorow, Marc, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biomedical Science
- Abstract/Description
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The central premise of this dissertation is that mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes are essential to lens cell viability by preserving lens cell mitochondria and protecting and/or repairing lens cell proteins, and two mitochondrial-specific antioxidant enzymes, Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) and Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA), are explored. In this dissertation, we will examine the expression ofPRDX3 in the human lens, its colocalization to the lens cell mitochondria, its ability to be...
Show moreThe central premise of this dissertation is that mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes are essential to lens cell viability by preserving lens cell mitochondria and protecting and/or repairing lens cell proteins, and two mitochondrial-specific antioxidant enzymes, Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) and Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA), are explored. In this dissertation, we will examine the expression ofPRDX3 in the human lens, its colocalization to the lens cell mitochondria, its ability to be induced by H20 2-oxidative stress, and speculate how PRDX3 function/sf could affect the lens. We will also examine the reduced levels of MsrA by targeted gene silencing and its effect on reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential in human lens cells to determine its role in mitochondrial function in the lens. Lastly, we will examine the ability of MsrA to repair and restore function to a critical mitochondrial protein, Cytochrome c. The collective evidence strongly indicates that the loss of mitochondrial-specific enzymes, such as PRDX3 and MsrA, are responsible for increased reactive oxygen species levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, protein aggregation and lens cell death, and further indicates that mitochondrial repair, protective, and reducing systems play key roles in the progression of age-related cataract and other agerelated diseases.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000868
- Subject Headings
- Genetic regulation, Proteins--Chemical modification, Cellular signal transduction, Eye--Physiology, Mitochondrial pathology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
