Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Honors Paper

Degree Name

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-BS

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Advisor

Dr. John Tansey

First Committee Member

Dr. John Tansey

Second Committee Member

Dr. Regina Prusinski

Third Committee Member

Dr. Jennifer Bennett

Keywords

Nuclear Transport, Mifepristone, Ivermectin, Forskolin, Perilipin 5

Subject Categories

Chemicals and Drugs | Higher Education | Lipids | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Perilipin 5 is involved in insulin sensitivity and lipid breakdown which if not regulated properly causes many metabolic diseases. Obesity, type II diabetes, hepatic steatosis, and atherosclerosis are caused by excess neutral lipid storage (Zehmer, J. K., 2009). The protein perilipin stimulates the breakdown of triacylglycerol (TAG) by its involvement in the Protein Kinase A (PKA) pathway (Bickel, P. E., 2009). TAG metabolism plays a major role in the regulation of lipid storage and could be a part of medications and treatments for a lot of metabolic diseases. Obesity especially, is a prevalent epidemic in the United States, so if we were able to regulate the movement and interactions of perilipin 5, we can treat many Americans. Catecholamines bind to receptors that activate the PKA pathway phosphorylating the perilipin 5 protein. This moves into the nucleus and regulates genes that affect lipid breakdown and mitochondria formation. Perilipin 5 changes its conformation by the PKA pathway which in turn affects mitochondria formation and insulin levels. Since perilipin 5 cannot diffuse through the membrane due to its size, this research aims to explore which method it uses to translocate into the nucleus.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 2

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