Life Sciences
Analyzing the estrus cycle in POMC-deficient mice
Author(s): Mariah McDonald, Kaden Smith
L-DOPA, naloxone, and DOI decrease nicotine preference in C. elegans
Author(s): Emily Mellon, Violet Czech, Kirsten Sumampong, Hailey Kim
Effects of palmitate and oleate on beta cell gene expression.
Author(s): Luke Jackson
Evolution of Tolerance: Adaptive Responses of Staphylococci to Alcohol-based Disinfectants
Author(s): Charles Jacob, Riley Weaver, Braden Francom
The Effect of the Microbiota on Drosophila melanogaster Activity at Low Temperatures
Author(s): Cooper Johnson
Generation and Characterization of a zebrafish 4H Leukodystrophy model
Authors: Avery Zentner. Mentors: Hung Yu Shih. Insitution: Utah Tech University. 4H Leukodystrophy (4H) is an early-onset rare genetic disease, which causes myelination loss in the nervous system without a current cure. 4H patients exhibit different phenotypic spectrums of hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Mutations in polr3a, polr3b, polr3k, and polr1c, which encode the RNA polymerase III subunits, could lead to 4H development. To date, there are no available animal models to bona fide the clinical symptoms of human patients, limiting the therapeutic development of 4H. Zebrafish, Danio rerio, might be an ideal model for 4H. Zebrafish have been widely used for human disease models and drug development. This project aims to establish and characterize the zebrafish 4H model by knocking out the polr3a with the CRISPR/Cas9 approach. The polr3a-Crispants significantly increased the mortality rate as compared to wild-type embryos. Behavior analysis showed the polr3a-Crispants reduced swimming ability upon light stimulation, which might reflect the clinical ataxia or vision problem. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis showed a significant reduction in myelin-associated genes. These results suggest the polr3a knockout could mimic the clinical symptoms. Future studies will characterize the detailed neurological defects and the underlying mechanisms of 4H development and progression. Moreover, we will utilize the 4H zebrafish model for therapeutic drug screening.
Mechanism of Histidine Ammonia Lyase (HAL)
Author(s): Romina Peralta, Isabel Amaro, Jessica Munro
PonixPros: A Novel Greywater Hydroponics System
Author(s): Myshela Todd, Ryan Jamison, Schuyler Baer
Decoding Spider Identities: An Venom RNA Analysis Using RNA-to-DNA Barcoding Pipeline
Author(s): Alexander Rich
Applying chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy as a potential cure for the B cell-mediated autoimmune disease, Graves’ Disease
Author(s): Kimball Demars, Abigail Cheever, Hunter Lindsay, Chloe Kang
Identifying neurons that express dArc1 in Drosophila melanogaster brain
Author(s): Kylie DeNiro
Investigating the effects of MS-222 on cardiovascular function in leopard frogs
Author(s): Tia Dudley, Ty Erickson
Characterizing Sequence Variation and Selection Pressure: Insights on Evolution of E. coli-infecting Bacteriophages
Author(s): Thomas Armond, Thomas Coleman
Horizontal Gene Transformation in MRSA Leading to Antibiotic Resistance
Author(s): Sydnee Barnes
The potential effects of meth on common gut bacteria using structurally similar drugs
Author(s): Emily Allan, Cori Bailie, Elyza Lester
Bloom Buster: Engineering Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to combat toxic algal blooms
Author(s): Erick Alvarez, Jonathan Kinross, Callie Ross, Pedro Rodriguez, Gerardo Acosta, Elise Bennett
The Role of Sirt7 in Beta Cell Function and Insulin Secretion
Authors: Trevor Kendrick, Jakob Lenker. Mentors: Jeff Tessem. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by an inability of beta cells to produce or secrete insulin due to decreasing beta cell mass, a condition induced by beta cell death or overuse. Current treatment consists of daily administration of insulin to diabetic individuals. We have shown that Sirtuin 7 (Sirt7), a deacetylase located in the nucleus, directly interacts with Nkx6.1, a transcription factor essential for beta cell function and proliferation. We have shown that one of the post translational modifications that impinges on Nkx6.1 activity is acetylation. Given Sirt7’s role as a deacetylase, and published reports demonstrating its impact on glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), we hypothesized that the interaction between Nkx6.1 and Sirt7 maybe needed for the Nkx6.1 mediated enhancement of glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Here we present data regarding the interaction between Nkx6.1 and Sirt7 in terms of Nkx6.1 acetylation status, effect on GSIS, and the effect of cultured glucose concentration on this interaction. These findings may be leveraged to develop interventions to better treat patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Uncovering Genetic Resistance to DNA Viruses in Brassica Species
Author(s): Adam Hales, Laureana Lazarte
Comparative sequence analysis of essential bacterial membrane protein transporters
Author(s): Alex Everett
Enhancing Human Anatomy Education with Virtual Reality
Author(s): Caleb Hoffman, Remi Cummings
Measuring the Hydraulic Permeability of Bovine and Human Spinal Vertebral Bony Endplates
Author(s): Dallin Dodds, Ethan Ence
Validation of the Zebrafish Wolfram Syndrome 2 Model
Author(s): Ashton Gardner, Corbin Arnold
Plants, oral health, and microbes: Properties of North American chewing sticks
Authors: Kevin Kuehne, Jake Hess. Mentors: Michael C Rotter. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Oral hygiene has ancient origins, predating recorded history and spanning back to Neanderthal times. Chewing sticks, one of the earliest oral hygiene methods, have had significant cultural and social influences across various civilizations. These chewing sticks were selected for a variety of reasons particularly for their plant anatomical and chemical properties that would allow for cleaning between teeth and preventing build up of organic food matter. We hypothesized that plants that were commonly used as chew sticks will contain phytochemicals that have natural occurring antimicrobial activity. Additionally we predict that these plants will have a higher wood density and a greater periderm to cortex ratio. Here we are reviewing a variety of woody plants traditionally thought to be used as chewing sticks in North America. We will use literature records to review the phytochemicals produced by these as well as the anatomical composition of these plants. We expect that the phytochemicals will have strong anti-microbial impacts and the anatomical structures of the plants will be ideal for gentle cleaning of teeth.
Mapping the Relationship between Model Plants and the Labs That Research Them
Author(s): Ruby Olpin
Hyperglycemia Stimulates Local Lactate Production in the Hypothalamus
Author(s): Akhil Sundar
Hyperaccumulator Salicornia and the Current State of Mercury at Utah’s Great Salt Lake.
Author(s): Mattigan Wheelwright, Ethan Ence
The Impact of Dihydroergotamine (DHE) on Nr4a1 Expression and Activity in Pancreatic β-Cells
Author(s): Michael Avondet
Golden Genes: Harnessing Biolistics and RNA Sequencing to Cultivate Drought-Resilient Tomatoes
Author(s): Aubrilin Johnson
Comparing Quercetin Antiviral Delivery Vehicle Preparation for CMV-Infected Cells.
Author(s): Keira Lentz, Madelyn Friel
Chilling Insights: A Comparative Study of Cancer Tissue Preservation
Author(s): Paige Nelson, Rebecca Bascom,Jacob Harris, Jack Davis, Mackenzie Burr, Jeffrey Okojie
Species Comparison of Hemoparasites in Lizards in Southern Utah
Author(s): Karli Nielson, Evie Adams
Does Lactic Acid Bacteria Inhibit Biofilm Formation of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus?
Author(s): Caden Wheeler, Ethan Carter, Aidan Nielsen
Clinician Derived Phenotypic Risk Scores (PheRS): Improving diagnosis timelines for Multiple Sclerosis patients
Author(s): Hailey Whittier, Quinn Beames
Measuring the Efficacy of Various Test Anxiety Reducing Methods
Author(s): Amber Best, Makenzie Porter, Kenna Olaya, Rachel Chapman
Effects of cytosporone B on β-Cell proliferation and insulin secretion
Author(s): Brigham Blackwell
How Metabolic Differences in T Cells from CD5 Deficiency Impacts Anxiety
Author(s): Sophie Daines
Medically Relevant Bacterial Growth Capacities Influenced by a Variety of Sugar Substitute Solutions
Author(s): Jessica Oram, Tom Vo
Analysis of cortisol concentration in POMC-deficient mice
Author(s): Lisette Partipilo
Structural Studies of a Thermophilic Enzyme
Author(s): Trajan Nielson, Alexander Stewart
A Novel Natural Product PIM3 Inhibitor with Anti-Cancer Activity
Fazio, Nicholas; Russell, Michael; Krapohl, John; Andrus, Brayden; Hansen, Marc (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Hansen, Marc (Brigham Young University, Physiology and Developmental Biology)
PIM 3 is a proto-oncogene with serine/threonine kinase activity that can prevent apoptosis, promote cell survival and protein translation. Abnormal PIM3 activity contributes to tumorigenesis by phosphorylation of targets that release anti-apoptotic proteins. Pathological PIM3 expression is common in pancreatic and prostate cancer. Inhibiting this kinase activity can be used to therapeutically suppress uncontrolled cell growth in cancerous tissues. Synthetic inhibitors are being developed as therapeutics to treat PIM3 related disorders. Compounds derived from plants and natural sources have therapeutically-relevant biological activity. Additionally, they often well tolerated, making them important starting points for drug discovery efforts. A less widely used approach to discover the biological activity of molecules is built around using a large scale in-silico molecular screening, which has emerged as a critical drug discovery tool. Here, we screen a large (>100,000 compound) virtual library of natural product compounds for binding in the PIM3 ATP binding site, then validate compounds with using cell-based and immuno-based assays. This approach reveals PIM3 inhibition by a saponin scaffold, which suggests potential utility as a therapeutic or as a lead for further optimization.
Faculty Advisor: Hansen, Marc (Brigham Young University, Physiology and Developmental Biology)
PIM 3 is a proto-oncogene with serine/threonine kinase activity that can prevent apoptosis, promote cell survival and protein translation. Abnormal PIM3 activity contributes to tumorigenesis by phosphorylation of targets that release anti-apoptotic proteins. Pathological PIM3 expression is common in pancreatic and prostate cancer. Inhibiting this kinase activity can be used to therapeutically suppress uncontrolled cell growth in cancerous tissues. Synthetic inhibitors are being developed as therapeutics to treat PIM3 related disorders. Compounds derived from plants and natural sources have therapeutically-relevant biological activity. Additionally, they often well tolerated, making them important starting points for drug discovery efforts. A less widely used approach to discover the biological activity of molecules is built around using a large scale in-silico molecular screening, which has emerged as a critical drug discovery tool. Here, we screen a large (>100,000 compound) virtual library of natural product compounds for binding in the PIM3 ATP binding site, then validate compounds with using cell-based and immuno-based assays. This approach reveals PIM3 inhibition by a saponin scaffold, which suggests potential utility as a therapeutic or as a lead for further optimization.
A Study of the Changes in the Oral Microbiome of Horses by Age Group
Forbush, Micah; Gold, Roger (Southern Utah University)
Faculty Advisor: Gold, Roger (Southern Utah University, Biology)
The health of a horse's teeth and oral cavity is strongly correlated with the horse's overall health and well-being. As a horse ages the oral cavity undergoes many distinct physical changes, which may lead to changes in the composition of the oral microbiome as well. While there has been extensive research performed on the oral microbiomes of healthy horses compared to horses with various oral diseases, very little is known about normal changes to the horse oral microbiome as they age. The aim of this study was to use high-throughput sequencing to compare the oral microbiomes of horses in different age categories. Total genomic DNA was isolated from oral swabs taken from horses in the 7 day-old, 1-7 years old, 8-15 years old and 16+ years old age categories. The V3-V4- region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR and amplicons were submitted for paired-end sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq system. Sample reads were analyzed using the QIIME 2.0 microbiome bioinformatics platform and overall bacterial diversity was compared among age classes.
Faculty Advisor: Gold, Roger (Southern Utah University, Biology)
The health of a horse's teeth and oral cavity is strongly correlated with the horse's overall health and well-being. As a horse ages the oral cavity undergoes many distinct physical changes, which may lead to changes in the composition of the oral microbiome as well. While there has been extensive research performed on the oral microbiomes of healthy horses compared to horses with various oral diseases, very little is known about normal changes to the horse oral microbiome as they age. The aim of this study was to use high-throughput sequencing to compare the oral microbiomes of horses in different age categories. Total genomic DNA was isolated from oral swabs taken from horses in the 7 day-old, 1-7 years old, 8-15 years old and 16+ years old age categories. The V3-V4- region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR and amplicons were submitted for paired-end sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq system. Sample reads were analyzed using the QIIME 2.0 microbiome bioinformatics platform and overall bacterial diversity was compared among age classes.
Analysis of binding affinity and molecular cloning of two PRMT1 substrates
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.
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.
Antimicrobial Activity of Artemisia tridentata
Wasden, Kayla; Suisse, David; Kaundal, Amita (faculty mentor) (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kaundal, Amita (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Plants, Soils, and Climate Department)
Many plants secrete substances to create a more favorable environment, including chemicals that kill pathogenic microbes or competing plants. Artemisia tridentata, also known as "Big Sagebrush," is prevalent in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and is known to have antimicrobial capabilities. We will study the potential antimicrobial activity of Artemisia tridentata.
Studies report that chemicals released by the leaves and branches of A. tridentata affect bacteria native to deer rumen. Another study showed that 27 actinomycetes (anaerobic bacteria that form colonies) strains found in the rhizosphere of A. tridentata demonstrated antibacterial activities when tested on E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Native Americans traditionally used A. tridentata to relieve stomach pain, colds, coughs, sore eyes, snake bites and as an insect repellent. Researchers found several compounds, including flavonoids, that can affect antimicrobial activity. Articles regarding antimicrobial activities in A. tridentata were published between 1967 and 2004. With the chronological gaps and considering the progress that biological and molecular technology has made in recent years, knowledge of the chemicals released by A. tridentata lies largely untapped. In this study, we will investigate the antimicrobial activities of the leaves, stem, roots, and flowers of A. tridentata initially by the agar well diffusion method and followed by validating with the agar disk diffusion method. We will check the antimicrobial activity of the extract from different plant parts of A. tridentata on common bacteria such as E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and some Pseudomonas spp. of plant pathogens.
The knowledge obtained from this research will further help in the identification and characterization of the secondary metabolites or chemicals involved in antimicrobial activity of sagebrush. Medicinal plants provide a healthy, natural alternative to conventional medication, and may lead to new insights on antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. Besides, Artemisia tridentata is a plant native to Utah and Idaho. It grows everywhere in the surrounding area, making it inexpensive (free) to produce.
Faculty Advisor: Kaundal, Amita (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Plants, Soils, and Climate Department)
Many plants secrete substances to create a more favorable environment, including chemicals that kill pathogenic microbes or competing plants. Artemisia tridentata, also known as "Big Sagebrush," is prevalent in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and is known to have antimicrobial capabilities. We will study the potential antimicrobial activity of Artemisia tridentata.
Studies report that chemicals released by the leaves and branches of A. tridentata affect bacteria native to deer rumen. Another study showed that 27 actinomycetes (anaerobic bacteria that form colonies) strains found in the rhizosphere of A. tridentata demonstrated antibacterial activities when tested on E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Native Americans traditionally used A. tridentata to relieve stomach pain, colds, coughs, sore eyes, snake bites and as an insect repellent. Researchers found several compounds, including flavonoids, that can affect antimicrobial activity. Articles regarding antimicrobial activities in A. tridentata were published between 1967 and 2004. With the chronological gaps and considering the progress that biological and molecular technology has made in recent years, knowledge of the chemicals released by A. tridentata lies largely untapped. In this study, we will investigate the antimicrobial activities of the leaves, stem, roots, and flowers of A. tridentata initially by the agar well diffusion method and followed by validating with the agar disk diffusion method. We will check the antimicrobial activity of the extract from different plant parts of A. tridentata on common bacteria such as E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and some Pseudomonas spp. of plant pathogens.
The knowledge obtained from this research will further help in the identification and characterization of the secondary metabolites or chemicals involved in antimicrobial activity of sagebrush. Medicinal plants provide a healthy, natural alternative to conventional medication, and may lead to new insights on antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. Besides, Artemisia tridentata is a plant native to Utah and Idaho. It grows everywhere in the surrounding area, making it inexpensive (free) to produce.