Shingles

https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/hd_graphic_novels/1017/thumbnail.jp

Alzheimer\u27s

https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/hd_graphic_novels/1018/thumbnail.jp

Crystal Structures of Large Volume Commercial Pharmaceuticals

The purpose of this project is to determine the crystal structures of commercial pharmaceuticals using X-ray powder diffraction data and computational chemistry techniques. We have analyzed new compounds and compounds with unpublished structures: ceftriaxone sodium hemiheptahydrate and pimecrolimus. Knowledge of the crystal structure helps rationalize chemical and biological properties, and also facilitates qualitative and quantitative phase analysis. We have solved and refined the crystal structures using Monte Carlo simulated annealing, Rietveld refinement, and density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimizations. We will present the structures and discuss their intermolecular bonding in the solid state, particularly hydrogen bonding. By understanding the structure of these compounds and how they interact with themselves, we can predict how they might interact with human biological pathways, knowledge which is essential in the creation of new pharmaceuticals

Genome Editing

As the sophistication of technology advances, it introduces new issues that had previously not been a concern. One such issue is that of genetically editing human embryos. Genetic editing is not an idea of the future, but is a reality right now that has made substantial progress recently. As of now, the United States has few policies regarding this new technology, except for a ban of federal funding for research including human embryos , which was put in place in 2016. However, there is no policy regarding the regulation of genetic editing, and our group’s purpose is to fill this void. With our policy, we propose a law that requires private corporations that are doing research on genetic editing with human embryos to register for a permit. This would come with a small fee, as well as the location and people involved in the research. Our intention is to make sure that the research on genetic editing is done ethically, while still allowing research in this field to take place. Genetic engineering of human embryos has the potential to save many lives, but unmonitored it could lead to ethical battles over designer babies or be used as a biological weapon. Following our current plan, in the future, when genetic editing becomes readily available, it will be reserved solely for medical purposes, such as preventing or stalling deadly and debilitating genetic diseases

Crystal Structures of Large Volume Commercial Pharmaceuticals

The purpose of this project is to determine the crystal structures of commercial pharmaceuticals using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and computational chemistry techniques. Currently, we are analyzing four molecules with unpublished structures used to treat common maladies: tamsulosin hydrochloride (benign prostatic hyperplasia), pantoprazole sodium (gastric reflux disease), ipratropium bromide (COPD and asthma), and doxepin (chronic depression). Knowledge of the crystal structure helps rationalize chemical and biological properties, and also facilitates qualitative and quantitative phase analysis. We have solved and refined the crystal structures using Monte Carlo simulated annealing, Rietveld refinement, and density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimizations. We will present the structures and discuss their intermolecular bonding in the solid state, particularly hydrogen bonding. By understanding the structure of these compounds and how they interact with themselves, we can predict how they might interact with human biological pathways, knowledge which is essential in the creation of new pharmaceuticals

Monoallelically expressed noncoding RNAs form nucleolar territories on NOR-containing chromosomes and regulate rRNA expression

Out of the several hundred copies of rRNA genes arranged in the nucleolar organizing regions (NOR) of the five human acrocentric chromosomes, ~50% remain transcriptionally inactive. NOR-associated sequences and epigenetic modifications contribute to the differential expression of rRNAs. However, the mechanism(s) controlling the dosage of active versus inactive rRNA genes within each NOR in mammals is yet to be determined. We have discovered a family of ncRNAs, SNULs (Single NUcleolus Localized RNA), which form constrained sub-nucleolar territories on individual NORs and influence rRNA expression. Individual members of the SNULs monoallelically associate with specific NOR-containing chromosomes. SNULs share sequence similarity to pre-rRNA and localize in the sub-nucleolar compartment with pre-rRNA. Finally, SNULs control rRNA expression by influencing pre-rRNA sorting to the DFC compartment and pre-rRNA processing. Our study discovered a novel class of ncRNAs influencing rRNA expression by forming constrained nucleolar territories on individual NORs