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Analysis of the CYC1 Promoter in Candida Albicans
Get PDFScientists are considering two factors that may be important in the pathogenesis of C. albicans\u27, it\u27s capability to morph from yeast to hyphal phase, and its differences in colony morphology, cell shape, cell surface and cell permeability. (5) Unfortunately, unlike the bacteria, yeasts do not yet have proven virulence factors. However, science is suggesting that some of the major factors which contribute to the virulence of Candida are its ability to form hyphae, its ability to resist phagocytosis, its ability to adhere to epithelial cell surfaces, its ability to grow well at 37 degrees Celsius, and its ability to secrete acid proteinase. (5) Recent studies are looking into an iC3b receptor that may also influence virulence. (5) Unfortunately, factors like nutritional requirements complicate the virulence determinations. (3) Molecular Koch\u27s postulates are now being considered as a way to study virulence in yeasts. (3) Because of the many problems that arise with C. albicans, scientists are taking steps to increase the development of its genetics. (5
Exogenous Expression of Human Na, K-ATPase Isoforms in Insect Cells
Get PDFThe Na-K-ATPase or Na pump is a membrane bound enzyme that maintains a high concentration of K+ and low concentration of Na+ in most animal cells. Three subunits constitute the Na pump, named alpha (ex), beta (~). and gamma (y). The ex subunit is responsible for the catalytic and transport of the enzyme, the ~ subunit is important for bringing the ex to the plasma membrane of the cell, and y is a regulatory subunit of the Na pump. In addition, there are several molecular variants or isoforms of the ex and ~ subunits. At present four different ex (ex 1, ex2, ex3 and ex4) and three distinct O (01, 02 and 03) isoforms have been found in mammals. Each isoform is characterized by a tissue specific pattern of expression and has a specific function. My research concerned the ex2 isoform of the Na, K-ATPase from humans. This isoform has been detected in adipocytes, muscle, heart, and brain. ex2 appears to be important in maintaining the ion balance and the electrical properties of muscle and heart cells. The objective of my research was to express ex2 in insect cells. To achieve this, I subcloned the cDNA corresponding to ex2 into an expression vector known as Pblue-bac 4.5 (Pbb4.5). This required the amplification of the DNAs in bacteria, isolation of the Carpenter 2 isoform and vector cDNAs and the digestion of the DNA with specific restriction enzymes. After digestion, the samples were isolated in agarose gels and both DNAs with compatible ends were ligated. This allowed obtaining the a2 gene into Pbb4.5. This construct was then used to create a virus that can infect insect cells and direct the expression of the human a2 isoform. Results showed that when the prepared virus was applied to an insect cell line named Sf-9, the cells became infected and expressed the protein in high amounts. This was determined by immunoblot of the insect cell proteins and detection of D a2 with specific antibodies. The expression of a2 in Sf-9 cells that are devoid of Na, KATPase is important because it provides high amounts of the protein for biochemical studies of its function in an environment free of any other Na pump isoform
Molecular Screening Of Azoreductase Gene and Its Activity in Human Intestinal Bacteria
Get PDFThe intestinal microflora are capable of performing a wide variety of metabolic transformations. The intestinal bacteria can enhance the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract, protect against pathogenic, maintain the vital chemical balance of the gastrointestinal system, and produce needed vitamins and hormones (http;//www.upwardquest.com/crit2.html). Some of the products of this metabolism have been associated with carcinogenic processes, such as cancer, tumor formation, gastrointestinal disease, and infections. The ability of human intestinal microbes to interact with metabolites directly or after recirculation may contribute toward different toxicological disorders and disease.
The purpose of this study is to characterize and isolate the azoreductase gene in Citrobacter freundii
The Gazette April 6, 2005
Get PDFThe student newspaper for Langston Universityhttps://dclu.langston.edu/archives_gazette_newspaper_20002009/1020/thumbnail.jp
An Investigation of Contributions Made by Women Writers to the Harlem Renaissance
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to examine the contributions that women writers made to the Harlem Renaissance. By studying these women and their works, their contributions will be exposed
The Gazette February 2, 2005
Get PDFThe student newspaper for Langston University.https://dclu.langston.edu/archives_gazette_newspaper_20002009/1013/thumbnail.jp
The Gazette February 23, 2005
Get PDFThe student newspaper for Langston Universityhttps://dclu.langston.edu/archives_gazette_newspaper_20002009/1016/thumbnail.jp