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Title: Resistant or persistent reovirus infections: Of normal human embryonic lung fibroblast WI-38 cells.
Creator: Eukitis, Martine Marie., Florida Atlantic University, Roner, Michael R.
Abstract/Description: Reovirus is a common virus that usually affects children; this infection causes symptoms such as respiratory and or gastrointestinal aliments. Morbidity most often occurs in impoverished countries where supportive hospitalization is not available. In the U.S. and other established countries morbidity is not an issue. When WI-38 cells are infected with reovirus the infection is either resisted by the cells or a persistent latent infection occurs. In this study, gene expression was analyzed by...
Show moreReovirus is a common virus that usually affects children; this infection causes symptoms such as respiratory and or gastrointestinal aliments. Morbidity most often occurs in impoverished countries where supportive hospitalization is not available. In the U.S. and other established countries morbidity is not an issue. When WI-38 cells are infected with reovirus the infection is either resisted by the cells or a persistent latent infection occurs. In this study, gene expression was analyzed by comparing Reovirus-infected WI-38 cells with mock infected cells. P.R.O.M(TM) analysis was performed on RNA sent to Genka Biotechnology Inc. Bioinformatics was used to analyze the data. Reovirus infection of the WI-38 cells resulted in increased mRNA levels for a number of transcription regulatory genes, and possibly more significant, decreased mRNA levels for some very important regulatory genes. These changes may be responsible for establishing the antiviral replication environment observed in these normal cells.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12991
Subject Headings: Reoviruses, Genetic regulation, Fibroblasts
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases A and Bs from Tobacco Plant.
Creator: Ding, Di, Zhang, Xing-Hai, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: One methionine sulfoxide reductase A (TMSRA) and two methionine sulfoxide reductase Bs (TMSRB 1 and TMSRB2) were isolated from tobacco plants. TMSRA showed specificity for the reduction of Met-(S)-SO and both TMSRBs were specific for the reduction of Met-(R)-SO. TMSRA was the cytosolic form and both TMSRBs were plastid forms based on sequence comparison and expression tests. TMSRA and TMSRB2 could use either thioredoxin (TRX) or dithiothreitol (DTT) as reducing system, while TMSRB 1 showed...
Show moreOne methionine sulfoxide reductase A (TMSRA) and two methionine sulfoxide reductase Bs (TMSRB 1 and TMSRB2) were isolated from tobacco plants. TMSRA showed specificity for the reduction of Met-(S)-SO and both TMSRBs were specific for the reduction of Met-(R)-SO. TMSRA was the cytosolic form and both TMSRBs were plastid forms based on sequence comparison and expression tests. TMSRA and TMSRB2 could use either thioredoxin (TRX) or dithiothreitol (DTT) as reducing system, while TMSRB 1 showed little activity with TRX but much more activity with DTT, which was similar to the mitochondrial MSRB2 from mammals. Ferredoxin (FD) is not the reducing system for Msrs, but might reflect the redox status in the cell and control the activity of Msrs indirectly.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000746
Subject Headings: Proteins--Chemical modification, Genetic regulation, Plant genetic engineering, Antioxidants
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Methionine sulfoxide reductase deficiency leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster.
Creator: Verriotto, Jennifer., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species and are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, methionine oxidation, and oxidative stress are thought to play a role in both the aging process and several neurodegenerative diseases. Two major classes of methionine sulfoxide reductases, designated MsrA and MsrB are enzymes that function to repair the enatiomers of methionine sulfoxide, met-(o)-S and met-(o)- R, respectively. This study focuses on the...
Show moreMitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species and are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, methionine oxidation, and oxidative stress are thought to play a role in both the aging process and several neurodegenerative diseases. Two major classes of methionine sulfoxide reductases, designated MsrA and MsrB are enzymes that function to repair the enatiomers of methionine sulfoxide, met-(o)-S and met-(o)- R, respectively. This study focuses on the effect of Msr deficiencies on mitochondrial function by utilizing mutant alleles of MsrA and MsrB. The data show that loss of only one form of Msr in the mitochondria does not completely impair the function of the mitochondria. However, loss of both Msr proteins within the mitochondria leads to an increased ROS production and a diminished energy output of the mitochondria. These results support the hypothesis that Msr plays a key role in proper mitochondrial function.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174310
Subject Headings: Oxidation-reduction reaction, Proteins, Chemical modification, Genetic regulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Relationships between the global structure of genetic networks and mRNA levels measured by cDNA microarrays.
Creator: Liebovitch, Larry S., Shehadeh, Lina A., Jirsa, Viktor K.
Date Issued: 2006-05-16
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/165446
Subject Headings: DNA microarrays, DNA--genetics, Gene Expression Regulation, DNA- protein interactions, Genetic regulation, Messenger RNA--Analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Cells and cocktails: antioxidants rescue carcinogen induced mitotic defects in both chromosomally stable and unstable cells.
Creator: Griffin, Isabel Sloan., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Tumor cells are characterized by an increase in genomic instability, brought about by both chromosomal rearrangement and chromosomal instability. Both of these broad changes can be induced by exposure to carcinogens. During mitosis, cells can exhibit early and late lagging chromosomes, multipolar spindles or anaphase bridges, all of which contribute to genomic rearrantement. We have studied the link between exposure to carcinogen and prevalence of mitotic defect in both chromosomally stable...
Show moreTumor cells are characterized by an increase in genomic instability, brought about by both chromosomal rearrangement and chromosomal instability. Both of these broad changes can be induced by exposure to carcinogens. During mitosis, cells can exhibit early and late lagging chromosomes, multipolar spindles or anaphase bridges, all of which contribute to genomic rearrantement. We have studied the link between exposure to carcinogen and prevalence of mitotic defect in both chromosomally stable and unstable cell lines as well as ecamined the restorative effects of antioxidants in preventing mitotic defects. We have exposed MES-SA uterine cancer cells to vinyl chloride followed by exposure to an antioxidant : ascorbic acid, B-carotene, or lycopene. Treated cells were then scored for the prevalence of mitotic defects within the population and compared to controls. We have also investigated whether pre-treatment with the antioxidants will weaken the effects of carcinogen exposure in these cell lines.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359304
Subject Headings: Cellular signal transduction, Cell differentiation, Medical genetics, Cancer, Genetic aspects, Antioxidants, Therapeutic use, Cancer, Chemoprevention, Apoptosis, Molecular aspects, Genetic regulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Correlation between specific carcinogenic chemicals and specific mitotic defects and the restorative role of antioxidants.
Creator: Yates, Travis., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The progression of cancerous cells towards a more aggressive tumor can be linked to external elements called carcinogens. The goal of this project is to examine the correlation between exposure to specific carcinogens and an increase of mitotic defects. These defects can manifest as lagging chromosomes, multipolar spindles, and anaphase bridges. Some of these instabilities are associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to damage DNA. The potential for...
Show moreThe progression of cancerous cells towards a more aggressive tumor can be linked to external elements called carcinogens. The goal of this project is to examine the correlation between exposure to specific carcinogens and an increase of mitotic defects. These defects can manifest as lagging chromosomes, multipolar spindles, and anaphase bridges. Some of these instabilities are associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to damage DNA. The potential for damage to the genome can be averted via antioxidants. Using the oral cancer cell line UPCI:SCC103, we established a baseline for the mitotic defects in the absence and presence of various ROS-inducing carcinogens using DAPI-stained fixed cells examined by immunofluorescent microscopy, The cells were treated with varying concentrations of the antioxidants, Vitamin C, (Sb(B-Carotene, and Vitamin E. The reactive oxygen scavengers significantly reduced the number of mitotic defects. A possible link between the carcinogens and lagging chromosomes was established.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/210007
Subject Headings: Cellular signal transduction, Genetic regulation, Antioxidants, Therapeutic use, Apoptosis, Molecular aspects, Cancer, Chemoprevention
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of SNAG-zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcription factors.
Creator: Chiang, Cindy Chung-Yue., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Transcriptional regulation is an important area of research due to the fact that it leads to gene expression. Transcription factors associated with the regulation can either be activators or repressors of target genes, acting directly or with the aid of other factors. A majority of transcriptional repressors are zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) which bind to specific DNA sequences. The Snail/Gfi (SNAG) domain family, with members such as Slug, Smuc, Snail, and Scratch, are transcriptional...
Show moreTranscriptional regulation is an important area of research due to the fact that it leads to gene expression. Transcription factors associated with the regulation can either be activators or repressors of target genes, acting directly or with the aid of other factors. A majority of transcriptional repressors are zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) which bind to specific DNA sequences. The Snail/Gfi (SNAG) domain family, with members such as Slug, Smuc, Snail, and Scratch, are transcriptional repressors shown to play a role in various diseases such as cancer. The SNAG transcription factors contain a conserved SNAG repression domain and DNA binding domain zinc fingers. The specific DNA sequences to which each SNAG-ZFP binds, as well as a general consensus -TGCACCTGTCCGA, have been determined. Also, putative protein-protein interactions in which the Slug domain participates has been identified via binding assays. All these results contribute to better understanding of SNAG-ZFP functions.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186676
Subject Headings: Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Metalloproteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Cellular signal transduction, Gene expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Chronic variable stress affects hippocampal neurotrophic factor gene expression in the novelty-seeking phenotype: epigenetic regulation.
Creator: Oztan, Ozge., Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Abstract/Description: Experimentally naive rats exhibit varying degrees of novelty exploration. Some rats display high rates of locomotor reactivity to novelty (high responders; HR), and others display low rates (low responders; LR). The novelty-seeking phenotype (LRHR) is introduced as a model of stress responsiveness. In this thesis I examined effects of chronic variable physical and social stress or control handling on the levels of various neurotrophins in the hippocampus, and changes in mossy fibre terminal...
Show moreExperimentally naive rats exhibit varying degrees of novelty exploration. Some rats display high rates of locomotor reactivity to novelty (high responders; HR), and others display low rates (low responders; LR). The novelty-seeking phenotype (LRHR) is introduced as a model of stress responsiveness. In this thesis I examined effects of chronic variable physical and social stress or control handling on the levels of various neurotrophins in the hippocampus, and changes in mossy fibre terminal fields in LRHR rats. A positive correlation is seen between histone deacetylase 2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels both of which are oppositely regulated in LRHR CA3 fields in response to chronic social stress. Increase in BDNF levels in CA3 field accompanied increase in supra-pyramidal mossy fibre terminal field size (SP-MF) in HRs, and decrease in BDNF levels accompanied decrease in SP-MF volume in LRs. Epigenetic regulation of neurotrophic support underlying these structural changes is discussed.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/215290
Subject Headings: Rats as laboratory animals, Cellular signal transduction, Gene expression, Hippocampus (Brain), Physiology, Neural transmission, Genetic regulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of stressors on differential gene expression and secondary metabolites by Axinella corrugata.
Creator: Grima, Jennifer., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Sponges are an important source of bioactive marine natural products, or secondary metabolites. The common Caribbean reef sponge, Axinella corrugata, produces an antitumor and antibacterial chemical, stevensine. This study determined whether environmental stressors, such as elevated temperature and exposure to Amphibalanus amphitrite larvae, affect the production of stevensine by A.corrugata and if the stressors caused A.corrugata to exhibit differential gene expression. Temperature stress...
Show moreSponges are an important source of bioactive marine natural products, or secondary metabolites. The common Caribbean reef sponge, Axinella corrugata, produces an antitumor and antibacterial chemical, stevensine. This study determined whether environmental stressors, such as elevated temperature and exposure to Amphibalanus amphitrite larvae, affect the production of stevensine by A.corrugata and if the stressors caused A.corrugata to exhibit differential gene expression. Temperature stress resulted in no significant change in the production of stevensine; only two genes were significantly differentially expressed, including hsp70. Larval stressed resulted in increased production of stevensine and significant differential gene expression (more than seventy genes). This study suggests that A.corrugata may be resilient to elevations in temperature and that one of stevensine's roles in nature is as an antifoulant.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360781
Subject Headings: Axinellida, Sponges, Marine pharmacology, Adaptation (Biology), Gene expression, Genetic regulation, Stress (Physiology), Ecophysiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Activators and repressors of transcription: using bioinformatics approaches to analyze and group human transcription factors.
Creator: Savitskaya, Ala., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Transcription factors are macromolecules that are involved in transcriptional regulation by interacting with specific DNA regions, and they can cause activation or silencing of their target genes. Gene regulation by transcriptional control explains different biological processes such as development, function, and disease. Even though transcriptional control has been of great interest for molecular biology, much still remains unknown. This study was designed to generate the most current list...
Show moreTranscription factors are macromolecules that are involved in transcriptional regulation by interacting with specific DNA regions, and they can cause activation or silencing of their target genes. Gene regulation by transcriptional control explains different biological processes such as development, function, and disease. Even though transcriptional control has been of great interest for molecular biology, much still remains unknown. This study was designed to generate the most current list of human transcription factor genes. Unique entries of transcription factor genes were collected and entered into Microsoft Office 2007 Access Database along with information about each gene. Microsoft Office 2007 Access tools were used to analyze and group collected entries according to different properties such as activator or repressor record, or presence of certain protein domains. Furthermore, protein sequence alignments of members of different groups were performed, and phylogenetic trees were used to analyze relationship between different members of each group. This work contributes to the existing knowledge of transcriptional regulation in humans.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930495
Subject Headings: Transcription factors, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Cellular signal transduction, DNA microarrays, Bioinformatics
Format: Document (PDF)

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.
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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: Molecular characterization of ARID and DDT domain.
Creator: MacDonald, Emmanuel., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: 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.
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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: 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.
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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: 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: 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.
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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)

Title: Role of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase (MsrA) on Aging and Oxidative Stress in Drosophila.
Creator: Foss, Katie, Binninger, David, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Oxidative damage is an inevitable consequence of aerobic respiration. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msr) are a group of enzymes that function to repair oxidized methionine residues in both free methionine and methionine in proteins. MsrA was the first of these enzymes to be discovered and is the most thoroughly studied. It is thought to play a role in both the aging process and probably several neurodegenerative diseases. I recently obtained a strain of Drosophila that was reported to have...
Show moreOxidative damage is an inevitable consequence of aerobic respiration. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msr) are a group of enzymes that function to repair oxidized methionine residues in both free methionine and methionine in proteins. MsrA was the first of these enzymes to be discovered and is the most thoroughly studied. It is thought to play a role in both the aging process and probably several neurodegenerative diseases. I recently obtained a strain of Drosophila that was reported to have a P-element transposon located within Exon 2 (part of the open reading frame) of the eip71cd gene, which is the Drosophila homolog of MsrA. Thus, the transposon insertion should disrupt expression of the msrA gene. I did a series of experiments to "jump out" the P-element in an effort to recover two types of isogenic strains. The first would be a null mutation of the MsrA gene created by deletion of flanking genomic DNA when the P-element excised from the chromosome. The second would be a precise excision of the P-element, which would restore the genetic locus to its original structure. This study looks at the effect of a null mutant of the MsrA gene on aging and resistance to oxidative stress.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000772
Subject Headings: Genetic regulation, Oxidation-reduction reaction, Antioxidants, Oxygen--Physiological effect, Proteins--Chemical modification
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The expression and analysis of a lysine-rich wound-response protein in tomato plants.
Creator: Kaplan, Noah, Zhang, Xing-Hai, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Understanding the genetic regulation of the response to wounding and wound healing in fruiting plants is imperative to maintaining agricultural sustainability, preserving the quality of food supplies, and ensuring the economic viability of agriculture. Many genes are known to be induced by wounding, providing both structural repair and defense. The KED gene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) has been shown to be induced by wounding. We have identified its homologue gene in tomato (Solanum...
Show moreUnderstanding the genetic regulation of the response to wounding and wound healing in fruiting plants is imperative to maintaining agricultural sustainability, preserving the quality of food supplies, and ensuring the economic viability of agriculture. Many genes are known to be induced by wounding, providing both structural repair and defense. The KED gene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) has been shown to be induced by wounding. We have identified its homologue gene in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that we named SlKED. We have analyzed gene expression pattern of SlKED through tomato growth and development and in response to wounding as well as hormonal and inhibitor treatments. We found that the plant hormone ethylene played a major role in the expression of SlKED. To further identify evidence for physiological and transductional functions of KED and SlKED, the tobacco KED gene was introduced to tomato and overexpressed by the fruit tissue-active PUN1 promoter from pepper (Capsicum annuum,). The expression of this gene was compared to the expression of the native SlKED gene and other known wound response genes in both the wild-type and transgenic tomato plants. The upregulation of the native SlKED gene by wounding was significantly muted in the tobacco KED-expressing transgenic plants. The expression of other genes known to be associated with wound response transduction pathways was also altered. Our studies implicate the KED gene in defense mechanisms for mechanical stress in tomato plants.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004773, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004773
Subject Headings: Wound healing., Wounds and injuries--Genetic aspects., Plant gene expression., Plant genetic regulation., Nanostructured materials--Physiological effect., Biomedical engineering.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comprehensive study of the ZAD family of zinc finger transcription factors in Drosophila melanogaster.
Creator: Krystel, Joseph., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The zinc finger associated domain (ZAD) family of transcription factors from Drosophila melanogaster is not well described in the literature, in part because it is very difficult to study by traditional mutagenesis screens. Bioinformatic studies indicate this is due to overlapping functions remaining after a recent evolutionary divergence. I set out to use in vitro-binding techniques to identify the characteristics of the ZAD family and test this theory. I have constructed glutathione S...
Show moreThe zinc finger associated domain (ZAD) family of transcription factors from Drosophila melanogaster is not well described in the literature, in part because it is very difficult to study by traditional mutagenesis screens. Bioinformatic studies indicate this is due to overlapping functions remaining after a recent evolutionary divergence. I set out to use in vitro-binding techniques to identify the characteristics of the ZAD family and test this theory. I have constructed glutathione S-transferase (GST)-ZAD domain chimeric proteins for use in pull down protein binding assays,and GST-Zinc finger (ZnF) array domain chimera for electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Protein binding assays indicated two putative conserved interactors, similar to the analogous KRAB system in mammals. ... Competitive bindings were carried out to show a specificity of binding conferred by the identified conserved positions. While the consensus binding sites show relatively few similarities, the predicted target genes identified by the consensus binding sites show significant overlap. The nature of this overlap conforms to the known characteristics of the ZAD family but points to a more positive selection to maintain conservation of function.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355627
Subject Headings: Cellular signal transduction, Drosophila melanogaster, Cytogenetics, Transcription factors, Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Gene expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Elucidation of the features of the zinc finger associated domain (ZAD) family of transportation factors in Drosophila melanogaster.
Creator: Krystel, Joseph., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The zinc finger associated domain (ZAD) containing family of transcription factors is not well described in the literature, in part because it is very difficult to study by mutagenesis. We used in vitro-binding techniques to identify characteristics of the ZAD family, by constructing glutathione Stransferase (GST)-ZAD domain chimeric proteins for use in protein binding assays, and GST-Zinc finger array domain chimera for binding site selections. Protein binding assays indicated a possible...
Show moreThe zinc finger associated domain (ZAD) containing family of transcription factors is not well described in the literature, in part because it is very difficult to study by mutagenesis. We used in vitro-binding techniques to identify characteristics of the ZAD family, by constructing glutathione Stransferase (GST)-ZAD domain chimeric proteins for use in protein binding assays, and GST-Zinc finger array domain chimera for binding site selections. Protein binding assays indicated a possible shared cofactor, as seen in the analogous KRAB system in mammals. DNA binding assays have provided a consensus binding sequence for five of the ZAD proteins, consistent with previously reported work on ZAD and unpublished work on mammalian transcription factors. Research is ongoing with an additional ~50 ZAD proteins to more fully map the binding characters of ZAD proteins.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186768
Subject Headings: Cellular signal transduction, Drosophila melanogaster, Cytogenetics, Transcription factors, Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Gene expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identification of longitudinals lacking (LOLA) target genes in Drosophila melanogaster.
Creator: Qureshi, Bazila., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Longitudinals lacking gene (LOLA) is a transcription factor that is involved in a variety of axon guidance decisions in Drosophila melanogaster nervous system. Besides having a role as an epigenetic silencer and in the programmed cell death in Drosophila's ovary, this gene is also an example of complex transcription unit. LOLA is a transcription repressor and can generate 17 DNA - binding isoforms, through alternative splicing, each containing distinct zinc-finger proteins. This unique...
Show moreLongitudinals lacking gene (LOLA) is a transcription factor that is involved in a variety of axon guidance decisions in Drosophila melanogaster nervous system. Besides having a role as an epigenetic silencer and in the programmed cell death in Drosophila's ovary, this gene is also an example of complex transcription unit. LOLA is a transcription repressor and can generate 17 DNA - binding isoforms, through alternative splicing, each containing distinct zinc-finger proteins. This unique DNAbinding binding sequence to which LOLA-ZFP binds has been determined for four of the lola isoforms F, J, P and K. Also, bioinformatics' tool approach has been taken to identify the target genes that are regulated by these four LOLA splice variants. Future work will be done for the five other LOLA isoforms to categorize their putative DNA-binding sequences and subsequently their protein interactions.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2684893
Subject Headings: Transcription factors, Cellular signal transduction, Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Drosophila melanogaster, Cytogenetics, Gene expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identification and characterization of mutations in the Drosophila mitochondrial translation elongation factor iconoclast.
Creator: Trivigno, Catherine F., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Mitochondrial disorders resulting from defects in oxidative phosphorylation are the most common form of inherited metabolic disease. Mutations in the human mitochondrial translation elongation factor GFM1 have recently been shown to cause the lethal pediatric disorder Combined Oxidative Phosphorylation Deficiency Syndrome (COXPD1). Children harboring mutations in GFM1 exhibit severe developmental, metabolic and neurological abnormalities. This work describes the identification and extensive...
Show moreMitochondrial disorders resulting from defects in oxidative phosphorylation are the most common form of inherited metabolic disease. Mutations in the human mitochondrial translation elongation factor GFM1 have recently been shown to cause the lethal pediatric disorder Combined Oxidative Phosphorylation Deficiency Syndrome (COXPD1). Children harboring mutations in GFM1 exhibit severe developmental, metabolic and neurological abnormalities. This work describes the identification and extensive characterization of the first known mutations in iconoclast (ico), the Drosophila orthologue of GFM1. Expression of human GFM1 can rescue ico null mutants, demonstrating functional conservation between the human and fly proteins. While point mutations in ico result in developmental defects and death during embryogenesis, animals null for ico survive until the second or third instar larval stage. These results indicate that in addition to loss-of-function consequences, point mutations in ico appear to produce toxic proteins with antimorphic or neomorphic effects. Consistent with this hypothesis, transgenic expression of a mutant ICO protein is lethal when expressed during development and inhibits growth when expressed in wing discs. In addition, animals with a single copy of an ico point mutation are more sensitive to acute hyperthermic or hypoxic stress. Removal of the positively-charged tail of the protein abolishes the toxic effects of mutant ICO, demonstrating that this domain is necessary for the harmful gain-of-function phenotypes observed in ico point mutants., Further, expression of GFP-tagged constructs indicates that the C-terminal tail enhances ectopic nuclear localization of mutant ICO, suggesting that mislocalization of the protein may play a role in the antimorphic effects of mutant ICO. Taken together, these results illustrate that in addition to loss-of-function effects, gain-of-function effects can contribute significantly to the pathology caused by mutation in mitochondrial translation elongation factors.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2705081
Subject Headings: Drosophila melanogaster, Cytogenetics, Mutation (Biology), Mitochondrial DNA, Cell metabolism, Cellular signal transduction, Oxidation, Physiological, Genetic transcription, Regulation
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (19)	+ -
FAU College Collections (2)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (2)	+ -

Cellular signal transduction (13)	+ -
Genetic regulation (12)	+ -
Gene expression (9)	+ -
Genetic transcription (9)	+ -
Regulation (9)	+ -

Synthesis (7)	+ -
Zinc-finger proteins (7)	+ -
Transcription factors (5)	+ -
Antioxidants (4)	+ -
Cytogenetics (4)	+ -
Drosophila melanogaster (4)	+ -
Metalloproteins (3)	+ -
Molecular aspects (3)	+ -
Oxidation-reduction reaction (3)	+ -
Proteins--Chemical modification (3)	+ -
Apoptosis (2)	+ -
Cancer (2)	+ -
Cell metabolism (2)	+ -
Chemical modification (2)	+ -
Chemoprevention (2)	+ -
DNA microarrays (2)	+ -
Hippocampus (Brain) (2)	+ -
Mitochondrial DNA (2)	+ -
Mutation (Biology) (2)	+ -
Physiology (2)	+ -
Proteins (2)	+ -
Rats as laboratory animals (2)	+ -
Therapeutic use (2)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (1)	+ -
Aging (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (19)	+ -
thesis (2)	+ -
article (1)	+ -

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (14)	+ -
Department of Biological Sciences (13)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (5)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine (2)	+ -
Chiang, Cindy Chung-Yue. (2)	+ -

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