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Adopting the orphan: determining the role of the motor protein KIF9 during the cell cycle
Title
Adopting the orphan: determining the role of the motor protein KIF9 during the cell cycle.
Creator
Rivera Rios, Miguel E., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
The kinesin superfamily of microtubule motor proteins is subdivided into families based upon structure and function. KIF9 is the founding member of the Kinesin-9 family, which is a largely uncharacterized group of kinesins. It was originally identified by sequence homology to other kinesins. Subsequent studies have shown that KIF9 interacts with proteins involved in cell shape remodeling, cell migration and proper centrosomal positioning. We have examined KIF9 function in mammalian cells...
Show moreThe kinesin superfamily of microtubule motor proteins is subdivided into families based upon structure and function. KIF9 is the founding member of the Kinesin-9 family, which is a largely uncharacterized group of kinesins. It was originally identified by sequence homology to other kinesins. Subsequent studies have shown that KIF9 interacts with proteins involved in cell shape remodeling, cell migration and proper centrosomal positioning. We have examined KIF9 function in mammalian cells using shRNA-mediated knockdown and GFP-plasmid overexpression. By knocking dow KIF9 expression in these cells, we have seen several effects on normal cell cycle progression. Using various cell cycle markers, we have observed a decrease in the number of cells in late S phase. In addition, there is a marked increase in the number of cells in early mitosis in unexpected time intervals. We propose that KIF9 is required for proper cell progression, via a potentially novel checkpoint mechanism.
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Date Issued
2012
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359321, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT3359321
Subject Headings
Cell organelles, Formation, Cellular signal transduction, Protoplasmic streaming, Cells, Motility, Cell division, Research
Format
Document (PDF)
Devising a noncancerous model system to study multipolar spindle formation
Title
Devising a noncancerous model system to study multipolar spindle formation.
Creator
Nagarsheth, Nisha., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
Aneuploid tumor cells have characteristically unstable genomes which can be caused by mitotic defects such as multipolar spindles. Multipolarity relies upon the presence of extra centrosomes to form. However, some cells, both cancerous and noncancerous are able to avoid the formation of multipolar spindles through centrosomal clustering. Previous research has shown that there are a large number of genes whose activity contributes to the clustering activity, making analysis of individual...
Show moreAneuploid tumor cells have characteristically unstable genomes which can be caused by mitotic defects such as multipolar spindles. Multipolarity relies upon the presence of extra centrosomes to form. However, some cells, both cancerous and noncancerous are able to avoid the formation of multipolar spindles through centrosomal clustering. Previous research has shown that there are a large number of genes whose activity contributes to the clustering activity, making analysis of individual components of the process difficult. In order to better understand centrosomal clustering in cancer cells, we induced supernumerary centrosomes in a genomically normal cell line, RPE, to observe how the normal cells cope with extra centrosomes. Using colcemid to induce extra centrosomes in the RPE cell line, we observed an intact clustering mechanism in fixed cells. Further manipulation of the cells has allowed us to induce multipolarity in this cell line using various disrupters of cell-cycle checkpoint and dynein function.
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Date Issued
2010
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3335107
Subject Headings
Centrosomes, Research, Cancer, Genetic aspects, Cellular signal transduction, Cell division
Format
Document (PDF)
House ants of Karachi, Pakistan
Title
House ants of Karachi, Pakistan.
Creator
Haji, Malik., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
Ants are ubiquitous and ecologically important, yet little is known of ants within Pakistan. I studied ants collected from houses and apartments in Karachi, Pakistan to determine which ants are common indoor ants. Ants were attracted by spilling syrups and sodas on the floor which were left overnight. The following morning the ants were collected using an aspirator. A total of eleven species were found. Of these eight were well-known pest ants with worldwide distributions: Paratrechina...
Show moreAnts are ubiquitous and ecologically important, yet little is known of ants within Pakistan. I studied ants collected from houses and apartments in Karachi, Pakistan to determine which ants are common indoor ants. Ants were attracted by spilling syrups and sodas on the floor which were left overnight. The following morning the ants were collected using an aspirator. A total of eleven species were found. Of these eight were well-known pest ants with worldwide distributions: Paratrechina longicornis, Tetramorium simillimum, Monomorium pharaonis, Monomorium subopacum, Monomorium destructor, Tapinoma melanocephalum, Pheidole megacephala, and Tetramorium bicarinatum. Three others, Camponotus sp., Pheidole sp., and Solenopsis sp., not identified to species were probably native species. Paratrechina longicornis and M. subopacum were the two most dominant species that were found in the highest abundance.
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Date Issued
2008
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77670
Subject Headings
Insects, Identification, Ants, Research, Self-organizing systems
Format
Document (PDF)