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Thesis - William Roy.pdf (2.61 MB)

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A Single Molecule Study of G-quadruplex and Short Duplex DNA Structures

Roy, William Arthur, Jr.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6277-2677
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1470001158

Abstract Details

2016, MS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Physics.
Given that certain conditions are met, a single stranded DNA/RNA (ssDNA/RNA) structure called G-quadruplex (GQ) can form in regions throughout the genome, including at the telomeres and internal regions of the chromosomes. These structures serve various functions depending on the region in which they form which include protecting the chromosome ends, interfering with telomere elongation in cancer cells, and regulating transcription and translation level gene expression. Due to their high stability, various cellular mechanisms, such as GQ destabilizing proteins, are employed to unfold these structures during DNA replication or repair. Yet, their distinct layered structure has made GQs an attractive drug target in cancer treatment as GQ stabilizing molecules could inhibit telomerase dependent telomere elongation, a mechanism occurring in the majority of cancer cells to avoid senescence and apoptosis. However, proteins or small molecules interact with GQ that is under the influence of various cellular tension mechanisms, including the tension applied by other nearby molecules or the tension due to DNA structure within the chromatin context. Therefore, it is important to characterize the stability of various GQs and their response to interacting molecules when subjected to a tensile force. We employed a novel DNA-based nano tension generator that utilizes the elastic properties of circularized short double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) oligonucleotides to apply tension on the GQ. Since this is a completely new approach, the majority of this thesis was dedicated to proof-of-principle studies that demonstrated the feasibility and functionality of the method.
Hamza Balci, Dr. (Advisor)
Elizabeth Mann, Dr. (Committee Member)
John Portman, Dr. (Committee Member)
55 p.
Physics
G-quadruplex, smFRET, ssDNA, Guanine, TIRF, fluorescence, Force, Macrocycle,

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Roy, Jr., W. A. (2016). A Single Molecule Study of G-quadruplex and Short Duplex DNA Structures [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1470001158

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Roy, Jr., William. A Single Molecule Study of G-quadruplex and Short Duplex DNA Structures. 2016. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1470001158.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Roy, Jr., William. "A Single Molecule Study of G-quadruplex and Short Duplex DNA Structures." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1470001158

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1470001158
789
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.