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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. ...
Effects of Cage-Change Frequency and Bedding Volume on Mice and Their Microenvironment
(East Carolina University, 2009-11)
The frequency at which mouse cages are changed has important implications for the animals, animal care personnel, and facility managers. The objective of this study was to determine how bedding volume and the interval ...
Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less: A Community Based Weight Management Program for Adults
(2009-10-20)
Describes development of a comprehensive, low cost weight management program to be delivered by local public health educators or cooperative extension agents. The program was developed by a unique partnerships of the NC ...
Methods for preventing or treating insulin resistance
(2009-08-13)
The invention provides methods of preventing or treating insulin resistance in a mammalian subject. The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one ...
Smart injection syringe systems providing real-time user feedback of correct needle position
(2009-02-09)
Syringe assemblies include a syringe with a syringe body (15b) defining a fluid cavity in fluid communication with an injection needle (25); a force, pressure and/or flow sensor (30) in fluid communication with the needle; ...
Raman tweezers provide the fingerprint of cells supporting the late stages of KSHV reactivation
(East Carolina University, 2009-08)
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has both latent and lytic phases of replication. The molecular switch that triggers a reactivation is still unclear. Cells from S phase of cell cycle provide apt conditions ...
Exposure to Concentrated Coarse Air Pollution Particles Causes Mild Cardiopulmonary Effects in Healthy Young Adults
(East Carolina University, 2009-07)
Background: There is ample epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution [aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5)], which derives primarily from combustion processes, can ...
Type.Cast: The Heart of Medicine (2009)
(2009)
An art and literary magazine published by the Brody School of Medicine, Division of Health Sciences. The magazine contains artwork and writings by Brody School of Medicine's medical students.
The Biochemical Characterization Of Neuronal K+ Channel N-Glycans And Their Role In Regulating K+ Channel Function
(East Carolina University, 2009)
The Kv3 and Kv1 subfamilies of voltage–gated K+ channels are critical components which contribute to action potential repolarization throughout the central nervous system. Here, it was shown that both absolutely conserved ...
North Carolina's Pediatric Obesity Clinician Reference Guide and Tool Kit
(2009-07-27)
This poster presents the tools developed by clinicians treating childhood obesity in North Carolina. The history of the development of these tools is outlined at the end of the accompanying abstract submission to the ...