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AN RNAI SCREEN TO IDENTIFY COMPONENTS OF A POLYAMINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM

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Date Issued:
2017
Abstract/Description:
Polyamines, specifically putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are small cationic molecules found in all organisms. Cells can biosynthetically make these molecules, or alternatively, they can be transported from the extracellular environment. Malignant cells have been shown to require relatively high amounts of polyamines. There is a chemotherapeutic agent, DFMO, used to block the biosynthesis of polyamines. Many malignant cells can circumvent DFMO therapy by activating their transport system. A potential solution is to simultaneously block biosynthesis and transport of polyamines. However, little is known about the polyamine transport system in higher eukaryotes. This thesis aims to add to the basic biological understanding of the polyamine transport system, as well as contribute to our understanding of the way in which malignant cells are able to sustain rapid growth. This was done by screening six candidate genes believed to be involved in the polyamine transport system. These six genes were identified using various bioinformatics databases. They were screened using RNAi to knock down each gene of interest and by using an assay developed in our lab. One of the genes, RabX6, may play a possible role in the transport of putrescine.
Title: AN RNAI SCREEN TO IDENTIFY COMPONENTS OF A POLYAMINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
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Name(s): Foley, Adam J, Author
Von Kalm, Laurence, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2017
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Polyamines, specifically putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are small cationic molecules found in all organisms. Cells can biosynthetically make these molecules, or alternatively, they can be transported from the extracellular environment. Malignant cells have been shown to require relatively high amounts of polyamines. There is a chemotherapeutic agent, DFMO, used to block the biosynthesis of polyamines. Many malignant cells can circumvent DFMO therapy by activating their transport system. A potential solution is to simultaneously block biosynthesis and transport of polyamines. However, little is known about the polyamine transport system in higher eukaryotes. This thesis aims to add to the basic biological understanding of the polyamine transport system, as well as contribute to our understanding of the way in which malignant cells are able to sustain rapid growth. This was done by screening six candidate genes believed to be involved in the polyamine transport system. These six genes were identified using various bioinformatics databases. They were screened using RNAi to knock down each gene of interest and by using an assay developed in our lab. One of the genes, RabX6, may play a possible role in the transport of putrescine.
Identifier: CFH2000187 (IID), ucf:46043 (fedora)
Note(s): 2017-05-01
B.S.
College of Sciences, Biology
Bachelors
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): putrescine
spermidine
spermine
polyamines
transport
system
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000187
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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