Date Approved
6-30-2025
Embargo Period
6-30-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. Molecular Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Department
Cell Biology and Neuroscience
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences
Advisor
Randy Strich, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
James Holaska, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Jeremy Francis, Ph.D.
Committee Member 3
Dimitri Pestov, Ph.D.
Committee Member 4
Chad, Grueter, Ph.D.
Keywords
Cell Biology;Developmental Biology;Differentiation;Genetics;Molecular Biology;Rare Disease
Disciplines
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology | Life Sciences | Molecular Biology
Abstract
Organelle crosstalk is essential for coordinating cellular responses to various external cues, including stress and differentiation. Two key organelles, the nucleus and mitochondria, engage in extensive crosstalk to manage responses to a range of environmental and developmental signals. Complex processes such as stem cell differentiation and neuronal development rely on organelle crosstalk. Both processes integrate changes in gene expression with cytosolic and organellar remodeling. However, it remains unclear how these two complex processes are coordinated to achieve the desired outcome. This project concentrates on cyclin C (CCNC), a component of the Mediator Kinase Module (MKM), and its role in directly coordinating mitochondrial dynamics and transcriptional reprogramming during skeletal muscle differentiation. Furthermore, this work highlights a pathological role for CCNC, where abnormal localization contributes to the neurodevelopmental disorder known as MED13L Syndrome. These studies confirmed that CCNC mislocalization and mitochondrial dysfunction are significant biomarkers for MED13L Syndrome. Additionally, my studies offer a framework for therapeutic intervention for individuals affected by this disorder.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, Alicia, "FROM DIFFERENTIATION TO DISEASE: CYCLIN C DIRECTLY COORDINATES TRANSCRIPTION AND MITOCHONDRIAL DYNAMICS" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3416.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3416
