2020 Abstracts

Karin, Kettenring; Robison, Talin; Leonard, Emily (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kettering, Karin (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resource, Watershed Sciences Department)

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) and its wetlands are important habitat for migrating birds. The GSL wetlands provide crucial habitat for nesting, food, and areas to recover from migration. Common carp are a threat to GSL wetlands. Carp disturb sediments in the water, blocking some of the sunlight from entering the water, which is utilized by aquatic macrophytes and algae. Carp also may be affecting invertebrate populations, which are critical food resources for migrating birds, but these effects have not been well-documented. My research addressed the question: what are the effects of invasive common carp on invertebrate food sources for diving ducks in the Great Salt Lake wetlands? I answered my research question by addressing the following objectives: (1) to identify the benthic, epiphytic, and water-column dwelling invertebrates in Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area (WMA), and (2) to determine if common carp are having an impact on the overall density, diversity, and abundance of the invertebrate communities fed on by diving ducks. I compared invertebrate communities (diversity and abundance) between carp-excluded boxes and control boxes. I constructed my carp exclosures of wire mesh and t-posts to prohibit carp from entering while still allowing invertebrates and water to freely move in and out of the exclosure. The control boxes were constructed of t-posts and allowed carp to freely enter and exit the box. I used dipnet and substrate core samples to determine what invertebrates are living in the water column and substrates at Farmington Bay wetlands. Although sample processing is on-going, early results indicate that carp reduce water column invertebrate abundance while effects on invertebrate diversity are thus far inconclusive. Given the importance of GSL wetlands and their invertebrate food sources to migrating diving, my research findings underscore the importance of aggressive carp management.

Gottfredson, Sarah; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Life Sciences, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

The microbiome of Drosophila melanogaster can have significant effects on the host, and many of these have been studied. However, the reason why the bacterial species associate with and persist in D. melanogaster has not been studied in depth. Here we define persistence as how long a microbe associates with a host. The early assumption has been that the D. melanogaster gut microbiome is established solely through diet, but recent work suggests that other factors may be at play in the microbiome establishment. This experiment aims to study the correlation between bacterial genotype and persistence in the D. melanogaster microbiome. In this study, a metagenome wide association (MGWAS) was done using 40 different strains of bacteria to find distinct bacterial genes that are significantly correlated with persistence. To do this, each strain was mono-associated with twenty-four individual flies. The flies were reared for fourteen days, transferred onto new food three times a day for two days, homogenized, and plated. Using the significant genes found through the MGWAS, the same experiment protocol will be used to test mutants of these genes for their effect on persistence. These data will provide us with distinct genes that are necessary for effective bacterial persistence.

Not yet published (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Brigham young University, Life Sciences)

Within an organism's gut are many strains of bacteria that are constantly interacting with their host. Microbiota composition has been shown to impact many aspects of host health such as metabolism, fat-storage, starvation resistance, and reproduction. Certain behaviors and outcomes have been correlated with certain microbial taxa present in the host gut.

D. melanogaster serves as a useful tool for studying this relationship because its microbiota contains relatively few bacterial strains and is both widely studied and largely understood. Previous research within our lab involving D. melanogaster has found trends in many life-history strategies (ie. reproduction, fecundity, lifespan) that correlate with the presence of certain gut bacteria. While there are many aspects of health that microbiota composition affects, there are also a variety of factors that impact microbiota composition thus leading to these end results.

This experiment seeks to further understand the role that environment has in determining microbiota composition. By rearing gnotobiotic flies in environments that differ in temperature, we can then analyze microbiota content to see if any fluctuations occur due to environmental temperature. If temperature is found to have an effect on the taxa present in fully developed D. melanogaster, we can then seek to determine whether or not there are evolutions taking place in host genotype that yield differing microbiota phenotypically.

Thornton, Sherie; Cardona,Rebecca (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology); Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Lactobacillus wasatchensis was initially isolated from cheese produced at Utah State University and was found to be a Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria (NSLAB) that causes late-gas production in cheese that can damage packaging and produce defects in the cheese. The goal of this project was to locate an environmental reservoir for Lactobacillus wasatchensis. Five samples of silage that were in different stages of fermentation and content and raw milk samples were obtained at the Utah State University dairy. Samples were serially diluted, plated on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar supplemented with 1% D-Ribose (NRS-R) and incubated anaerobically for 5 days. Colonies that looked like potential Lb. wasatchensis were selected and regrown for isolation. All isolates were gram-positive rods. The isolates were further grown in broth for DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis with API 50 carbohydrate panel (API 50CH). The API 50CH results were significantly different from Lb. wasatchensis, which only demonstrates use of ribose in this assay. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, however, produced a match to three isolates from two different silage samples that had 99% sequence identity to Lb. wasatchensis. Further analysis of the isolates is being done to confirm this finding and describe the organism isolated from the soil. We hypothesize that these organisms are very closely related to Lb. wasatchensis and that silage could be an environmental source of contamination.

Hendricks, Kyle; Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science)

Over 30 million Americans suffer from type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), the seventh leading cause of death in the US. T1D and T2D is caused by a significant decrease in pancreatic β-cell mass, resulting in the body's inability to regulate blood glucose. Specifically, T1D is classified as an autoimmune disease due to pancreatic β-cell death by the body's T cells. Nf-κB is required for T cell mediated β-cell destruction. Nf-κB interacts with ICAM-1 on the T cell and acts in conjunction with IL-1β which acts as a T cell activator. This pathway is part of the mechanism that contributes to T cell mediated cell destruction. Here we hypothesize that IL-1β is involved in the mechanism that contributes to Nf-κB and ICAM-1 binding. We will begin with an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to identify the interactions between the ICAM-1 site on IL-1β treated cells and the Nf-κB binding complex. A better understanding of this pathology can, in the future, lead to a treatment that could regulate T cell mediated death of β-cells.

Almaw, Naredos; Chaudhuri, Dipayan (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Chaudhuri, Dipayan (School of Medicine, Internal Medicine)

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), a regulator of metabolism that is typically expressed in the liver, has recently been shown to be induced by other tissues in the body as a response to mitochondrial stress. Elevated levels of serum FGF21 was exhibited in children with mitochondrial mutation-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions. Similarly, in dilated cardiomyopathy, a common type of heart failure (HF) mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with mitochondrial DNA damage. This study aims to determine the signaling pathway that leads to the production and effects of FGF21 during mitochondrial dysfunction associated HF. We hypothesize that in left ventricular failure, cardiomyocytes experience oxidative stress, which initiates signaling pathways that leads to the production of FGF21 by other organs.

To test this hypothesis, HF was induced in four mice models via Transverse Aortic Constriction (TAC), and tissue samples were collected. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was performed to examine the FGF21 gene expression in control and experiment mice models. The qPCR data showed an upregulation of FGF21 in the heart, liver, and pancreas of experiment mice. qPCR results were confirmed through FGF21 protein expression via western blot. Our preliminary results appear to support our hypothesis that during heart failure, the heart sends stress signals to other organs to produce FGF21. Understanding the origin of FGF21 production could help better understand the critical role it plays in preventing disease progression in HF patients.

Edwards, Jeffery; Saito, Erin; Blaylock, Tanner; Brantley, Adam; Winzenried, Eric (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Edwards, Jeffrey (Life Sciences, Physiology and Developmental Biology)

The ketogenic diet initially began as a significant treatment to prevent epilepsy. More recently it has seen a rise in popularity again, with many attributing positive physiological and cognitive benefits. The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of those claims in an animal model in order to examine this at the cellular level as well as identify possible molecular mechanisms for the changes observed. To quantify this, mice will be fed a diet high in fats and low in carbohydrates. A Morris water maze, radial arm maze, and novel object recognition will then be used to assess the diets effect on behavioral memory. Field electrophysiology will then be performed in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for mediating memory, to measure two types of synaptic plasticity: long-term potentiation and long-term depression. It has been previously hypothesized that changes in BDNF concentration are a possible explanation for physiological changes caused by the keto diet. To assess this, ANA-12, a TrkB antagonist, will be used to block the effects caused by BDNF. Preliminary data gathered from bathed brain slices of both male and female animals have shown an enhancement of LTP, the cellular equivalent of learning and memory. These data lead us to our hypothesis that the ketogenic diet will cause significant changes in behavioral memory and CA1 synaptic plasticity through altered BDNF levels.

Szulik, Marta; Wang, Li; Franklin, Sarah. (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Franklin, Sarah (Medicine, Internal Medicine)

Heart failure (HF) is a type of heart disease characterized by the structural and functional impairment of ventricular filling. In 2016, HF was the underlying cause of death in approximately 78,000 individuals and today more than 6.2 million Americans suffer from heart failure. HF is the final stage for many types of heart disease including cardiac hypertrophy. During hypertrophy, the ventricular walls thicken to help maintain the proper workload needed to continue supplying the body with oxygenated blood. In addition to increase in cell size, cardiac hypertrophy leads to cell death, fibrosis, metabolic reprogramming and reactivation of fetal gene expression. Gene expression is often modulated by changes in chromatin and histone structure via post-translational modifications (PTMs). Histone methylation, a covalent PTM, has been shown to play a significant role in cardiac development.

Smyd1 is a muscle specific lysine histone methyltransferase protein that has a role in early cardiac development and is known to methylate histone H3 on lysine-4. Additionally, loss of Smyd1 in adult mice models has been shown to induce heart failure and hypertrophy whereas overexpression of Smyd1 has been shown to restrict hypertrophic growth in cell model. Although Smyd1 knockdown experiments have been performed in vivo, the effects of knocking down Smyd1 in isolated cardiomyocytes has not been examined. Furthermore, the effects Smyd1 overexpression in adult mammalian heart failure is unknown.

This project seeks to characterize changes in global levels of histone PTM's as a result of either overexpressing or silencing Smyd1. Using proteomic analysis, we have identified the changes in histone methylation and consequently gene expression in the adult heart and isolated cells in response to Smyd1. Our results help us better understand Smyd1 role in the failing heart and help determine it therapeutic potential.

Carter, Riley; Hertig, Jess; Durrant, Doran (Southern Utah University)
Faculty Advisor: Pierce, Elizabeth (Science and Engineering, Physical Science)

Aldehyde oxidoreductases (AOR) are enzymes used to catalyze the conversion between aldehydes and carboxylic acids. Certain bacteria use these enzymes as a source of metabolism or to detoxify aldehydes to less toxic carboxylic acids: Desulfovibrio gigas uses a highly efficient enzyme (DgAOR) to oxidize benzaldehyde in metabolism while E. coli uses a periplasmic AOR (PaoABC) to detoxify aldehydes. These AORs are members of the xanthine oxidase family, but they don't metabolize many of the normal substrates characteristic of this enzyme family, namely purines. Moreover, the active sites of these enzymes have very different environments. Correia, et al (2014) characterized the kinetics and structure of DgAOR with several substrates and found that the Phe425 and Tyr535 residues at the active site likely stabilize aromatic aldehydes by pi stacking. This active site was also buried away from solvent. The active site of PaoABC lacked any significant aromatic residues and was positioned at the surface of the protein. The substrate stabilizing elements at this active site are Leu246 and Pro352. We are interested in why these active sites both are unreactive towards purines given their different chemical and location compared to the solvent. We propose that by mutating PaoABC to have smaller, nonpolar residues at the 246 and 352 position, we may be able to change the specificity of PaoABC to include purines. We also will mutate these residues to aromatic groups to probe at the chemical environment of the active site and its similarities to DgAOR.

Bell, McKenzie; Porter, Tyrel; Naylor, Emily; Domyan, Eric (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Domyan, Eric (Utah Valley University, Biology)

The domestic rock pigeon has been the subject of selective breeding for over a hundred years and so displays an immense variety of phenotypes. This variety provides opportunities to further understand the genetic basis of phenotypic evolution. Pigmentation of pigeon feathers is controlled by multiple alleles at different loci, which influences the type and amount of melanin deposited in the feathers. A specific phenotype, known as "recessive red", consists of distinctly red plumage and is caused by a mutation that greatly reduces the expression of the gene SOX10. This gene encodes a transcription factor, known to play a key role in melanocyte maturation and proliferation. SOX10 likely regulates the transcription of multiple downstream genes but the identities of these genes are largely unknown. To identify downstream targets of SOX10, we compared the transcriptomes of regenerating feathers from wild-type and recessive red birds to identify genes that had different expression levels between the two groups. We identified 46 genes that are expressed at different levels between wild-type and recessive red birds, and thus potential targets of SOX101. Of the 46 genes, Tbx2 was selected as a starter because it is one of the only transcription factors regulated by Sox10 in melanocytes. This mechanism makes it a plausible candidate given the critical role proteins play in phenotypic expression ("TBX2 T-box transcription factor 2—Gene—NCBI," n.d.).

Yang, Haokun; Herring, Jacob; Elison, Weston; Wynn, Adam; Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science)

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans have type 2 diabetes (T2D), a disease that is characterized by a loss of functional β-cell mass, resulting in decreased insulin secretion and glucose utilization. The pancreatic β-cell is responsible for producing and secreting insulin and monitoring blood glucose levels, and it is crucial to the understanding of T2D. The orphan nuclear receptor Nr4a3 (Nor1) has well-defined roles throughout the body, specifically with fuel utilization in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissues. Here we present data demonstrating that Nr4a3 KO mice have increased body weight, blood glucose levels (fasting and non-fasting), and impaired glucose tolerance when fed a standard diet. Respiration from adipose tissue is significantly impaired in male and female Nr4a3 KO animals. These data demonstrate that Nr4a3 is necessary for whole-body homeostasis. We believe that these data serve as a step toward understanding the pathway of T2D progression and finding a cure.

Garcia, Jessica; Hanks, Hana; Kist, Taylor; Suman, Tanner (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Meyer, Jennifer (Dixie State University, Physical Sciences)

Antioxidants in the human body regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). If ROS are increased within the body it can potentially lead to oxidative stress and cell injury. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme found in the pentose phosphate pathway that assists in reducing the amount of ROS in the bloodstream. Increased concentrations of glucose, commonly found in patients that suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been shown to impair G6PD activity, thereby causing damage to erythrocytes (RBCs)2. It has been shown that hyperglycemic conditions decrease the activity of G6PD in RBCs, which is improved by the addition of pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant1. Glutathione, another antioxidant found in the pentose phosphate pathway, is decreased in RBCs within hyperglycemic conditions. The addition of pterostilbene is predicted to increase levels of glutathione under high glucose conditions.

References:

1. Richins, M., & Meyer, J. (2018). Pterostilbene Ameliorates Lipid Peroxidation and Increases Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Erythrocytes Subjected to High Glucose Conditions. American Heart Association Journals, 138.

2. Zang, Z., Apse, K., Pang, J., & Stanton, R. C. (2000). High glucose inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase via cAMP in aortic endothelial cells. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 275(51), 40042-40047. Doi: 10.1074/jbc.M007505200

Brown, Nathan; Herring, Jacob; Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham young University; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science)

Diabetes is a global epidemic affecting millions of people. The total estimated cost of diabetes in the U.S. during 2017 was 327 billion dollars. Diabetes is characterized by the loss of pancreatic β-cell function which is caused by an autoimmune disorder in Type 1 diabetes or insulin resistance and β-cell exhaustion in Type 2 (T2D) diabetes.
It is shown that β-cell mitochondrial respiration is dependent on the nuclear receptor Nr4a1. Respiration rates of cells lacking Nr4a1 in the presence of 16 mM glucose resulted in a significant decrease in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by impeding the production of ATP. It was also found that knockdown of Nr4a1 results in decreased expression of mitochondrial dehydrogenase subunits Idh3g and Sdhb. Thus, the orphan nuclear receptor Nr4a1 is critical for β-cell mitochondrial function and insulin secretion.
In subsequent studies it was shown that dihydroergotamine (DHE) induces Nr4a1 expression via recruitment of the super elongation complex to enable elongation of Nr4a1 promoter paused RNA polymerase II. While these experiments have been shown in cancer cells, I hypothesize that DHE will up-regulate Nr4a1 and other downstream targets. To test this I will use an in-vitro model to culture INS-1 832/3 rat insulinoma cell lines as a useful model for insulin secretion regulation and pancreatic islet beta-cell function studies. This study will shed further light on the regulation of the Nr4a1 nuclear receptor in pancreatic β-cells.

Berges, Bradford; Wienclaw, Trevor; Ball, Ashley; Richmond, Bradley (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Berges, Bradford (Life Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Biology)

Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) biofilms are serious impediments to immune defenses and antibiotics, making them a major factor in SA infection. Such infections can be highly lethal even using current treatments, representing a major challenge to the healthcare industry. Previous genetic screenings of SA have revealed several genes that may be associated with biofilm formation. While the roles of many of these genes have been studied, little research has been done on how mutations of these genes impact biofilm composition. As several therapeutic options for treating mature SA biofilms require understanding of biofilm composition, a better understanding of how genes influence that composition is critical to improving current treatments and developing new ones.
In this project, we will study the biofilm phenotypes of SA with mutations in common biofilm-associated genes. By comparing the biofilm mass and composition of the wild-type (wt) Je2 strain to strains containing mutated biofilm-associated genes, we hope to uncover the impact that each mutation has on the composition of the biofilm matrix. We will utilize crystal violet assays as well as extracellular DNA and protein quantifying procedures to determine biofilm composition, after which meaningful comparisons can be made between mutant biofilms and wt biofilms.

Smith, Mick; Desdames, Chloe (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (University of Utah, Anthropology)

Census and sampling work are important because they provide critical information on population size, distribution, and habitat preference — all important factors in conservation. La Selva Biological station is located on the north eastern side of Costa Rica and is a protected biological reserve. It is home to three species of primates including Alouatta palliata, commonly known as the mantled howler monkey. It is comprised of primary forest that has been undisturbed by human forces and secondary forest that is regenerating from past disturbances, such as deforestation. Past research conducted on howler monkeys shows they prefer primary forest over secondary because primary forests have higher species richness and a wider range of trees which provides food for howler monkey's selective diet. I predict that the majority of A. palliata in Costa Rica will be located in primary forest because it offers more resources. I censused 11 established trails at La Selva (two trails in primary forest, seven trails in secondary forest, and two trails crossing both forest types). For each howler monkey encountered, I recorded the location, forest type, and group size. I identified four different groups of A. palliata with group size ranging between 6-10 individuals. One group was located in primary forest and three groups in secondary forest; thus, my hypothesis that A. palliata would prefer primary forests was not supported. Anecdotally, A. palliata were observed more frequently around rivers or streams. This could indicate that rather than being concerned with primary versus secondary forest, they prefer riparian habitats found along the banks of rivers or other actively moving sources of water. A study conducted by Stoner found howler monkeys in riparian habits supporting this hypothesis. This type of research continues to provide critical information for understanding primate's habitats which helps with conservation of species.

Lin, Jade; Park, Yeram; Ross, Micah; Stark, Michael; Hansen, Marc (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Stark, Michael (Brigham Young University, Physiology and Developmental Biology); Hansen, Marc (Brigham Young University, Physiology and Developmental Biology)

Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly are due to incomplete closure of neural tubes in developing embryos. While the etiology is still unknown, environmental and genetic factors, toxicants, and maternal health are implicated as potential causes. Previous research shows that NTDs are associated with increased levels of ceramide (C2) and possible exposure to fumonisin (FB1), and valproic acid (VPA). We hypothesize that these molecules may interfere with cell-to-cell interactions which are important for neural tube formation. To investigate the potential mechanisms by which these toxicants can induce NTDs, I will use a well-characterized MDCK cell model treated with C2, FB1, and VPA to assess their impact on cell adhesion.

Payne, Samuel; Paquette, Teancum; Lindgren, Caleb (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Payne, Samuel (Brigham Young University, Life Sciences)

The National Cancer Institute’s Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) generates comprehensive proteogenomic data for cancer cohorts. Our goal is to bring CPTAC data to researchers and the general public. A major difficulty in accomplishing this is the large amount of variability in the programming capabilities in the public. As a solution, we created a set of interactive tutorials that instructs users on exploring CPTAC data in a way that even novice programmers can understand. However, these tutorials still require software installation, which can be complicated. In order to empower more people to confidently use, access and analyze cancer data, we are making our tutorials accessible without any installation. We plan to do this by hosting the tutorials directly using a tool called Binder. In the end this project will not only improve the quality of user experience with CPTAC, but also improve the quality of their experience accessing a vast amount of cancer data.

Allen, Brian; Covey, Tracy; Davies, Don; Eccles, Nick; Farnsworth, Brian; Ferguson, Parker; Hart, Sierra; Lowder, Jordan (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Davies, Don (Weber State University, Chemistry and Biochemistry); Covey, Tracy (Weber State University, Chemistry and Biochemsitry)

Chalcones refer to biological molecules with the structure trans 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one. Biological chalcones and chalcone derivatives display anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. To understand the role of the chalcone structure in tumor cessation, derivatives to the original chalcone were synthesized using aldol condensation reactions. HeLa and HEK-293 cells were treated with the synthesized chalcone and an LD50, or the concentration of chalcone required to kill half of the cells, was calculated. The LD50 was then used to determine the efficiency of the chalcone derivative. Correlations between the structure and activity suggest that a Michael reaction occurs at the cell and indicate that that an aromatic ring at C3 is likely necessary. Further research will help determine the structures of more cytotoxic compounds.