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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 ...
The Influence of Iron on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Physiology: A regulatory link between iron and quorum sensing
(East Carolina University, 2008-06-06)
In iron-replete environments, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Fur (ferric uptake regulator) protein represses expression of two small regulatory RNAs encoded by prrF1 and prrF2. Here we describe the effects of iron and PrrF ...
Mechanism for Improved Insulin Sensitivity after Gastric Bypass Surgery
(East Carolina University, 2008-12)
Context: Surgical treatments of obesity have been shown to induce rapid and prolonged improvements in insulin sensitivity. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of gastric bypass surgery and the ...
Monoclonal antibody DS6, tumor-associated antigen CA6, and methods of use thereof
(2003-07-22)
The present application describes a monoclonal antibody selected from the group consisting of monoclonal antibody DS6, monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the antigen or epitope bound by monoclonal antibody ...
Composition, formulations & method for prevention & treatment of diseases and conditions associated with bronchoconstriction, allergy(ies) & inflammation
(2004-11-30)
A pharmaceutical composition effective for preventing and alleviating bronchoconstriction, lung allergy(ies) and inflammation comprises a surfactant and an oligonucleotide anti-sense to an adenosine receptor gene, flanking ...
Neuropeptide Y analogues, compositions and methods of lowering blood pressure
(2000-06-13)
Neuropeptide Y analogues, and their compositions are effective for lower blood pressure.
Pulse wave generator for cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporealoxygenation apparatus
(2003-09-16)
The present invention is a cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal oxygenation apparatus that provides a pulsatile blood flow output. The apparatus comprises: a primary pump, which primary pump is preferably a continuous ...
Post treatment protector device
(2003-12-09)