Chemistry and Biochemistry

Nichole Stekl

petersonj — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:37:52 +0000

Nichole Stekl

Administrative Assistant

petersonj Mon, 04/21/2025 - 16:37

ISC 331

585-245-5314

stekl@geneseo.edu

Monitoring Alzheimer's Disease with Gold Particles

patenaude — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:47:37 +0000

Monitoring Alzheimer's Disease with Gold Particles

Thursday, April 17, 2025

patenaude Thu, 04/17/2025 - 14:47

Professor of chemistry Kazushige Yokoyama (�鶹��ý�Ŷ�/Keith Walters '11)

Kazushige Yokoyama

Summary

This study presented the spectroscopic method possessing the high potential of distinctively diagnosing the features of the AD(+) rat at the early stage of AD against those of the AD(–) rat.

Abstract

In order to better understand the dynamics governing the formation of pathological oligomers leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a rat model the present study examined the protein aggregates accumulating on gold colloids in the hippocampus. Sections of the hippocampus of the Long Evans Cohen’s AD(+) rat model were mixed with gold colloids and the resulting aggregates were examined by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) imaging. Compared to AD(–) rat tissues, the AD(+) rat hippocampal tissues produced a larger sized gold colloid aggregates. The SERS spectrum of each hippocampal section exhibited similar spectral patterns in the Amide I, II, and III band regions, but showed distinct spectral patterns in the region between 300 cm−1 – 1250 cm−1 in AD(+) rat tissues, respectively. Amyloid fibrils with a β-sheet conformation were previously reported to form gold colloid aggregates in mouse and human AD brain tissues. The gold colloid aggregates in the AD (+) rat hippocampal brain sections showed distinct morphological traits compared to those observed in AD(–) rats. This suggests that there is a spatial distribution of oligomer concentration in the hippocampus, which induces fibril formation to disrupt neuronal networks within the hippocampus and between other parts of the brain.

Primary research question

The approach to detect the early stage intermediates forming the fiber leading to the Alzheimer's disease.

What was already known

The gold aggregates can be formed by mediating particular form of amyloid beta protein.

What or how does the research add to the field/discussion?

The hippocampus region is the critical area of the brain forms the stage for the Alzheimer's disease. Also, the brain tissue impacted by Alzheimer's disease may have relatively low pH (i.e., acidic).

Funding

NSF 2117780

Joel Mukkatt '25, Nicole Mathewson '25, and Marc D. Fazzolari '24 of �鶹��ý�Ŷ�. Victoria D. Hackert, Mohamed M. Ali, Abel C. Monichan, Agnes J. Wilson, Benjamin C. Durisile, and Lorenz S. Neuwirth of SUNY Old Westbury.

Kazushige Yokoyama, Joel Mukkatt, Nicole Mathewson, Marc D. Fazzolari, Victoria D. Hackert, Mohamed M. Ali, Abel C. Monichan, Agnes J. Wilson, Benjamin C. Durisile, Lorenz S. Neuwirth, Oligomer sensitive in-situ detection and characterization of gold colloid aggregate formations observed within the hippocampus of the Alzheimer’s disease rat, Neuroscience Letters, Volume 855, 2025, 138218, ISSN 0304-3940.

Neuroscience Letters (2025)

Study Examines Compounds Extracted from Medicinal Plants Used In Traditional Central American and Caribbean Cultures

patenaude — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:42:10 +0000

Study Examines Compounds Extracted from Medicinal Plants Used In Traditional Central American and Caribbean Cultures

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

patenaude Tue, 04/15/2025 - 12:42

Professor of chemistry & biochemistry Ruel McKnight (�鶹��ý�Ŷ�/Keith Walters '11)

Ruel McKnight

Summary

The article reports important biophysical DNA targeting information for a group of medicinal natural product compounds and has implications in ethnomedical research.

Abstract

A group of four structurally related abietane diterpenes (including royleanone and 7-acetoxy-horminone) were investigated for their DNA binding capabilities using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence displacement spectroscopy, and a topoisomerase DNA-unwinding assay. Both ITC and CD spectroscopy data indicate that the abietane diterpenes of this study exhibit strong binding to DNA, likely preferring a DNA-groove binding mode. Binding constants (K) were found to be in the order of 106-8 M-1 and were strongly enthalpically driven. The binding of all compounds to DNA was accompanied by large negative enthalpy changes (more than -20 kcal/mol) and negative entropy changes. The substituent at the 7th position of the abietane ring system was important in determining both the magnitude of binding and the propensity to stack within their DNA binding sites, with derivatives 7-one/ene > 7-OAc/H. This is significant given the reports that the identity of the substituent at position-7 is a strong determinant for bioactivity. Although the specific CD data observed was compound-dependent, most showed strong signal perturbations around one or both of the DNA signature wavelengths (245 and 280 nm). However, we do not attribute these perturbations to DNA intercalation. Compounds that were capable of self-stacking (i.e., 7-ene and 7-one) were also able to elicit very strong positively induced CD signal (ICD) around 330 nm, as well as perturbations at higher wavelengths. Additionally, topoisomerase DNA-unwinding and ethidium fluorescence displacement assays were used to corroborate the DNA binding mode, which was found to be consistent with the abietane diterpene compounds adopting a non-intercalative DNA binding mode. These findings are significant given that other researchers have found that the identity of the substituent at position-7 is a strong determinant for bioactivity. These early findings are very promising and have far reaching implications in the field of ethnomedicine.

Research questions

1. Do the abietane diterpenes in this study bind to DNA
2. If so, how do the bind to DNA, i.e., what is the mode/mechanism of binding
3. If they bind DNA, is there a correlation between their structures and how they bind/how strongly they bind. This relates to SAR (Structure-Activity-Relationships)

What was already known

Plant from which the compounds were isolated has a long history of traditional usage in many Central American and Caribbean folklore cultures and is known for its medicinal benefits, including anti-microbial, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer activities. That is, has been used as ethnomedicines.

What the research adds to the discussion

The research study was able to:
1. Confirm that these abietane diterpene natural product compounds bind to (target) DNA, binding very strongly in some cases. 2. Determine how they bind to DNA
3. Show a correlation between the structure of the compounds and their ability to bind/target DNA.
4. Show a correlations between the structure of the compounds and their known bioactivity. This is related to term known as SAR (Structure Activity Relationship)
5. Provide a fundamental understanding of how structural differences or changes in these compounds could potentially enhance their bioactivity and medicinal potency.
6. Provide a potential avenue for the advancement of abietane diterpene natural products in the field of ethnomedicinal research.

Implications for society

Has implications in the field of ethnomedicine and natural products. That is, using natural sources (especially those from ethnic groups or folklore cultures) to solve and develop treatments and cures for many diseases and disorders existing in our society.

Funding

�鶹��ý�Ŷ� Foundation

Gavin Gullickson'15, Benjamin Kasper '15, Kevin Siegenthaler '14

Ruel E. McKnight, Gavin S. Gullickson, Benjamin Kasper, Kevin Siegenthaler, Duanne A.C. Biggs, Roy B. Porter, DNA binding studies of abietane diterpenes natural products using isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism, fluorescence and gel assays, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Volume 123, 2025, 130216, ISSN 0960-894X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2025.130216.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters (2025)

College Expands Partnerships for Advanced Degrees

dreessen — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:40:04 +0000

College Expands Partnerships for Advanced Degrees dreessen Tue, 03/25/2025 - 11:40

VIDEO: Raman Imaging System

johnsonma — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:01:56 +0000

VIDEO: Raman Imaging System johnsonma Fri, 11/15/2024 - 14:01

�鶹��ý�Ŷ� Partners with UB Pharmacy School

rime — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:52:39 +0000

�鶹��ý�Ŷ� Partners with UB Pharmacy School rime Fri, 08/30/2024 - 11:52

�鶹��ý�Ŷ� Ushers In a New Academic Year

rime — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:30:48 +0000

�鶹��ý�Ŷ� Ushers In a New Academic Year rime Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:30

Pharmacy 3+4

barkan — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:32:45 +0000

Pharmacy 3+4 barkan Tue, 08/27/2024 - 10:32

Sample PharmD Required Courses

Ambulatory Patient Care
Community Pharmacy
Hospital/Health-System Pharmacy
Inpatient General Medicine Patient Care
Integrated Pharmacy Concepts: Cardiology, Renal, Endocrinology, etc.
Intro to Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Patient Care Essentials
Pharmacy Calculations
Pharmacy Law and Ethical Principles

Pre-Health Advisory Program

Interested in medical or health careers? Learn more about �鶹��ý�Ŷ�’s pre-med and pre-health advisory program.

Pre-Health Program

Pharmacy 3+4

Want to shorten your path to becoming a pharmacist?

The 3+4 Pharmacy Partnership Program with the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences encourages students to accelerate their studies by completing their Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees in just seven years of full-time study, saving them one year’s worth of time and tuition.

After three years at �鶹��ý�Ŷ�, students transfer to UB. Upon completing the first-year pharmacy school curriculum, students’ credits for the year are transferred to �鶹��ý�Ŷ� to complete their bachelor’s degree. �鶹��ý�Ŷ� students interested in the 3+4 program should consult with the program's advisor during their freshman/first-year or sophomore/second years.

Interested students must apply to the University of Buffalo Pharmacy College no later than October 1 of their junior/third year at �鶹��ý�Ŷ�.

Request Info

Visit �鶹��ý�Ŷ�

Apply

Partnership Programs

Program Highlights

The UB PharmD curriculum combines required coursework with specialized electives and progressive patient-focused experiences.
The UB PharmD program integrates the latest technologies throughout the professional coursework. Students enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, smart classrooms, and centers for research.
Pharmacy students work side-by-side with internationally renowned faculty in an atmosphere of active collaboration, professional development, and mentorship.

Sample Career Pathways

Community health center
Community pharmacy chain
Compounding pharmacy
Drug research and development
Government/federal pharmacy
Hospital pharmacy
Mail service pharmacy
Managed care and pharmacy benefit management
Medical communications
Pharmacy consultation
Veterinary pharmacy

Contact Info

Prospective Students:

Kevin Reed, Assistant Director of Admissions
Doty Hall 200B
reedk@geneseo.edu
585-245-5435

Current Students:

Paula McClure, Early Pre-Health Career Advisor
Erwin 116
mcclurep@geneseo.edu
585-245-5721
Schedule an appointment

Sam Newberry, Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Advisor
Lecturer in Biology, Anatomy & Physiology
Integrated Science Center (ISC) 353
snewberry@geneseo.edu
585-245-6428
Schedule an appointment

Request More Info

VIDEO: Chemistry Summer Research

johnsonma — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:25:14 +0000

VIDEO: Chemistry Summer Research johnsonma Tue, 07/30/2024 - 13:25

Podiatry 4+4

barkan — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:39:59 +0000

Podiatry 4+4 barkan Thu, 07/25/2024 - 13:39

Sample LECOM Podiatry Coursework

Biochemistry
Clinical Neuroscience
Embryology
Gross Anatomy
Human Sexuality
Microbiology
Musculoskeletal System
Operating Room Protocols
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology

Pre-Health Advisory Program

Interested in medical or health careers? Learn more about �鶹��ý�Ŷ�’s pre-med and pre-health advisory program.

Pre-Health Program

Podiatry 4+4

Want to gain early acceptance to a Doctor of Podiatry program?

A partnership program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Podiatric Medicine facilitates early admission and guarantees �鶹��ý�Ŷ� two spots in each year’s student cohort. A student may apply to LECOM as a high school senior or up until completion of junior year at �鶹��ý�Ŷ�. Based on a successful interview with LECOM staff, students will be offered provisional admission to LECOM Doctor of Podiatry Program.

Request Info

Visit �鶹��ý�Ŷ�

Apply

Partnership Programs

LECOM’s School of Osteopathic Medicine will accept any �鶹��ý�Ŷ� BA or BS degree accompanied by LECOM prerequisite coursework. The following �鶹��ý�Ŷ� degrees are those most aligned with LECOM’s admission requirements.

Program Highlights

Early hands-on experience and a holistic approach to patient care with an emphasis on lower extremity.
Assessments to prepare students for national board exams.
Exceptional facilities at LECOM, including a newly constructed space dedicated to the School of Podiatric Medicine.
A broad range of clinical training experiences from outpatient inner city to rural clinics, sports medicine, inpatient care, and the Senior Living Center associated with the Institute for Aging, all part of the LECOM Health System.
Rotations and interactions with the residents at the LECOM Millcreek Community Hospital’s podiatric medical and surgical residency program.

Sample Podiatric Specialties

Biomechanics
Dermatology
Geriatrics
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Public health
Sports medicine
Surgery
Trauma

Contact Info

Prospective Students

Kevin Reed, Assistant Director of Admissions
Doty Hall 200B
reedk@geneseo.edu
585-245-5435

Current Students

Paula McClure, Early Pre-Health Career Advisor
Erwin 116
mcclurep@geneseo.edu
585-245-5721
Schedule an appointment

Sam Newberry, Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Advisor
Lecturer in Biology, Anatomy & Physiology
Integrated Science Center (ISC) 353
snewberry@geneseo.edu
585-245-6428
Schedule an appointment

Request More Info