2020 Abstracts

Anderson, Lars; Baldwin, Haley; Christensen, Ben; Walker, Austen (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Griffen, Blaine (Brigham Young University, Life Sciences)

This research looks at the blue coloration on uca pugnax crab carapace above the mouth and between the eyestalks and associates the coloration to the behavior, sexual maturity, and size of the crab, as well as the detection of metals in their environment. Up to ten crabs were photographed within twenty five isolated sites with the objective of gathering a high range of color difference among the uca pugnax. The photos of the crabs were set to match the same scale of light and RGB as to not have interference from external factors such as sunlight or overcast weather. The shade of blue on the carapace provides information about the surrounding environment where the uca pugnax are found.

Sagers, Rachel; Nguyen, Andy; Weston, Jake; Grooms, Nicholas; Eggleston, Morgan; Martin, Randy; Coulombe, Roger (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Coulombe, Roger (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department)

The scenic mountain views of Cache Valley in Northern Utah stand in stark contrast with the valley's high concentrations of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), some of the worst reported in the United States. The unique geography promotes formation of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) from nitrogen oxides produced by motor vehicles and ammonia from dairy cow excreta. Winter atmospheric inversions, exacerbated by the mountainous terrain, trap and concentrate air pollutants. Epidemiological studies have revealed an association between PM exposure and early all-cause mortality. Exposure to PM2.5 is also associated with a variety of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, including myocardial infarction, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Previous studies have shown that Cache Valley PM (CVPM) has pro-inflammatory effects, which has been linked to enhanced activation of Akt in human pulmonary epithelial cells. This research examined the cellular responses of human lung (BEAS-2B) cells exposed to CVPM and diesel exhaust particles (DEP), at 1 and 12 µg/ml concentrations of each particle type for a 24 hour exposure period. The CVPM used was collected onto stainless steel plates by a Tisch impactor. Assessment by the comet assay reveal genetic damage to CVPM exposed cells with equal potency to DEP exposed cells. Flow cytometry (p < 0.05) showed CVPM exposed cells had a significant increase in the number of actively-dividing cells compared to control cells. Whole-genome microarray identified affected genes related to inflammatory pathways, as well as activated Akt-dependent pathways. Subsequent qRT-PCR showed that CVPM exposure significantly increased expression of inflammatory markers, including IL-6, CD40LG, PLAG27, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 (p < 0.05). Immunoblotting confirmed activation of Akt by phosphorylation of Thr308 in both CVPM and DEP exposed cells. This data supports the hypothesis that CVPM may induce pro-carcinogenic pathways with potency similar to DEP.

Littlefield, Connor; Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University, NDFS)

The transcription factor Nkx6.1 is essential for beta cell growth and function. Given that Nkx6.1 is expressed in beta cells undergoing high level expansion, our lab demonstrated that Nkx6.1 overexpression in primary rat islets was sufficient to induce beta cell proliferation and enhance glucose stimulated insulin secretion. However, while these phenotypes are evident in islets from young animals, islets from aged animals fail to induce proliferation or increased insulin secretion. One reason for why Nkx6.1 fails to drive proliferation or increase insulin secretion is due to lost binding partners that allow it to control gene transcription. We hypothesize that loss of Nkx6.1 binding partners curtails its ability to induce gene transcription that leads to proliferation and enhanced glucose stimulated insulin secretion. To test this hypothesis we have used Nkx6.1 BioID to define by mass spectrometry the proteins that interact with Nkx6.1 Here we define three novel interactors, Mef2D, Sirt7, PDX1. This finding will provide us with a greater understanding of Nkx6.1 function in the beta cell, provide us with new gene targets essential for Nkx6.1 function, and allow us to begin to apply these findings to aged beta cells.

Wood, Branzen; Oberg, Taylor; Culumber, Michele; Oberg, Craig (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oberg, Taylor (Utah State University, Nutrition and Food Science); Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology); Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology)

The unique flavorings and textures of Cheddar cheese are produced by the degradation of the major milk proteins. One of those proteins, casein, is degraded by the enzyme chymosin and a series of peptidases produced by the starter Lactococcus added to the milk. As casein is degraded, several small peptides accumulate. One of these peptides, ß-casein, can have an adverse bitter taste that is non-desirable and considered a defect in Cheddar cheese. The two main starter cultures used industrially in Cheddar cheese making are Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and L. lactis subsp. cremoris. L. lactis subsp. cremoris has been used traditionally in Cheddar cheese making, however, L. lactis subsp. lactis ferments more quickly and is becoming more popular in the cheese industry. With the transition creameries have seen a sharp rise in bitterness during production. Our hypothesis was that while closely related, cremoris synthesizes some peptidases that help with ß-casein degradation that lactis does not. Peptidases found in cremoris include PrtP I and II, Pep X, Pep C, Pep A, Pep T, Pep Q, Pep N, Pep V among others. We searched the genomes of both strains using RAST bioinformatic software, and the databases NCBI and UniProt. The peptidases common in cremoris were also found in lactis. We are now trying to determine if the location of the peptidases on the genomes change how they are regulated or produced. Further, we will begin looking into the genome for other, novel, enzymes that might have peptidase activity that influence bitterness.

Jones, Abigail; Hevel, Joan (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Hevel, Joan (College of Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department)

PRMT1 is one of nine known mammalian Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) whose function are to transfer methyl groups from S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to arginine residues of specific proteins. PRMT1 is known to methylate many different proteins in cells, but the mechanism of target recognition and binding is still unknown. Correct regulation of PRMT1 is critical to proper cellular function; thus, the action of PRMT1 is important to understand. In this study, we seek to elucidate how PRMT1 recognizes and binds its targets by identifying protein substrates of PRMT1 that form a stable complex with the enzyme. Such a protein would allow for additional studies (e.g. crystallographic or cryo-EM studies) to help visualize PRMT1-substrate interactions. Two substrates of PRMT1, TWIST1 and Smad6, have been purified, and the binding affinity of each to PRMT1 has been qualitatively assessed via pull-down assay and Western blot. Ligation-independent-cloning has been used to clone each substrate gene out of a GST-tagged vector and into a His-tagged vector, which will allow for further experiments assessing the stoichiometry of PRMT1-substrate binding.

Hirschi, Blake; Pickett, Brad; Thompson, Jared; Telford, Mady; Berges, Bradford (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Berges, Brad (Life Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Biology)

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a commensal bacterium commonly found amongst livestock and near 30% of humans' nostrils. However, through acquisition of certain genes S. aureus may develop antibiotic resistance such as in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One hypothesized component lending to acquisition of genetic resistance in S. aureus is the synthesis of colony biofilms. Biofilms are comprised of a variety of substances including secreted polysaccharides, protein and even extracellular DNA. Our work postulates that extracellular DNA-based biofilms will transfer genes for antibiotic resistance at a higher rate than in polysaccharide/protein biofilms. Through employment of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we aim to characterize a wide sample of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) human associated strains and MRSA livestock associated strains for multiple antibiotic resistances. Co-inoculating pairs of human associated and livestock associated strains, each lacking the other's resistance genes, will provide an environment wherein biofilm-mediated gene transfer may occur. Further pairing based on biofilm composition (DNA or polysaccharide/protein) will yield data concerning which biofilm facilitates gene transfer more efficiently. Subsequent genotyping will confirm whether resulting isolates acquired new antibiotic resistance through biofilm-mediated transfer, thus increasing pathogenicity.

Tuttle, Jared; Payne, Andrew; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

A subpopulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons express connexin-36 (Cx36) gap junctions (GJs). Activation of GJ-mediated electrical coupling between VTA GABA neurons supports brain stimulation reward and alcohol reward is lowered in Cx36 KO mice due to a hyper-dopamine (DA) state. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the role of a subpopulation of Cx36+ VTA GABA neurons in alcohol reward and dependence. To accomplish this study, we customized a Gq-coupled Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) viral vector to only express in Cx36+ neurons (AAV8.hCx36.hM3D(Gq)-mCherry.WPRE.rBG) in the VTA. The hM3Dq viral vector was infused into male CD-1 GAD GFP mice and male Wistar rats. The animals were then given 10-14 days to recover prior to experimentation. A control virus (AAV9.CB7.CI.mCherry.WPRE.rBG) was used for comparison. We implemented standard cell-attached mode electrophysiology to evaluate the effects of clozapine-n-oxide (CNO; the ligand for DREADDs) on VTA GABA and DA neuronal activity. We found a robust enhancement of VTA GABA neuron firing rate in hM3Dq+ neurons with 20 _M CNO ex vivo. Surprisingly, while investigating CNO effects on VTA DA neuron firing rate, we found that CNO activation of hM3Dq+ VTA GABA neurons increased DA neuron activity, suggesting that Cx36+ VTA GABA neurons indirectly modulate local VTA DA neurons. Intraperitoneal CNO (3 mg/kg) also enhanced the firing rate of VTA GABA neurons in vivo. Administration of CNO reduced ethanol consumption (drink-in-the-dark paradigm) in both ethanol naïve and ethanol dependent hM3Dq-injected mice as compared to controls, suggesting that activation of Cx36+ neurons in the VTA is enough to block ethanol consumption in both naïve and dependent animals. Taken together, these findings support previous studies indicating that enhanced electrical coupling between VTA GABA neurons is rewarding and promotes reward and lowers the hedonic value of ethanol.

Aitken, Talon; Jensen, Daelin; Baxter, Melanie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffrey (Brigham Young University, NDFS)

Diabetes Mellitus, a condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or effectiveness, affects over 8.5% of the adult US population. Both type one and type two diabetes have the common characteristic of a decrease of functional beta-cell mass from the islets of Langerhans, located within the pancreas. The upregulation of genes known to induce beta-cell growth and proliferation results in an increase of functional beta-cell mass in young cells but not in their aged counterparts. This age-related occurrence - under nonpathologic conditions — is poorly understood. For this study, the morphological differences between young islets and aged islets are studied to provide insight as to the reason behind this refractory behavior. Immunostaining methods show significant contrast been percentages of insulin-positive beta-cell area in the pancreata of young vs. old-aged rats.

Miller, Jacob; Cheung, Aaron; Novilla, Kirsten; Crandall, Aliceann (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Crandall, Aliceann (Life Sciences, Public Health)

Existing literature demonstrates a strong relationship between childhood experiences and adult health outcomes. The Differential Susceptibility to Environment Theory suggests that there are several factors, including personality and physiology, that effect a child's sensitivity to adverse and advantageous experiences. A sample of 246 adults (ages 19-57) were asked questions about extroverted personality characteristics, adverse and advantageous childhood experiences, and several measures of adult health, including executive functioning, perceived stress levels, depression, and past smoking habits. The sample was then stratified based on level of extroversion scores with the top quartile being labeled as "extroverts", the bottom quartile as "introverts", and those in between as "ambiverts". Regression analyses were then used to assess the relationship between childhood experiences and each adult health outcome. The results of the study showed that the extroverted individuals experienced more positive health outcomes after more advantageous childhood experiences, as well as decreases in adult health outcomes after more adverse childhood experiences. These results suggest that extroverts more than introverts are more sensitivity to environmental influences in childhood. More research is needed to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that increase environmental sensitivity among extroverts.

Burgoyne, Jake; Leavitt, Steve (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Leavitt, Steve (Life Sciences, Biology)

In show caves, artificially lighting is intended to highlight intricate cave formations for visitors. However, as an unintended consequence, artificial lighting promotes the growth of diverse biofilm communities termed Lampenflora that gain their energy from these novel light sources. Lampenflora, which generally consist of algae and cyanobacteria, discolor formations and introduce novel ecological interactions in simple cave ecosystems. Lampenflora communities have been understudied mainly due to technological limitations and difficult accessibility. However, by characterizing these communities, we can better monitor their impact and develop effective strategies for their removal. Using metagenomic high-throughput sequencing, this research provides the first molecular-based perspective into lampenflora diversity in cave systems in the Great Basin. The data collected, generated, and analyzed is vital in understanding Lampenflora biodiversity and how these communities develop. Furthermore, it offers ecologists a novel perspective on the use molecular detection to understand biodiversity within cave systems.

Marshman, Evan; Peterson, Samara; Call, Gerald; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Life Science, Plant and Wildlife Science)

In recent years the association between the human gut microbiome and the brain has become a promising field of study. Often referred to as the "gut-brain axis", this connection has greatly enriched our scientific understanding of many disorders that affect the brain and nervous system. A recent study showed the differing richness of bacteria in the microbiota of Parkinson's patients and healthy control subjects. Because recent research shows this connection, we predicted that we would detect variation in the microbiota of D. melanogaster (fruit flies) models of Parkinson's disease, relative to wild type flies. To test this hypothesis, I analyzed 16s rRNA sequence data, reporting the microbiota composition in flies that are a model of Parkinson's Disease, as well as wild type flies. I found one strain of the genus Acetobacter that was differentially abundant between the two fly types. Therefore, for my CURA I will extend my analysis by performing similar analyses by taking a larger set of Parkinson's fly models. Once they are sequenced, I will use QIIME, the same software I used in my preliminary analyses to further our understanding of the taxonomic differences between the gut bacteria of Parkinson's models and wild type flies.

Kaneshiro, Alma; Jordan, Adam; Crompton, Rhees; Brailsford, Samantha; Spencer, Jonathan (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Clark, Daniel (Science, Microbiology Department and Neuroscience Center); Chaston, John (Life Sciences, Plant & Wildlife Sciences)

Antibiotic resistance is of great concern in the medical community, with bacterial resistance increasing proportional to their use. Staphylococcus aureus, such as methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), can cause fatal infections. Problems due to this resistance are compounded when the infecting bacteria form a biofilm, thick sticky layers of bacterial secretions, which are difficult for antibiotics to penetrate. Biofilm formation is common in hospital settings on stents, catheters, and IV lines. Biofilms make antibiotic treatment risky due to incomplete killing—the most resistant survive exposure. There is evidence that bacteriophage can break up biofilms, possibly making them more susceptible to antibiotics. We induced a S. aureus biofilm formation using chemicals that mimic a skin wound. Using bacteriophage K, we inoculated the biofilm and observed clearance. Samples of cell pellets and liquid supernatant were collected, and DNA was extracted. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the levels of bacteriophage K replication, representing clearance of the bacteria. This research can be used to find efficient ways to treat an infection caused by a S. aureus biofilm. Bacteriophage used in combination with antibiotics may be able to better clear a biofilm infection and reduce antibiotic resistance risk due to more complete infection clearance.

Townsend, Jessica; Freitas, Claudia; Weber, Scott; Cardon, Dallin (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Weber, Scott (Brigham Young University / Life Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Biology)

The World Health Organization reported in 2016 that oral diseases affected half of the world's population. Oral diseases are due to poor oral hygiene and tobacco use which can develop into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by an immune response to microbial challenge, which initiates an invasion of lymphocytes and other single-nucleated cells to the site of inflammation in the mouth that can cause tooth loss and is a risk factor for heart and lung disease. Patients with severe periodontitis have increased auto-reactive B lymphocytes that express the CD5 co-receptor and these cells are influenced by T cells. We propose to investigate the relationship between oral inflammation, CD5, and the T helper immune response. This will be done by comparing oral inflammation in mice with and without CD5. CD5 is a T cell co-receptor that regulates T cell development and function and we hypothesize CD5 plays an important role in periodontal disease. We will test this hypothesis by co-culturing T cells expressing or lacking CD5 with oral mucosal or gingival epithelial cells that have been exposed to LPS (lipopolysaccharide, a major component of gram-negative bacteria's wall) and will exam differences in cell number, T cell subtype, and cell function.

Spruance, Lori; Augustine, Madi (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Spruance, Lori (Life Sciences, Public Health)

Youth sport programs are an opportunity to increase physical activity, but the food environment may be detrimental to improving and maintaining health. From a previous study, parents indicated that they would like guidance and direction in a top-down approach from coaches and administrators; yet, understanding the administrator experience relative to the youth sports food environment remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to understand that experience. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will take place with administrators across the state of Utah. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis will be conducted to identify salient themes. A peer-reviewed publication and multiple presentations will result from the study conducted.

Haynie, Christopher; Freitas, Claudia M. Tellez; Whitley, Kiara V.; Weber, K. Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Weber, K. Scott (Life Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Biology)

T cells play a critical role in the adaptive immune response and undergo significant metabolic changes upon activation. T cell co-receptors influence T cell activation and function, yet their influence on T cell metabolism remains unclear. CD5, an inhibitory co-receptor expressed on the surface of T cells, is known to regulate thymocyte selection and T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. We previously observed that CD5 plays a critical role in calcium signaling in naïve helper T cells. As calcium signaling influences metabolic changes in cells, our current work focuses on understanding the role of CD5 in T cell metabolism. To understand how CD5 regulates metabolism in T cells, we used CD5 deficient T cells and compared them to wildtype CD5 sufficient T cells. We have characterized their metabolic activity using glycolytic and mitochondrial respiration assays. Interestingly, CD5 deficient naïve T cells have increased glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and spare respiratory capacity in comparison to wildtype T cells. We hypothesize that this is due to CD5 altering mitochondrial membrane potential and mass, gene regulation, and the influence of different cellular fuels. Understanding how CD5 regulates T cell metabolism will provide critical insights for improved immunotherapeutic strategies.

Edwards, Jeffrey; Friend, Lindsey; Weed, Jared; Sandova, Philipl; Nufer, Teresa; Ostlund, Isaac Ostlund (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Edwards, Jeffrey (Life Sciences, Physiology and Developmental Biology)

Substance abuse is a widespread problem in the United States. Although there are some existing treatments for addiction, the neural mechanisms of addiction are not deeply understood. This study quantifies the expression of GAD65 and GAD67 in GABAergic cells in the VTA of adolescent mice to shed light on the subtypes of cells involved in learning and addiction pathways.

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, a critical part of the dopamine reward system, has many dopamine cells that are inhibited by nearby GABAergic neurons. Formation of memories and addiction involve long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of these inhibitory GABA cells. We studied potential pathways of learning and addiction by measuring levels of expression of GAD 65/67 proteins and quantifying the cells that express one or both of these proteins.

Our results will provide insight about which GABAergic neurons are involved in the addiction pathway, furthering our understanding of the cellular mechanism of addiction. This will pave the way for more educated, effective treatment of drug addicts in clinical settings.

Pehkonen, Eliza (Salt Lake Community College)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)

Precipitation-associated behaviors have been observed in several species of primate including bonobos (e.g., building leafy shelters), chimpanzees (e.g., drinking, rain dancing displays), and mantled howler monkeys (e.g., licking rain from the air, altering typical behavior based on weather and season). The purpose of this study is to determine if mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) exhibit precipitation-associated vocalizations. A. palliata is well known for its vocalizations, which are the loudest sound made by any terrestrial mammal and are used for a wide variety of communicative purposes, such as attracting mates, defending territory, and deterring predation. Given the purpose with which A. palliata vocalizes and the existence of precipitation-associated behaviors within primate species, including A. palliata, it was hypothesized that A. palliata would vocalize in association with climatic events (precipitation and thunder). To test this hypothesis, 41.75 hours of data were collected on A. palliata over a two-week time period during the rainy season at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. All-occurrence sampling was used to record the timing and duration of all A. palliata vocalizations, precipitation, and thunder events. Events were considered accompanied if they occurred within five minutes of one another. Of the 59 observed vocalization events 53% were associated with climatic events. Of the 20 observed precipitation events 90% were accompanied by vocalizations and of the 37 observed thunder events 57% were accompanied by vocalization. Associated vocalizations occurred before, during and after climatic events, however, during or after were most common. The data indicate an association between A. palliata vocalization and precipitation, confirming the hypothesis. Further research is warranted to investigate a possible purpose of precipitation-associated vocalizations, an understanding of which could provide further insight into A. palliata's behavioral interaction with climatic events.

Smith, June; Mishra, Niharika (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology); Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Non-dairy food options have become a growing cultural necessity, however, providing fermented or probiotic supplemented non-dairy alternatives is difficult. Little is known about the activity and survival of probiotic cultures in dairy alternatives. We evaluated the activities of several probiotics at various concentrations and in different combinations in oat, almond, and coconut beverages. Probiotic culture strains of Streptococcus thermophilus (YFLO1), Lactobacillus rhamnose (LGG), L. casei (Casei 431), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB12), and commercial probiotic mixtures, YFLO2, and Fresh Q, were inoculated in MRS broth, transferred to MRS agar plates, and incubated anaerobically for 24 hours at 37_. BB12 was grown anaerobically in MRS + cystine broth and agar. Isolated colonies were assayed on API 50 CH panels, and a carbohydrate use panel was developed for each organism. Oat, almond, and coconut beverages were inoculated in duplicate with the isolated strains and incubated in a water bath at 40_. The pH was recorded at regular intervals for up to 41 hours. The oat beverage had the most rapid and significant pH change, when incubated with either YFLO1, casei431, and LGG, dropping between 1.5 to 3 pH units over 3 hours depending on the culture. The almond and coconut beverages did not show rapid pH change with the organisms tested. Due to the quick decrease in pH change, further tests on the oat beverage. It was inoculated with Lactobacillus casei 431, LGG, and YFLO1. Organisms were tested at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% concentrations in oat beverage in triplicate. These inoculations were again incubated at 40°C and pH monitored after 5 hours, then plated on MRS agar plates after 24 hours. Final ranged between 1.0 x 109 - 1.8 x 109 for the 1% inoculum. It appears that these organisms survive, and may even grow in the oat beverage. This research demonstrates that probiotic cultures can grow in non-dairy beverages and can ferment the available carbohydrates and decrease pH. These results provide insights that can be used for beverages, yogurt, ice cream, and other fermented food production.