Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Binninger, David

Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair

Weissbach, Herbert

Abstract

Biological homeostasis relies on protective mechanisms that respond to cellular oxidation caused primarily by free radical reactions. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msr) are a class of enzymes that reverse oxidative damage to methionine in proteins. The focus of this study is on the relationship between Msr and dopamine levels in Drosophila. Dopaminergic neurons in Drosophila have comparable roles to those found in humans. A deficit in dopamine leads to the onset of many neurological disorders including the loss of fine motor control—a neurodegenerative condition characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We found that dopamine levels in the heads of MsrAΔ/ΔBΔ/Δ mutants are significantly reduced in comparison to MsrA ⁺/⁺ B⁺/⁺ heads. In addition, wefound protein and expression levels are markedly reduced in an Msr-deficient system. Our findings suggest an important role for the Msr system in the CNS.

Extent

107 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004202

Format

pdf

Download

Share

COinS