Life Sciences Commons^™

Primates From Senèze, Eric Delson

Publications and Research

Senèze has yielded two primate fossils, neither from the recent field work. A partial ulna can be identified as cf. Macaca sylvanus. A nearly complete female skull is the holotype of Dolichopithecus arvernensis Depéret, 1928, now included in Paradolichopithecus. Emended and differential diagnoses are provided for this genus and species for the first time, and the Senèze skull is described and briefly compared to those of other species of the genus. Dental and cranial measurements are provided, along with comparative data. The macaque and Paradolichopithecus are moderately to highly terrestrial, respectively, and they suggest a woodland to more open …

Host P53 Expression During C. Parvum Infection…Does The Virus Play A Role?, Jasdeep Kaur Dhanoa

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

C. parvum infection induces significant host cellular stress responses, particularly through the modulation of p53 expression underscoring its potential involvement in gastrointestinal malignancies. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions. This study investigated the effects of C. parvum infection on host p53 dynamics in HCT-8 cells and assessed the impact of antiviral agents Lamivudine and Amantadine on the virus CSpV1 present within the parasite C. parvum. Further, the study focuses on whether the p53 effect changes with the presence or absence of CSpV1. The p53 assay results showed a constant increase in p53 activity after infection of …

Basking In Abundance: Distribution And Abundance Of Alabama Map Turtles (Graptemys Pulchra) In The Upper Coosa River, Abigail Wilkins

Theses

The Alabama Map Turtle (Graptemys pulchra) is one of the least studied species of turtle in the United States. Little is known about the species distribution and abundance within the northeastern portion of its range. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of G. pulchra in the Upper Coosa River drainage as well as estimate population sizes for G. pulchra at 6 sites accessible in the Upper Coosa River Drainage. I used a variety of methods (e.g., rapid assessment surveys, trapping, mark-resight population estimates) to determine the presence and abundance of the species in the Upper …

Combination Of Hdac And Fyn Inhibitors In Synovial Sarcoma, Kyra Parker

Theses

The SS18-SSX fusion protein is an oncogenic driver in synovial sarcoma. At the molecular level, SS18-SSX functions as both an activator and a repressor to coordinate transcription of different genes responsible for tumorigenesis. Here, we identify the proto-oncogene FYN as a new SS18-SSX target gene and examine its relation to synovial sarcoma therapy. FYN is a tyrosine kinase that promotes cancer growth, metastasis and therapeutic resistance, but SS18-SSX appears to negatively regulate FYN expression in synovial sarcoma cells. Using both genetic and histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi)-based pharmacologic approaches, we show that suppression of SS18-SSX leads to FYN reactivation. In support …

Growth Of Planted Acropora Cervicornis Fragments Of Different Genotypes At Two Coral Nurseries Near Playa Huerta In Portobelo National Park In Portobelo, Colón, Panamá, Olivia Mollo

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Acropora cervicornis is a threatened reef-building Caribbean coral that once dominated Caribbean coral reefs, providing three-dimensionality and unique habitats to reef organisms. A. cervicornis populations have declined drastically throughout the Caribbean, largely due to white band disease and the die-off of Diadema antillarum. To mitigate declining populations and due to its quick growth, A. cervicornis is commonly targeted in coral reef restoration efforts, and is a common species grown in coral nurseries. This study aims to quantify and compare the growth of A. cervicornis fragments of different genotypes on two coral nurseries near Playa Huerta in Portobelo National Park in …

Composition, Diversity, And Abundance Of Algal Grazers At Five Reef Sites Around Isla El Porvenir, Guna Yala, Eleftheria Ellie Fithian

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Coral reefs along the Caribbean coast of Panamá have experienced a phase shift from coral dominance to macroalgae dominance in the past half century. The increase in algal coverage and ensuing coral degradation is thought to be associated with the 1983/1984 mass mortality event that decimated populations of the keystone herbivore Diadema antillarum. The algal phase shift has been exacerbated by the overfishing of herbivorous Caribbean reef fish. Since the 1983 die-off event, there has been some indication that small herbivorous fish and short-spined urchin species, which can evade fishing pressure, are now the most significant algal grazers in reef …

Marine Animalia Diversity And Coral Reef Condition At Big Creek Beach And Boca Del Drago, Bocas Del Toro, Panamá: A Decade Of Change, Lucy Cornett

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

As the oceans’ largest biological structure, coral reefs provide vital ecosystem services, including coastline production, food production, tourism, and preservation of biodiversity. The calm waters provided by the Bocas del Toro archipelago protection from the Caribbeans Sea promotes many coral reefs because of the calmer waters caused by protection from the Caribbean Sea. While many reefs are present, increases in tourism and other anthropogenic threats make monitoring the health of these coral reefs and the diversity of marine organisms of the utmost importance. This study examines the percent substrate cover and the diversity and density marine organisms of two coral …

Sheep Production, Profitability And Greenhouse Gas Emission Of Mixed Farming Systems In Western Australia's Wheatbelt, Tafesse Estifanos, Amir Abadi Abadi Ghadim, Kate Pritchett, Christophe D'Abbadie, Johnny Machon, Paul Mattingley, Bradley Plunkett, Gus Manatsa, Kerrine Blenkinsop, Ross Kingwell, Clinton K. Revell Dr

Animal production and livestock research reports

The south-western agricultural area of Western Australia is a vital contributor to Australia's agricultural output. It generates over $10 billion annually in agricultural production from 2017–18 to 2021–22 and more than $8 billion in export value over the same period. Mixed farming systems characterise the region, producing broadacre crops (primarily wheat, barley, and canola) and livestock. The region's livestock industry is dominated by sheep production for meat and wool, and the state’s share of the national sheep flock in 2020–21 was at 18%.

This report provides a comprehensive review and industry analysis of sheep production in WA, its economic significance, …

Life Line Spring 2025, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this issue:

Greetings and Farewell!; COSI 2024; Ketchup, Culture, and an Unforgettable Conference; Alumna Earns PhD; Tortoises, Butterflies, and Cockroaches, Oh My!; Licking River Roundup 2024; Aquarium Students Explore Coral Restoration in Fiji; The Galapagos Islands: Geology, Ecology, Conservation, and Culture; Dr. Svitana Presents on Otterbein Lake Well Field; Cell Bio Pilots Unique Approach to Learning; Hoggarth to Retire, June 2025; AED is BACK on Campus!; The Greenhouse Gets a Lifeline; Acoustic Rabies Identification (ARID): A Sound-Based Approach to Rabies Testing

Resurrecting The Past: Engineering Ancestral Enzymes For Modern Bacterial Applications, Gregory M. Gladkowski Iii, Masa Watanabe

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction (ASR) is a computational technique that infers and resurrects ancient protein sequences to explore molecular evolution and enable protein engineering. By integrating phylogenetics and statistical modeling, ASR produces stable, mutation-tolerant enzymes ideal for directed evolution. This poster presents a workflow for reconstructing enzymes from pathogenic bacteria and highlights ASR’s value in uncovering novel functions and advancing applications in drug discovery and synthetic biology.

Increasing Diversity In The Genetic Counseling Profession: Determining Effective Career Education Strategies For Underrepresented Youth, Bryel Marie Frasch

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic counseling is a professional career path that is lacking in diversity, and diversity in healthcare has been shown to improve health outcomes. Studies suggest student engagement as a way to increase diversity, as early knowledge of genetic counseling increases the likelihood of considering it as a career and is especially true for racial or ethnic minoritized students. This study focused on educating high school students underrepresented in genetic counseling about the career and exploring the effectiveness of two different types of education methods (video vs in-person) to give valuable information for future outreach efforts. Upward Bound and Federal TRIO …

Proteomic-Based Strategies To Determine Aberrant Signaling In Cancer, Natasha Chipman Mariano

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics have emerged as powerful tools to elucidate the intricate molecular underpinnings that drive cancer development by quantifying changes in protein and post-translational modification abundances. Throughout my thesis work, I have advanced these techniques to map cancer signaling networks on a global scale. Among breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative (TNBC) remains the most challenging to treat, with poorer clinical outcomes attributed to tumor heterogeneity and yet unidentified, oncogenic driver proteins for therapeutic targeting. To identify potential targeted treatment strategies, we employed mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to analyze 55 formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded TNBC tumor specimens. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of relative …

A Bioinformatic Analysis Of Foxo3 And Tgfb3 Variants: Possible Pathways To Survivin Expression, Elaine Vanterpool, Jordon Vanterpool

Student Posters

Worldwide, cancer is a major medical concern. Cancer may spread to your bones or organs through the lymphatic or circulatory systems. To have the best chance of recovery, it is crucial to get examined for cancer early. Numerous forms of cancer exist including breast, bone, brain, prostate, colon cancer, and etc. Survivin is a small inhibitor for apoptosis. Scientist consistently identify survivin being expressed in high tumor grade cancers by using molecular profiling analysis. Survivin has the potential to avail diagnosis. The goal of this study is to identify and investigate potential variants that are associated with the increased expression …

Hydin Gene Variants: Implications In Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia And Other Diseases, Elaine Vanterpool, Sharie Angus

Student Posters

The HYDIN gene, also known as CILD5, HYDIN1, HYDIN2, and PPP1R31, encodes a protein that plays a role in cilia motility. Mutations in HYDIN are associated with autosomal recessive primary ciliary dyskinesia-5 (PCD5), a disorder characterized by cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the brain’s ventricles. A duplicate copy of this gene has also been identified on chromosome 1 in humans. Research indicates that HYDIN loss of-function mutations contribute to asthenoteratozoospermia, leading to structural defects in sperm flagella, disassembly of the acrosome and neck, and subsequent male infertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been proposed as a potential treatment for sperm immobility …

Analysis Of Abca3 Variants Associated With Hypertension, Elaine Vanterpool, Ashlee Simpson

Student Posters

Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Many individuals do not know they have the condition. However, it is a major risk factor for a multitude of health problems. The heart and arteries having to work harder than normal thickens the muscles of the heart and arteries and hardens and damages artery walls. Flow of blood and oxygen is also reduced which directly results in heart disease. This study focuses on how the ABCA3 gene is associated with hypertension. The membrane-associated protein encoded …

Mutations In The Mmp20 Gene In Association With Amelogenesis Imperfecta, Elaine Vanterpool, Alicia Myrie

Student Posters

Amelogenesis Imperfecta or AI is a group of disorders that affect enamel formation and result in enamel abnormalities. One of the genes associated with these disorders is the MMP20 gene, which has instructions encoding for the protein enamelysin. Enamelysin, a predominant amelogenin-processing enzyme coded by MMP20 forms enamel by cleaving other proteins involved in its formation, making them easier to remove once they are no longer needed. These include: Amelogenin, Ameloblastin, and enamelin. Amelogenin makes up most of the enamel's extracellular matrix. Amelobastin deals with adhesion and cell signaling, along with aiding in structure. Enamelin is the largest protein in …

Chek2 In Cancer Suppression: Investigating Genetic Variants And Their Impact, Elaine Vanterpool, Nicevarlyn Philippe

Student Posters

Cancer develops when cells grow uncontrollably, often due to mutations in genes that maintain genome stability. One such gene is CHEK2 (Checkpoint Kinase 2), a tumor suppressor activated in response to DNA damage. CHEK2 halts the cell cycle to allow for DNA repair, stabilizes TP53, and phosphorylates BRCA1 , all of which help prevent the spread of mutations. CHEK2 belongs to the CDS1 family of serine/threonine kinases and contains an FHA domain that facilitates interaction with other DNA damage response proteins. Upon activation, CHEK2 inhibits CDC25C phosphatase, preventing premature mitosis, and contributes to G1 arrest through p53 stabilization. Itsrole in …

Eed Gene Variants And Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Genetic Approach To Understanding Ibs, Elaine Vanterpool, Ted Howard

Student Posters

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disease associated with the gastrointestinal tract that can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and alterations in the digestive tract. Its etiology remains complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies suggest that genetic variations may contribute to the pathogenesis of IBS. One such gene, the EED (Embryonic Ectoderm Development) gene, has been implicated in regulating various biological processes, including gene expression, cellular development, and gastrointestinal functions. In this research, we explore the potential relationship between the EED gene and IBS, with a focus on the variation rs798256, documented in the ClinVar database. We examine how …

An Analysis Of Pon1 Variants Associated With Cardiovascular Disease (Cvd), Elaine Vanterpool, Adaiah Murray

Student Posters

The PON1 gene encodes for paraoxonase 1, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the breakdown of organophosphates and the prevention of oxidative damage to lipids, particularly those in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). PON1 is primarily associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called "good cholesterol," and is involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): The relationship between PON1 and cardiovascular disease has been a subject of considerable research. Variations in the PON1 gene and its product, paraoxonase 1, are important in modulating the risk of cardiovascular disease. The gene’s polymorphisms and their impact on enzyme activity may influence individual …

The Analysis Of Thra Variants In Hypothyroidism, Elaine Vanterpool, Anaiah Mills

Student Posters

Hypothyroidism is a chronic disease that lacks the production of thyroid hormones. If this disease is not treated with the proper care, it can lead to some serious health effects, or even become fatal. In hypothyroidism levels of thyroid hormones are low. The thyroid gland is a very pivotal part of the endocrine system located at the front of The protein encoded by this gene is the nuclear hormone receptor triiodothyronine. The consequences of untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism include infertility, cardiovascular disease, and neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms. Environmental iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid disorders, including …

The Analysis Of The Comt Gene Contribution To Schizophrenia, Elaine Vanterpool, Caelyn Mukorombindo

Student Posters

The COMT gene, also known as the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene, plays a role in breaking down the neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine. Dopamine plays a role in behavior and mood; as a result, the COMT gene can influence traits like mental illnesses and disorders. COMT has a variation called Val158Met, where a change in the DNA sequence affects the efficiency of dopamine breakdown. Those who have the variant have lower COMT activity, which results in dopamine levels being high in the brain, which affects their ability to deal with stress and to show signs of aggressive behavior. This gene has …

Bioinformatic Analysis Of Epcam Variants Associated With Colorectal Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Taylor Hall

Student Posters

Colorectal cancer is the uncontrolled cell growth on the first and largest part of the intestine, the colon. Colorectal cancer, known as the “silent disease”, is easily undetected, especially in its early stages. It can be asymptomatic for years, and without the proper diagnosis, it can become fatal. Once symptoms start to appear, a patient can have rectal bleeding, fatigue, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, and more. Comprehending the pathogenesis of Colorectal cancer and enquiring about preventative measures against this disease requires awareness of the variants that play a part in this cancer. To start this study, we first …

An Analysis Of Lamb3 Variants Associated With Amelogenesis Imperfecta, Elaine Vanterpool, Aaliyah Ruddock

Student Posters

The disease researched in this study was Amelogenesis Imperfecta. Those infected may experience mild to extreme the enamel formation which results in tooth brittleness and discoloration (brown and yellow). Being an X-linked recessive inherited disease, it is more detrimental to males than that of females. Individuals with this disease are also more susceptible to dental caries caused by bacteria such as streptococcal mutans. Overtime, this bacteria can demineralize the teeth by metabolizing sugars that can produce acids. These acids can cause severe unrepairable damage to the tooth. This disease can also result in psychological issues including mental health disorders due …

Analysis Of Rest Gene Variants Associated With Gingival Fibromatosis, Elaine Vanterpool, Daniellw Mills

Student Posters

Gingival fibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects cell proliferation of the gum tissue leading to excessive, benign growth of tissue in the mouth (1) . Like all genetic disorders this disease results from mutations in specific gene sequences responsible for proper protein expression (2). Geneticists are increasingly interested in studying the genes responsible for various diseases and the mutations that cause them (2). While significant study has been devoted to Gingival fibromatosis and the mutations that lead to it , there remains research to be done in alternate effects of various mutations in the genes responsible for the disease. …

Genetic Insights Into Glaucoma: The Impact Of Tkb1 Mutations On Glaucoma, Elaine Vanterpool, Kelli-An Kindell

Student Posters

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative eye disorder that can cause vision loss or permanent blindness due to damage in the optic nerve. Research has helped identify various genetic variants associated with this disease, including TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1). TBK1encodes for an enzyme serine/threonine which plays a role in innate immunity antiviral responses. This enzyme helps the immune system fight off infections by turning on specific signals in the body like IRF3/7 and NF-kB which regulate cytokine production and inflammatory response. Beyond immunity TBK1 is involved in crucial cellular processes including autophagy, mitochondrial energy production and cellular proliferation. TBK1 was linked to …

An Analysis Of Dagla Variants Associated With Adhd, Elaine Vanterpool, Zahra Dulan

Student Posters

The human genome is largely responsible for each individual’s unique physical and physiological development. It contains thousands of genes with multiple alleles that code for proteins with various functions. Mutations in these genes have the potential to lead to the development of human diseases and disorders. Therefore, properly analyzing mutated genes is essential to understanding their potential pathogenicity in various diseases and disorders. It may also provide a basis for the development of new therapies. The DAGLA gene encodes a protein called diacylglycerol lipase alpha. This enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol, a key player in the endocannabinoid …

Analysis Of Tert Gene Associated With Melanoma, Elaine Vanterpool, Laila Prentice

Student Posters

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, begin to proliferate uncontrollably. It can develop from a preexisting mole or previously unblemished skin. Melanoma is considered one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, known for its rapid proliferation and resistance to treatment. This malignancy poses a significant health risk to the elderly, who may be more susceptible due to cumulative sun exposure and age-related immune system decline. There are several subtypes of melanoma, including superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and acral melanoma. Its development is strongly …

An Analysis Of Abca3 Variants Associated With Hypertension, Elaine Vanterpool, Lisa-Faith Dieujuste

Student Posters

blood pressure in the body is too high. A medical condition that is well known to be one of the major causes of premature deaths worldwide. Affecting an estimation of 1.28 billion adults . ABCA3 is a protein that is involved in the development of hypertension. ABCA3 is part of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family. It is a multi-membrane spanning protein meaning it has to do with the transporting, signaling and structure of cells. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of pulmonary surfactant homeostasis, but its main objective is to provide instruction to make protein that is involved …

An Analysis Of Capn-10 Variants Associated With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Azaria Carey

Student Posters

Calpain 10 (CAPN-10): A calcium independent protein in the calpain family involved in cell structure, signaling, and metabolism. oKey Functions: Regulates sugar metabolism, energy production, and insulin release, making it crucial for metabolic health. oType 2 Diabetes: CAPN-10 was the first gene linked to T2DM in the early 2000s. oGestational Diabetes: CAPN-10 variations contribute to insulin release and pancreas function, increasing risks for both mother and child. oPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): CAPN-10 changes may exacerbate PCOS-related issues like insulin resistance, weight gain, and heart disease. o Purpose: to further clarify the role of CAPN-10 mutations in PCOS and their broader …

Analysis Of Alzheimer's Associated Adam10 Mutations, Elaine Vanterpool, Addie Mciver

Student Posters

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by a loss of short-term memory and deterioration of the brain through a decrease in neuron connection and damage to the cerebral cortex. The main symptoms of AD are confusion and a loss of memory, reasoning, and social behavior, partially believed to be caused by neuritic plaque accumulation. This debilitating disease is associated with 28 genes and 515 variants. One of the rarer genes, ADAM10, is a cell surface protein/ protease that is part of the alpha secretase family, commonly associated with AD. These genes, present in all mammals, code for others in the ADAM …