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Development of Computational Tools and Resources for Cotton microRNA Analysis
(East Carolina University, 2014)
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of small regulatory RNAs which regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional levels. miRNAs target genes for mRNA cleavage or translation inhibition based on the complementary ...
Molecular mechanism of anandamide-induced apoptosis in non-melanoma skin cancer.
(East Carolina University, 2015)
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the United States. The absence of selective toxicity is the major problem associated with chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy for NMSCs. The goal of the present ...
The unique roles of IFE-1, a germline-specific isoform of eukaryotic translation factor 4E, during gametogenesis
(East Carolina University, 2009)
Fertility and embryonic viability are measures of efficient germ cell growth and differentiation. During oogenesis, spermatogenesis and embryogenesis cells initially proliferate then differentiate into specific tissues. New proteins are required for both cell growth and differentiation, requiring qualitative and quantitative changes in protein synthesis. During late gametogenesis and early embryogenesis the expression of the appropriate proteins is a primarily due to translational control. Translational control of mRNAs is mediated in part by eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). eIF4E binds the methylated 5' cap of mRNA and recruits it to the ribosome. The nematode worm C.elegans expresses five isoforms of eIF4E (termed IFE-1 through 5). IFE-1 is expressed primarily in the germline and is the only isoform that associates with P granules by binding directly to PGL-1. P granules are ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) that contain stored mRNAs and proteins needed for oogenesis and early embryogenesis. Using a strain that lacks IFE-1, I assessed the translational efficiency of maternal mRNAs bound and not bound to P granules by polysome fractionation. Translation of pos-1, pal-1, mex-1, oma-1, ced-4 and glp-1 mRNAs was inefficient in the ife-1 strain relative to wild type worms. GAPDH (gpd-3) mRNA translation was not affected. We also observed differences in the pattern of expression of the MEX-1 protein during oogenesis. In males, secondary spermatocytes failed to complete cytokinesis at 25°C in absence of IFE-1. Males deficient of IFE-1 therefore lacked mature sperm. In addition, ife-1 spermatocytes prematurely accumulated pro-apoptotic CED-4, homolog to mammalian Apaf-1, during spermatogenesis. In ife-1 worms fertility was decreased by 80% due to decreased viability of both oocytes and spermatocytes. Our data indicate two unique roles for eIF4E (IFE-1 isoform) in late oogenesis and spermatogenesis. We suggest that IFE-1 preferentially recruits regulated mRNAs at critical times during germ cell development. ...
Role of Notch signaling in tumorigenesis, stemness, and epithelial to mesenchymal transtion in colorectal cancer.
(East Carolina University, 2015)
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States. Surgical resection and combination chemotherapy are often used for treatment, but in later stages of the disease, ...
Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Basic Leucine Zipper Factor (HBZ) Interacts and Inhibits the Acetyltransferase Activity of Multiple Cellular Coactivator Families to Deregulate Transcription
(East Carolina University, 1/13/16)
Of the 20 million individuals infected worldwide with the complex retrovirus, Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1, 5% will develop an incurable and fatal form of leukemia known as adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). During the ...
Investigating the Interaction of RecQL4 and Mcm10 in Drosophila melanogaster
(East Carolina University, 2014)
Accurate duplication and regulation of the eukaryotic genome requires precise coordination among multiple replication factors. RecQL4, the least characterized RecQ protein, is a 1208 amino acid protein containing a centrally ...
Characterization of MiR319-Regulated TCPs in Maize Development
(East Carolina University, 1/13/16)
Maize produces two inflorescences, the tassel and the ear, that are essential for reproduction. Both inflorescences arise from similar inflorescence primordia and are patterned largely by the same developmental regulators. ...
Genome-Wide Identification And Expression Analysis Of TCP Transcription Factors In Cotton
(East Carolina University, 2015)
TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors known to perform a variety of physiological functions during plant growth and development. In the current study, we performed for the first time the comprehensive ...
Proposed regulatory role of noncatalytic Adams in ectodomain shedding
(East Carolina University, 2015)
Members of the ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) protein family uniquely exhibit both proteolytic and adhesive properties. Specifically, ADAMs catalyze the conversion of cell-surface proteins to soluble, biologically ...
Neurological Effects Of A Single Low Level Blast Overpressure Exposure : Behavior And Micro RNA Mechanisms Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In A Rodent Model
(East Carolina University, 2015)
The increased use of explosive devices within warfare and acts of terrorism has allowed blast overpressure exposure (BOE) to become a significant concern. The most common wound sustained by BOE is blast-induced mild traumatic ...