NIPP1, an Interactor of Protein Phosphatase-1, Displays Endoribonuclease and Transcriptional Repression Activities

NIPP1, an Interactor of Protein Phosphatase-1, Displays Endoribonuclease and Transcriptional Repression Activities
Author: Qiming Jin
Publisher: Leuven University Press
Total Pages: 122
Release: 2004
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789058673800

"This is a Ph.D. dissertation. This thesis deals with the eukaryotic protein NIPP1 (Nuclear Inhibitor of Protein Phosphate-1), which was initially described by the host laboratory in 1992 and still is the major focus of its research efforts. The first part of the introduction describes our current insights into the structure and function of NIPP1, with the exception of aspects that directly deal with this doctoral project. For reasons of clarity, the data are presented in a logical manner, which implies that they are not necessarily presented according to their order of discovery. In the final sections of the introduction, a brief overview will be given of the state of the art of the `structure and function of ribonucleases' and `transcriptional repression mechanisms,' two topics that directly related to this research project. Contents include: Introduction, The Structure and Function of NIPP1, The Structure and Function of Ribonucleases, Transcriptional Repression in Eukaryotes, Aims and Strategies, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussions, Mapping of the RNA-binding and Endoribonuclease Domain of NIPP1, Screening for Proteins that Interact with the C-Terminal domain of NIPP1."

Measurement of CYP 3A4 and P-GP Activity in Vivo Using Dynamic Breath and Urine Analysis

Measurement of CYP 3A4 and P-GP Activity in Vivo Using Dynamic Breath and Urine Analysis
Author: Wim Lemahieu
Publisher: Leuven University Press
Total Pages: 200
Release: 2005
Genre: Immunosuppressive agents
ISBN: 9789058674500

This is a Ph.D. dissertation. Contents include: General introduction, Measurement of intestinal CYP3A4 and P-Glycoprotein activity by a combined oral and intravenous 14C-Erythromycin breath and urine test, Alterations of CYP3A4 and P-Glycoprotein activity in vivo with time in renal graft recipients, CYP3A4 and P-Glycoprotein activity in healthy controls and transplant patients on cyclosporine vs. Tacrolimus vs. Sirolimus, Impact of gastric acid suppressants on cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-Glycoprotein: consequences for FK506 assimilation, Diarrhoea after transplantation: impact on cytochrome P4503A4/P-Glycoprotein and assimilation of calcineurin inhibitors, Discussion.

Modulation of Androgen Receptor Activity by P160 Coactivators and a Study of Environmental Contaminants

Modulation of Androgen Receptor Activity by P160 Coactivators and a Study of Environmental Contaminants
Author: Valerie Christiaens
Publisher: Leuven University Press
Total Pages: 164
Release: 2005
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789058674586

The development, growth and survival of eukaryotic organisms require the proper regulation of tens of thousands of genes. Therefore, a correct temporal and spatial expression of genes is crucial. These expression patterns are controlled by a wide variety of mechanisms, but a major level of gene expression occurs at the transcription initiation process. In this part, the basic mechanisms of eukaryotic gene transcription will be discussed. Contents include: 1) General Introduction, 2) Characterization of the two coactivator interacting surfaces of the androgen receptor and their relative role in transcriptional control, 3) Screening for environmental (anti)androgenic activity, 4) Detection of endocrine disrupting activities in pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls, and 5) General Discussion / Future Perspectives.

Cardioselective Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Transfer to Target Myocardial Ischemia

Cardioselective Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Transfer to Target Myocardial Ischemia
Author: Zsolt Szelid
Publisher: Leuven University Press
Total Pages: 116
Release: 2005
Genre: Coronary heart disease
ISBN: 9789058674548

This is a Ph.D. dissertation. Introduction: Cardiovascular and myocardial gene transfer, Gene delivery strategies to the cardiovascular system, Gene vector design, Adenovirus-mediated immunity and cardiovascular gene transfer, Myocardial gene transfer to target myocardial ischemia - reperfusion injury; Specific aims; Materials and methods: Construction of recombinant virus, Myocardial transfer and anti-adenoviral immunity, Gene transfer and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, Statistical analysis; Results: Anti-adenoviral immunity and myocardial adenoviral gene transfer, Gene transfer and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; Discussion: Pre-existing anti-adenoviral immunity and adenovirus-mediated myocardial gene transfer, Intramyocardial NOS3 gene transfer and adenovirus-mediated immune responses, Cardioselective NOS3 gene transfer and myocardial protection from reperfusion injury; General conclusions.