Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2021
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Dana "Nikki" Reinemann
Second Advisor
Ana Pavel
Third Advisor
Mirela Ovreiu
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Astronauts encounter many forms of ionizing radiation during space travel. Ionizing radiation has been seen to cause cancer, cataracts, radiation sickness, tissue damage, hereditary effects, and damage to the central nervous system. Ionizing radiation can damage DNA molecules through oxidation, as well as other vital proteins like molecular motors. Kinesin-1 is a molecular motor protein that essential to intracellular transport. Microtubules serve as the “roadway” for kinesin transport, where kinesin converts chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanochemical “steps” to move along the microtubules. Optical trapping has been used in previous research to measure single kinesin motor properties. We have engineered a physiologically relevant kinesin-microtubule assay designed for the optical trap that gives a foundation for healthy mechanochemical performance. This model provided data of displacement profiles and force generation of kinesin-1. From this model, we could then introduce oxidative stresses to represent ionizing radiation effects. Hydrogen peroxide has been used in previous research to induce oxidative stress into molecular environments. This damaged assay showed significant changes to the molecular environment from the healthy model. These results allow for better understanding of molecular motor inhibition due to oxidative stress which can serve as the basis of treatment and prevention of radiation damage to astronauts in the future.
Recommended Citation
Caspari-Linhardt, Addison, "Molecular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress on Molecular Motors" (2021). Honors Theses. 1624.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1624
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