Campus Access Only

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of University of the Pacific. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Physiology and Pharmacology

First Advisor

Timothy J. Smith

First Committee Member

Patrick R. Jones

Second Committee Member

Howell Runion

Abstract

Methods for delivery of genes and agents which bind to nucleic acids, and thereby modify the expression of genes, are areas of intensive research. The focus of the present study is the initial development and characterization of an enteric delivery system for DNA-binding drugs. Several fluorescent probes were screened as to their suitability for analysis of DNA in alginate beads. A UV transilluminator was used to identify SYBR I and SYBR II as two functional fluorescent probes for DNA within intact alginate beads. A methyl green-DNA complex was found to be useful for monitoring the dissolution of alginate beads and release of an intact drug-DNA carrier system. After dissolution of alginate beads containing DNA, addition of DNase I to the dissolution fluid resulted in the complete hydrolysis of DNA. This is a necessary condition for the release of a DNA binding drug from the DNA carrier system in that hydrolysis of the carrier by enteric nucleases must occur in the presence of alginate. Once released from a DNA carrier, protein binding plays an important role in the disposition of these agents. A phosphorothioate oligonucleotide complexed to a methidium-spermine affinity gel was used as a tool to study oligonucleotide binding proteins . Bovine serum albumin was used as a prototype binding protein and was found to elute as a single peak from the oligonucleotide affinity column. Elution was accomplished with a sodium chloride gradient. This approach may be useful for characterization of other oligonucleotide binding proteins.

Pages

50

To access this thesis/dissertation you must have a valid pacific.edu email address and log-in to Scholarly Commons.

Find in PacificSearch

Share

COinS

If you are the author and would like to grant permission to make your work openly accessible, please email

 

Rights Statement

Rights Statement

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).