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Now showing items 41-50 of 62
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. ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
Analysis of Myopodin in Hela Cervical Carcinoma Cells
(East Carolina University, 2014)
Synaptopodin-2 is a proline-rich, actin-binding protein that exists in many isoforms. Due to its large proline content, synaptopodin-2 exists in a naturally unfolded state and possesses the characteristics of a hub protein. ...
SPATIAL EXPRESSION OF MATRIX AND MATRIX RECEPTOR PROTEINS IN THE DEVELOPING SYNOVIAL JOINT
(East Carolina University, 2013)
Little is understood about the complex spatial and temporal molecular interactions necessary to form a fully functional synovial joint. Understanding molecular pathways and signaling within the developing joint continues ...
The involvement of cap-independent mRNA translation in cell fate decisions
(East Carolina University, 2014)
During cell stress many biochemical processes are shut down. For
example, global mRNA translation initiation is inhibited due to the
disruption of the cap-dependent mRNA recruitment mechanism. One
specific example of ...
The contribution of motility and chemotaxis in the Borrelia burgdorferi infectious life cycle
(East Carolina University, 2013)
Lyme disease has emerged as an increasing problem for people in the east and northeastern part of the United States. It can cause a chronic debilitating infection if left untreated and is difficult to diagnose. The illness ...
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 ...
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 ...