Steven M. Bray and Professor Steven M. Bray, Chemistry and Biochemistry Introduction and Project Aim G-protein signaling is one of the major pathways which cells utilize to transmit messages. The signaling pathway consists of a receptor coupled to a G-protein, which activates secondary messengers. Signaling molecules, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, bind receptors on the cell […]
Usage of CSA-13 in the Antibiotic Lock Technique for Hemodialysis Catheters
Jonathan O. Wright and Dr. Paul Savage, Chemistry and Biochemistry The projects that I have worked on this past year have been focused on a novel group of antibiotics developed Dr. Savage’s lab. The antibiotics, called ceragenins or cationic steroid antibiotics (CSA’s), are molecules synthesized from cholic acid and mimic the structure and functionality of […]
HIV Tropism and the Germinal Center
Andrew Jay Thorne and Dr. Greg Burton, Chemistry and Biochemistry Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and resultant development of autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) killed 1.8 million people and infected 2.2 million more just in 2009. Not only are those whose personal lifestyle choices put them at risk for HIV infection affected. As of 2009, there […]
Structure of Octahedral Polyomavirus
Robert Swenson and Dr. David Belnap, Chemistry and Biochemistry Polyomaviruses (PVs) are viruses that can cause tumors in mammals and fatal diseases in birds. Knowles et al. (2) estimated that over 90% of the human population is infected with a polyomavirus, but these infections are usually dormant, and only show symptoms in patients with compromised […]
The role of Fcγ Receptor in activation of NF-κB in Follicular Dentritic Cells
Jonathan Scoville and Dr. Gregory F. Burton, Chemistry and Biochemistry The purpose of this project was to determine the reason why the transcription factor NF-κB is not activated when immune complexes (especially those containing HIV) bind to its Fcγ-Receptor, but is activated in FDC’s when the same immune complex (IC) binds to its Fcγ-Receptor. We […]
Organic Synthesis of Sulfonated Glycosphingolipids to Study Natural Killer T Cell Stimulation
Dylan Pratt, Brian Anderson, and Dr. Paul B. Savage Abstract The body’s innate immune system is continuously checking our body for molecular structures of antigens on potential pathogens. The CD1d antigen-presenting cell presents glycolipid antigens to Natural Killer T (NKT) cells. NKT cells start a signaling pathway that produces an inflammatory response. 3’’-O-sulfo-Beta-galactosylceramide has been […]
Using Dip-Pen Nanolithography to Orient DNA Origami
Michael Lydiksen and Dr. Adam Woolley, Chemistry and Biochemistry Introduction Imagine having the ability to control the placement of atoms with reasonable speed and accuracy. Having this capacity naturally brings with it incredible technological advancements in areas such as integrated circuits and biochemistry. An exciting process known as dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) that I have been […]
The Role of Inwardly-rectifying Potassium Channels in Drosophila Development
Brandon Gassaway and Dr. Emily Bates, Chemistry and Biochemistry Anderson-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is characterized by morphological defects including clinodactyly (abnormal curvature of digits), syndactyly (fused digits), micrognathia (small jaw), cleft palate, and hypertelorism (wide-set eyes) as well as periodic paralysis and heart arrhythmia. Mutations in inwardly rectifying potassium (Irk) channels are found in patients with […]
Covalent Solutions to Biofilm Formation: Incorporation of Antimicrobial Ceragenins into Polymer-Brush Coatings
Jeffrey Clark and Dr. Paul Savage, Chemistry and Biochemistry Introduction The accumulation of biofilm on urinary catheters and endotracheal tubes is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infection1. A variety of techniques have been developed to help mitigate this problem. One of these techniques is to coat devices with a biofilm-resistant polymer brush coating. […]
Synthesis of 2-DOS mimic from Diacetone-D-Glucose
Susie Choi and Dr. Young Wan Ham Abstract 2-deoxystreptamine (2-DOS) mimic was to be synthesized in several steps from commercially available diacetone-D-glucose in an effort to prepare novel amino acid residues for antiviral therapeutic development. The method presented in this paper was given up due to unexpected problems occurring at three of the 10 steps. […]