Cells are constantly bombarded with mutagens, both endogenous and exogenous in origin. Endogenous sources of mutation include reactive oxygen species formed during aerobic respiration, replication errors by DNA polymerase, and spontaneous deamination and depurination (Jackson 2009). Exogenous sources of mutation include UV and ionizing radiation, aflatoxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons...
A unique, permanent root-growth arrest phenotype was observed in UV-B irradiated Arabidopsis thaliana roots lacking the DNA damage response kinase ATR. Segregation analysis suggests the dependence of this phenotype on another, unidentified gene, termed ursu. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to map and identify the causal ursu mutation. Illumina HiSeq...
The highly conserved multi-protein mismatch repair (MMR) system is known for its ability to correct post replication errors in genomic DNA. A hallmark of MMR deficiency in all organisms is microsatellite instability. The initiating proteins in the eukaryotic MMR system are hetrodimers formed with an integral MSH2 subunit and one...
Genetic and environmental factors influence individual cancer risk. Mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes increase colon cancer risk. Exposure to carcinogens, including the ubiquitous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), also is associated with increased cancer risk. To understand the combined effects of both environmental exposures and genetic risk, we investigated...
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) plays an important role in preserving genomic stability and reducing cancer risk. Environmental exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are believed to contribute significantly to carcinogenesis. PAHs are found in food, air, water and soil and upon bioactivation can form diol epoxides which are electrophilic in...
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) plays an important role in preserving genomic stability and reducing cancer risk. Environmental exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are believed to contribute significantly to carcinogenesis. PAHs are found in food, air, water and soil and upon bioactivation can form diol epoxides which are electrophilic in...
When people think of fossils, they generally imagine the bones of large, charismatic animals. However, small mammals are an ecologically important group of organisms that show up frequently in the fossil record, and can frequently function as indicators for local environmental and ecological conditions (Terry, 2007, 2010). Rodent and rabbit...
The dynein molecule is a peculiar motor protein recognized for its unique stepping behavior. Sometimes it steps forwards. Other times it steps backwards. It has even been observed to occasionally shuffle by beginning a step with the same domain many times in row. These motions make dynein an interesting object...
Un Paseo Encantado, an enchanted walk, is a collection of my observations and experiences in a study abroad program in Oviedo, Spain. My commentary on Spanish culture is based on reading I did prior my departure, in combination with my observations while in Spain. In six chapters, I explore the...