Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
9-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Chemistry
Advisor
Mariana Torrente
Committee Members
Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle
Lesley Emtage
David Jeruzalmi
Emilio Gallicchio
Subject Categories
Chemistry
Keywords
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epigenetics, posttranslational modifications, histones, prion, liquid liquid phase separation
Abstract
Proper protein folding is a delicate balance that is crucial for normal biological function. In mammals, protein misfolding and aggregation leads to loss of function of the original protein while in many cases being associated with neurodegenerative diseases, eventually leading to death of the organism. In yeast however, the aggregated prion state is associated with positive cellular outcomes, and cells can switch between the [PRION+] and [prion-] states. Understanding the factors that lead to changes in prion state conformation in yeast could lead to novel insight into the conditions controlling misfolding by neurodegenerative proteinopathies. We believe that by studying the interface between neurodegeneration, protein misfolding, and epigenetics, we can elucidate the mechanisms leading to disease, and potentially reveal novel targets for therapeutic development. Our results highlight a need for further research into how misfolded protein aggregates disrupt the histone PTM landscape. We hope this work will lead to the discovery of novel targets for neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.
Recommended Citation
Cobos, Samantha, "Disordered Protein Aggregates Are Linked to Changes in the Histone Post-Translational Modification Landscape in Disease and Non-Disease Models" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5452