Mammals exhibit circadian rhythms in several physiological processes
controlled by a core set of circadian genes that make up the so-called molecular
clock. Disruptions in these rhythms, and variations in circadian genes, are associated
with the development of psychiatric disorders, including addiction. However, the
effect of chronic binge-like alcohol drinking...
The preconditioning agent poly-ICLC has recently been shown to protect against cerebral injury in the mouse model, when administered systemically prior to ischemic insult. However, the mechanism by which poly-ICLC provides neuroprotection is currently unknown, but it has been shown to protect against ischemia-induced bloodbrain barrier (BBB) disruption. Inflammation contributes...
This thesis explores a three month period that I spent abroad working in medical clinics and hospitals in Ecuador. My work was conducted in three distinct areas: the urban landscape of Quito, Ecuador’s capital; Puyo, a small town bordering the Amazonian rainforest; and a small community located in the heart...
Studies have established that there is a greater risk for onset of adult metabolic syndrome disease such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity in subjects born with low birth weight (LBW). Undernourished fetuses make adaptions that result in structurally, morphologically, and functionally altered organs. In terms of drug pharmacokinetics,...
Koi herpesvirus (KHV), is a highly pathogenic virus causing high mortality in common carp and koi, especially in fry. One of the unique features of herpesvirus infections is their ability to become latent following initial infection. During latent infection, only viral genome persists in the host and remains dormant in...
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IndiraRajagopal, Committee Member, representing Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Antisense morpholino oligomers are synthetic macromolecules can modify gene expression. While these compounds have great potential to treat a broad range of human diseases, they suffer from poor cellular delivery. Conjugating cell-penetrating peptides onto these morpholinos is one option of addressing delivery, however development remains slow due to the cost...
The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, causing a subsequent increase in insulin resistance (IR), metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Although these conditions significantly impact both the individual and society, their etiologies have not been discovered, inhibiting potential prevention and treatment. Alterations to mitochondrial metabolism are implicated in the development...
Type-2 diabetes (T2D) has become a pandemic. The main impairment in T2D is skeletal muscle insulin resistance (IR) and is often associated with obesity. Despite decades of study, the mechanisms of IR have not been fully resolved. Evidence has implicated mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential cause and/or consequence of IR....
Though empathy has proven to be a vital component of the physician-patient relationship, recent studies have shown that medical students tend to lose empathy during their third year of medical school as they start interacting with patients for the first time. The main objective of this project was to find...
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IndiraRajagopal, Committee Member, representing Department of Biochemistry and
Biophysics