Disordered Protein Aggregates Are Linked to Changes in the Histone Post-Translational Modification Landscape in Disease and Non-Disease Models

<p>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.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Cobos, Samantha

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mariana Torrente

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle
• Lesley Emtage
• David Jeruzalmi
• Emilio Gallicchio

• Chemistry
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• epigenetics
• posttranslational modifications
• histones
• prion
• liquid liquid phase separation

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5452

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:gc_etds-6548