Interaction between genetic and epigenetic variation defines gene expression patterns at the asthma-associated locus 17q12-q21 in lymphoblastoid cell lines

Phenotypic variation results from variation in gene expression, which is modulated by genetic and/or epigenetic factors. To understand the molecular basis of human disease, interaction between genetic and epigenetic factors needs to be taken into account. The asthma-associated region 17q12-q21 harbors three genes, the zona pellucida binding protein 2 (ZPBP2), gasdermin B (GSDMB) and ORM1-like 3 (ORMDL3), that show allele-specific differences in expression levels in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and CD4+ T cells. Here, we report a molecular dissection of allele-specific transcriptional regulation of the genes within the chromosomal region 17q12-q21 combining in vitro transfection, formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements, chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA methylation assays in LCLs. We found that a single nucleotide polymorphism rs4795397 influences the activity of ZPBP2 promoter in vitro in an allele-dependent fashion, and also leads to nucleosome repositioning on the asthma-associated allele. However, variable methylation of exon 1 of ZPBP2 masks the strong genetic effect on ZPBP2 promoter activity in LCLs. In contrast, the ORMDL3 promoter is fully unmethylated, which allows detection of genetic effects on its transcription. We conclude that the cis-regulatory effects on 17q12-q21 gene expression result from interaction between several regulatory polymorphisms and epigenetic factors within the cis-regulatory haplotype region

Optimization and Control Design of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Autonomous vehicles are increasingly investigated for use in oceanographic studies, underwater surveillance, and search operations. Research currently being done in the area of autonomous underwater craft is often hindered by expense. This project seeks to complete the construction, optimization, and control software development of an inexpensive underwater vehicle. During the course of the project all of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical subsystems were completed. Propeller-driven primary thrusters using a magnetically coupled drive system were optimized and manufactured. A battery powered electrical subsystem was also designed and installed on the vehicle. A simulation of the vehicle's control algorithm was developed in MATLAB and several full vehicle tests were conducted at WPI

Alternative Loyalty Systems and Streamlined Merchant Acquisition for Boston Community Change

Boston Community Change (BCC) is a loyalty program that allows businesses to offer rebates on one unified platform. The Interra organization funded the rebate software but recently lost its funding due to the Madoff scandal. Therefore, our goal was to propose an alternative loyalty system and provide BCC with a streamlined sales process. We conducted interviews, surveys, and meetings with participating merchants and BCC staff and recommended the best alternative loyalty system and an electronic approach to merchant acquisition