Date of Award
2017
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biological Science
Abstract
Although Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) is practiced, HIV-1 positive individuals still experience HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND), collectively described as the presentation of neurocognitive, behavioral and motor dysfunctions that decrease the quality of life, while increasing the mortality in ART suppressed HIV-1 positive patients.
Current literature suggests that extracellular vesicles are involved in the pathogenesis of HAND as they are believed to be transferring HIV-1 proteins to nearby neuronal cells. Although most studies assume homogeneity among populations, characterizing cellular proteins or RNA levels in bulk, we hypothesize that distinct populations of extracellular vesicles are released and that environmental conditions, including viral infections, can alter this population. Through the developed method of single vesicle analysis, we have been able to characterize such populations. Assessment at the level of a single vesicle will shed light on their heterogeneity and begin unique analysis of their suspected involvement in a variety cellular processes.
Recommended Citation
Ispas, Grace, "The Novel Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Containing Proteins Which Have Been Implicated in the Pathogenesis of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders" (2017). Master's Theses. 3680.
https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_theses/3680
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2017 Grace Ispas
