Dissertation Information for Christopher Lee CurfmanNAME:
DEGREE:
DISCIPLINE:
SCHOOL: ADVISORS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: MPACT Status: Fully Complete Title: Synthetic strategies toward omega-functionalized sphingolipid analogs Abstract: "Sphingolipids are a diverse class of molecules, which share a common 2-amino-1,3-diol backbone moiety. These molecules are found in nearly all cell types and play critical roles in cellular functions such as membrane constitution, signal transduction, and cell-cell communication. Sphingolipids are also involved in growth regulation, in particular carcinogenesis and apoptosis, which further creates interest in their biosynthesis and regulation. Investigations in these areas have shown that sphingolipid pathways are affected by fumonisins, mycotoxins that are structurally similar to sphingolipids and commonly found in foods. The specific target for fumonisins is ceramide synthase, an important enzyme for sphingolipid biosynthesis. It would be beneficial to study this enzyme in greater depth to learn more about fumonisins' mechanisms of action as well as to better understand sphingolipid biosynthesis. |
MPACT Scores for Christopher Lee CurfmanA = 0 Advisors and Advisees Graph |