Life Sciences Commons^™

The Gut Microbiome As A Biomarker And Therapeutic Target In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Betul Gok Yavuz, Saumil Datar, Shadi Chamseddine, Yehia I Mohamed, Michael Lapelusa, Zishuo Ian Hu, Hop S Tran Cao, Prasun Kumar Jalal, Carrie Daniel-Macdougall, Manal Hassan, Dan G Duda, Hesham M Amin, Ahmed O Kaseb

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The microbiome is pivotal in maintaining health and influencing disease by modulating essential inflammatory and immune responses. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ranking as the third most common cause of cancer-related fatalities globally, is influenced by the gut microbiome through bidirectional interactions between the gut and liver, as evidenced in both mouse models and human studies. Consequently, biomarkers based on gut microbiota represent promising non-invasive tools for the early detection of HCC. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the composition of the gut microbiota may play a role in the efficacy of immunotherapy in different types of cancer; thus, …

Different Stages Of Urbanization Lead To Cropland Loss: Geospatial Data Analysis In A Global Rural-Urban Continuum Perspective, Xiyu Li, Le Yu

I-GUIDE Forum

Rapid urbanization has resulted in widespread loss of cropland, but the spatial-temporal patterns and key stages of this transformation have not been clearly understood. In this study, we mapped cropland loss caused by urban expansion in rural-urban continuum since 2000 based on multiple global land maps. Results show a total 3.35 × 10⁶ ha cropland loss resulting from urban expansion and about 70 % of this land use change occurred in Asia. However, there is a trend of reducing cropland loss area caused by urbanization over the years. In a detailed view of urbanization stages, most cropland losses occurred …

Molecular Event In Hrp Apoptosis, Laura Valdez

Research Colloquium

Background: Human retinal pericytes (HRP) are contractile cells providing support for endothelial cells of capillaries, essential in the regulation of retinal vasculature. Early stages of DR are characterized by the loss of HRP, leading to angiogenesis. Our preliminary studies identified monocyte-derived macrophages secrete TGF-β1, inducing the expression and secretion of a TGFβ1-Induced, pro-apoptotic BIGH3 protein leading to apoptosis of HRP. Based on a preliminary study in renal cells (unpublished data), CTP with an RGD domain is released from BIGH3 by proteolysis leading to renal cell apoptosis. In the present study, we employed Western Blots to determine if a similar molecular …

Irbp In Diabetic Retinopathy – Cell Culture & Ophthalmic Pathology Studies, Laura Valdez

Research Colloquium

Background: Interphotoreceptor-Retinoid-Binding-Protein (IRBP) is restricted to the subretinal space by the external limiting membrane and RPE zonulae occludens. Its expression is reduced in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and increased expression is protective. Hypoxia decreases viable conelike photoreceptors (661W) but increased VEGF, suggesting a role of photoreceptors in proliferative DR (PDR) (Rodriguez et al, Arch Clin Exp. Ophthal 3:23,2021). Here, we investigated the effects of high glucose and VEGF on IRBP expression by 661W and rod-like Y79 cells and distribution of IRBP and albumin in human globes with PDR and NPDR.

Methods:  661W and Y79 cells were cultured in DMEM or RPMI …

Unveiling Novel Avenues In Mtor-Targeted Therapeutics: Advancements In Glioblastoma Treatment, Shilpi Singh, Debashis Barik, Karl Lawrie, Iteeshree Mohapatra, Sujata Prasad, Afsar R. Naqvi, Amar Singh, Gatikrushna Singh

Biology Student Work

The mTOR signaling pathway plays a pivotal and intricate role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma, driving tumorigenesis and proliferation. Mutations or deletions in the PTEN gene constitutively activate the mTOR pathway by expressing growth factors EGF and PDGF, which activate their respective receptor pathways (e.g., EGFR and PDGFR). The convergence of signaling pathways, such as the PI3K-AKT pathway, intensifies the effect of mTOR activity. The inhibition of mTOR has the potential to disrupt diverse oncogenic processes and improve patient outcomes. However, the complexity of the mTOR signaling, off-target effects, cytotoxicity, suboptimal pharmacokinetics, and drug resistance of the mTOR inhibitors pose …

Characterizing The Effects Of Benzyl-Amino Alcohol On Cell Growth, Viability, And Migration, Ryan Miller, Jeff Hansen, Sarah Mordan-Mccombs

Annual Student Research Poster Session

The research we are performing investigates a new compound classified as benzyl-amino alcohol and begins a new endeavor into the effects of this class of compound. This compound would work well in chemotherapies because affecting healthy cells can lead to a patient’s health decline.

Effects Of Large Mammal Exclusion On Seedling Communities Depend On Plant Species Traits And Landscape Protection In Human-Modified Costa Rican Forests, Nohemi Huanca-Nuñez, University Of Connecticut, University Of The Sunshine Coast, Sabrina E. Russo

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

1. Large terrestrial herbivorous mammals (LTH-mammals) influence plant community structure by affecting seedling establishment in mature tropical forests. Many of these LTH-mammals frequent secondary forests, but their effects on seedling establishment in them are understudied, hindering our understanding of how LTH-mammals influence forest regeneration in human-modified landscapes.
2. We tested the hypothesis that the strength of LTH-mammals' effects on seedling establishment depends on landscape protection, forest successional stage and plant species' traits using a manipulative field experiment in six 1-ha sites with varying successional age and landscape protection. In each site, we established 40 seedling plot-pairs, with one plot excluding LTH-mammals and …

International Society Of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Effects Of Essential Amino Acid Supplementation On Exercise And Performance, Arny A. Ferrnado, Robert R. Wolfe, Katie R. Hirsch, David D. Church, Shiloah A. Kviatkovsky, Michael D. Roberts, Jeffrey R. Stout, Drew E. Gonzalez, Ryan J. Sowinski, Richard B. Kreider, Chad Kerksick, Nicholas A. Burd, Stefan M. Pasiakos, Michael J. Ormsbee, Shawn M. Arent, Paul J. Arciero, Bill I. Campbell, Trisha A. Van Dusseldorp, Ralf Jager, Darryn S. Willoughby, Douglas S. Kalman, Jose Antonio

Faculty Scholarship

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) presents this position based on a critical examination of literature surrounding the effects of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation on skeletal muscle maintenance and performance. This position stand is intended to provide a scientific foundation to athletes, dietitians, trainers, and other practitioners as to the benefits of supplemental EAA in both healthy and resistant (aging/clinical) populations. EAAs are crucial components of protein intake in humans, as the body cannot synthesize them. The daily recommended intake (DRI) for protein was established to prevent deficiencies due to inadequate EAA consumption. The following conclusions …

Avoidance Behavior Ecotoxicity Testing Of Oppia Nitens In Conventional Microplastic And Bioplastic Spiked Soils., Catarina Zabot Pasini, Kaija Carr, Nina Shaffer, Philips Akinwole

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Environment and Climate Change Canada recently completed a standardized protocol of ecotoxicity testing for Oppia nitens, a soil oribatid mite that performs crucial functions to support ecosystem services. Consequently, O. nitens is now recommended among the class of soil invertebrates for ecotoxicity testing, however, its applicability is limited by the paucity of data on its avoidance behavior to contaminants in soils. In this study, we examined the avoidance behavior of O. nitens to three different conventional microplastics (polyvinyl chloride/PVC, polyethylene/PE, polystyrene/PS) and two bioplastics (poly vinyl alcohol/PVA and sodium polyacrylate/NaPa) at five different concentrations following standardized guidelines. PVC and PE …

Stressed, But Doing Fine. An Investigation Of Apocynum Cannabinum Patches And Individuals, Lauren Kyburz, Lily Monnett, Quincie Simmons, Dana Dudle

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Apocynum cannabinum (hemp dogbane) is a native Indiana plant that is abundant in the DePauw University Nature Park’s quarry, a heterogeneous site that contains stretches of dry, rocky terrain in addition to many temporary ponds. In 2023, I mapped the distribution of A. cannabinum in the quarry to see if its habitats are associated with elevation and/or the presence of temporary ponds. I also conducted a study of diurnal pollinator visitation, and an examination of damage caused by the dogbane saucrobotys moth (Saucrobotys futilalis).

Modeling Light For Platanus Occidentalis (American Sycamore) Trees In The Depauw Quarry, Grace Lucchesi, Beth Wilkerson, Quincie Simmons, Dana Dudle

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Platanus Occidentalis, characterized by shedding bark and ball-shaped seed pods, is native to much of the mid-southeastern US, and is commonly used as an ornamental tree. Individuals growing in the quarry of DePauw’s Nature Park are often small, discolored, or even dying. We used devices to measure the UV and Photosynthetically Active Radiation present at the locations of 70 random trees. We then used known sun path equations and GIS to start to develop a way to estimate the maximum amount of time a plant experiences full sun in different locations in the quarry relative to the quarry walls.

Pyrrolidine Derivative Targets Actin Cytoskeleton In Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells, An Pham, Jeff Hansen, Sarah Mordan-Mccombs

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Recent research has brought pyrrolidine derivatives into consideration for the development of anticancer drugs with high efficacy and low toxicity. Dr. Hansen’s lab at DePauw has synthesized a pyrrolidine derivative that demonstrated anticancer activity. However, there are many ways a compound can affect cancer cells. In this research, we decided to investigate the mechanism of action of this new compound, specifically on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Based on the results, we believe that there is a great likelihood that the pyrrolidine derivative can induce apoptosis (cell death) and disrupt cell movement in MCF-7 cells. In other words, these are …

Life On The Quarry Wall Vs The Quarry Floor: Parthenocissus Quinquefolia, Lily Monnett, Quincie Simmons, Lauren Kyburz

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Virginia creeper, is found in two parts of the DePauw Nature Park quarry: vertically along the quarry wall and on large rock piles on the quarry floor. I looked into how these different habitats influenced the growth form, stress responses, and fitness of the P. quinquefolia growing in them. P. quinquefolia on the wall has higher chlorophyll a content and higher water content. There was also a higher percentage of flowering individuals on the quarry wall than on the floor. Lastly, the two habitats had vastly different morphological growth forms, with those on the wall having very long …

Xrk3f2 Inhibits P62 Signaling And Augments Myeloma Killing By Proteasome Inhibitors, Ellen Trautman, Colin Crean, David Halladay, Attaya Suvannasankha

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Background:

Despite advancements in therapy, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable blood cancer. Our mission is to maximize the efficacy of a primary treatment for myeloma, proteasome inhibitors (PIs) which cause intracellular waste buildup, leading to ER stress and cell death. p62(sequestosome-1) provides an alternate pathway when the proteasome is inhibited, by breaking down cytotoxic material via autophagy. Upregulation of p62 is associated with PI resistance. We identified a small molecule, XRK3F2, that binds to the ZZ domain of p62 and inhibits its autophagic function. We hypothesized that XRK3F2 would improve MM killing when combined with PIs.

Methods Used:

We …

Effects Of Large Mammal Exclusion On Seedling Communities Depend On Plant Species Traits And Landscape Protection In Human-Modified Costa Rican Forests, Nohemi Huanca-Nuñez, Robin L. Chazdon, Sabrina E. Russo

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

1. Large terrestrial herbivorous mammals (LTH-mammals) influence plant community structure by affecting seedling establishment in mature tropical forests. Many of these LTH-mammals frequent secondary forests, but their effects on seedling establishment in them are understudied, hindering our understanding of how LTH-mammals influence forest regeneration in human-modified landscapes.

2. We tested the hypothesis that the strength of LTH-mammals' effects on seedling establishment depends on landscape protection, forest successional stage and plant species' traits using a manipulative field experiment in six 1-ha sites with varying successional age and landscape protection. In each site, we established 40 seedling plot-pairs, with one plot excluding LTH-mammals and …

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Phylogenomics Reveals The History Of Host Use In Mosquitoes, John Soghigian, Charles Sither, Silvia Andrade Justi, Gen Morinaga, Brian K. Cassel, Christopher J. Vitek, Todd Livdahl, Siyang Xia, Andrea Gloria-Soria, Jeffrey R. Powell

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Mosquitoes have profoundly affected human history and continue to threaten human health through the transmission of a diverse array of pathogens. The phylogeny of mosquitoes has remained poorly characterized due to difficulty in taxonomic sampling and limited availability of genomic data beyond the most important vector species. Here, we used phylogenomic analysis of 709 single copy ortholog groups from 256 mosquito species to produce a strongly supported phylogeny that resolves the position of the major disease vector species and the major mosquito lineages. Our analyses support an origin of mosquitoes in the early Triassic (217 MYA [highest posterior density region: …

Multiphoton In Vivo Microscopy Of Embryonic Thrombopoiesis Reveals The Generation Of Platelets Through Budding, Huan Liu, Hellen Ishikawa-Ankerhold, Julia Winterhalter, Michael Lorenz, Mykhailo Vladymyrov, Christian Schulz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Platelets are generated by specialized cells called megakaryocytes (MKs). However, MK's origin and platelet release mode have remained incompletely understood. Here, we established direct visualization of embryonic thrombopoiesis in vivo by combining multiphoton intravital microscopy (MP-IVM) with a fluorescence switch reporter mouse model under control of the platelet factor 4 promoter (Pf4CreRosa26mTmG). Using this microscopy tool, we discovered that fetal liver MKs provide higher thrombopoietic activity than yolk sac MKs. Mechanistically, fetal platelets were released from MKs either by membrane buds or the formation of proplatelets, with the former constituting the key process. In E14.5 c-Myb-deficient …

High-Fat Diet, But Not Duration Of Lactation, Increases Mammary Gland Lymphatic Vessel Function And Subsequent Growth Of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells, Wintana Balema, Janelle Morton, Richard A Larson, Li Li, Fred Christian Velasquez, Savitri Krishnamurthy, Eva Sevick-Muraca, Wendy A Woodward

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) presents as rapid-onset swelling and breast skin changes caused by tumor emboli in the breast and breast skin lymphatics. IBC has been linked with obesity and duration of breastfeeding, but how these factors affect IBC tumor progression is not clear. We modeled the simultaneous effects of diet and weaning in mice on in vivo lymphatic function; on IBC tumor growth; and on aspects of the mammary gland microenvironment before and after IBC (SUM149) xenograft inoculation. We hypothesized that weaning status and diet would have synergistic effects on lymphatic function and the breast microenvironment to enhance IBC …

I-Guide Climbers: A Model For Multidisciplinary Academic Labs For Early Career Development, Iman Haqiqi, Wei Hu, Ramya Kumaran, Pin-Ching Li, Nicholas Manning, Alex Michels, Ayman Nassar, Jinwoo Park, Jimeng Shi, Adam Tonks, Zhaonan Wang

I-GUIDE Forum

In this paper, we propose a new form of multidisciplinary academic collaboration that goes beyond the traditional modes of knowledge exchange. We argue that most research collaboration today is based on interactions between closely related disciplines, in which researchers share data, methods, and insights within a common framework or problem. However, such collaboration may not foster the development of the communication and management skills essential to a multi-disciplinary research career. Therefore, we suggest establishing a network of researchers from divergent, yet complementary, disciplines who are interested in improving these skills through regular interactions and feedback. The main goal of this …

Gaxin2-Xo3 Surface Pyramids Interaction With Formaldehyde: Thermodynamic And Sensing Analysis, Mudar Ahmed Abdulsattar

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

GaxIn2-xO3 surface pyramids' electronic structures are investigated using density functional theory, including dispersion corrections. Application of GaxIn2-xO3 surface pyramids as a gas sensor for formaldehyde is also performed and compared with experimental findings. These findings show that the energy gap of these pyramids follows closely with the bulk values. The energy gap increases between the two limits, In2O3 and Ga2O3. Applying GaxIn2-xO3 surface pyramids as a gas sensor uses transition state theory formalism. Thermodynamic quantities such as activation Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy are needed for temperature-dependent calculations. A comparison of sensor response which is proportional to reaction rate as …

Sex Differences In Stress Reactivity, Brain Morphology, And Oxytocin In The Hypothalamus Of The Gray Short-Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis Domestica), Esperanza I. Zacarias, Daniela Rodriguez, Alexandra Chalons, Sasawan Heingraj, Nicole Altamirano, Joseph Rafac, John L. Vandeberg, Mario Gil

Research Colloquium

Understanding the effects of stress on behavior and cognition is important due to its impact on mental health and wellbeing (Schneiderman et al. 2005). Translational animal research can contribute to the development of new treatments that can improve therapeutic outcomes and our understanding of the neurobiology of stress. In the present study, we complement behavioral stress reactivity with immunohistochemical localization of oxytocin in the hypothalamus, a neuropeptide that regulates stress (Neumann & Slattery, 2016). Oxytocin has potential therapeutic use for mental health disorders (Neumann & Slattery, 2016), and the effects of oxytocin seem to be sexually dimorphic (Love, 2018). Using …

Igf-1 Reduce Protein O-Glcnacylation Via Ampk Activation In H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cultured In High Glucose Media, Andres Medina, Lizbeth Trevino, Alejandra Salinas, Yadira Chaires, Erick Rodriguez, Genaro Antonio Ramirez-Correa

Research Colloquium

Background: Diabetes is a disease characterized by the increase in the serum glucose concentration. Therefore, this glucose excess shunts into the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway producing UDP-GlcNAc, which can be transfer to serine residues and modify the activity of different proteins, including contractile proteins in cardiomyocytes, decreasing their function. Here we show the effect of IGF-1 treatment on this posttranslational modification.

Methods: H9c2 cell line were cultured in DMEM media, 10% FBS, at 80% of confluence. Cells were incubated in high-glucose (30 mM) in the presence or absence of 10 µmol/L of IGF-1 (HG and HG+IGF-1). As control groups, we used …

Évaluation De L’Impact De La Coexposition Sur Les Biomarqueurs D’Exposition Aux Pesticides Pyréthrinoïdes Chez Les Travailleurs Agricoles, Michèle Bouchard, Marc Bossou, Jonathan Côté

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Il existe peu de données publiées sur l'impact de la coexposition sur la toxicocinétique des pesticides chez les travailleurs agricoles, nécessaires pour une interprétation adéquate des données de biosurveillance de l’exposition. La présente recherche a visé à évaluer l’impact de la coexposition sur les niveaux de biomarqueurs d’exposition aux pesticides pyréthrinoïdes chez les travailleurs agricoles. Le pyréthrinoïde lambda-cyhalothrine (LCT) et le fongicide captane ont été utilisés comme pesticides sentinelles, puisqu’ils sont largement employés en culture agricole.

Dans le volet 1, les profils temporels individuels des biomarqueurs d'exposition à la lambda-cyhalothrine ont été comparés chez des opérateurs après un épisode …

Seed Coatings Containing Capsaicin Reduce Seed Removal In Temperate Woody Species, Brian M. Connolly, Francesca Lanni, John L. Orrock, Peter W. Guiden

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Coating seeds in taste-averting chemical defenses (e.g., capsaicin from Capsicum spp.) can reduce rodent seed predation, and thus might promote plant establishment and forest regeneration. However, the efficacy of such seed coatings remains unknown for many woody plant species, and seed coatings have not been evaluated across different habitats where forest managers might seek to promote forest regeneration. We used two complementary seed-removal experiments in closed-canopy forests (Michigan) and an old field undergoing reforestation (New York) to examine whether coating seeds of four native tree species (Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, Pinus banksiana, and Pinus resinosa) with chili …

D-Shaped Nematode Eggs In The Feces Of Rangifer Tarandus: A Story In Pictures, Olga A. Loginova

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

D-shaped nematode eggs in the feces of Rangifer tarandus are expected to be oxyurid nematodes (Nemata: Oxyurida) of the genus Skrjabinema. The species S. tarandi is considered species-specific for this host. There is no consensus regarding the cross-infection of reindeer and sheep with S. ovis and S. tarandi. The drawings proposed by descriptors complicate differential diagnostics. Micrographs of S. tarandi eggs obtained via light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy as well as photographs of S. ovis eggs and drawings made on their basis are proposed to confidently distinguish between representatives of these two species, taking into account morphometric data. Thus, …

Kluyveromyces Marxianus Prepared As A Ready To Use Supplemental Food (Rusf), Zachary Christman

Applied Science Program: Theses

Ready to Use Supplemental Food (RUSF) is a nutrient dense paste or compressed bar used to supplement a person’s nutritional needs because of malnutrition or due to food shortages. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate some methods of how the dairy organism Kluyveromyces marxianus can be used to enrich the protein value of bread or ferment a substrate such as wheat bran into a more digestible form.

Pls3 Missense Variants Affecting The Actin-Binding Domains Cause X-Linked Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia And Body-Wall Defects, Florence Petit, Mauro Longoni, Julie Wells, Richard S Maser, Eric L Bogenschutz, Hannah T M Contreras, Barbara R Pober, Robin D Clark, Philip F Giampietro, Hilger H Ropers, Hao Hu, Maria Loscertales, Richard Wagner, Xingbin Ai, Harrison Brand, Anne-Sophie Jourdain, Marie-Ange Delrue, Brigitte Gilbert-Dussardier, Louise Devisme, Boris Keren, David J Mcculley, Lu Qiao, Rebecca Hernan, Julia Wynn, Tiana M Scott, Daniel G Calame, Zeynep Coban-Akdemir, Patricia Hernandez, Andres Hernandez-Garcia, Hagith Yonath, James R Lupski, Yufeng Shen, Wendy K Chung, Daryl A Scott, Carol J Bult, Patricia K Donahoe, Frances A High

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively common and genetically heterogeneous structural birth defect associated with high mortality and morbidity. We describe eight unrelated families with an X-linked condition characterized by diaphragm defects, variable anterior body-wall anomalies, and/or facial dysmorphism. Using linkage analysis and exome or genome sequencing, we found that missense variants in plastin 3 (PLS3), a gene encoding an actin bundling protein, co-segregate with disease in all families. Loss-of-function variants in PLS3 have been previously associated with X-linked osteoporosis (MIM: 300910), so we used in silico protein modeling and a mouse model to address these seemingly disparate clinical …

Müllerian-Type Clear Cell Carcinoma Of Donor Origin In A Male Patient With A Kidney Transplant: Ascertained By Molecular Testing, J Bryan Iorgulescu, Leah K Shaw, Asif Rashid, Priya Rao, Sreedhar Mandayam, Kathleen M Schmeler, Pavlos Msaouel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Clear cell carcinomas of Müllerian origin have a strong female predominance and only extremely rarely will arise within the kidney, presumably due to ectopic Müllerian embryogenesis. Herein, we report a unique case of metastatic Müllerian type clear cell carcinoma in a 37-year-old patient who had previously received a transplanted kidney from his father at age 11 (due to severe bilateral vesicoureteral reflux) and remained on chronic immunosuppression. The tumor was highly aggressive and demonstrated somatic mutations in NF2 and SETD2. Imaging of the transplanted kidney did not reveal any clear evidence of malignancy. However, targeted multigene sequencing and short tandem …

Rare Variants In Long Non-Coding Rnas Are Associated With Blood Lipid Levels In The Topmed Whole-Genome Sequencing Study, Yuxuan Wang, Margaret Sunitha Selvaraj, Xihao Li, Zilin Li, Jacob A Holdcraft, Joshua C Bis, Eric Boerwinkle, Donald W Bowden, Brian E Cade, Jenna C Carlson, April P Carson, Yii-Der Ida Chen, Joanne E Curran, Paul S De Vries, Susan K Dutcher, Patrick T Ellinor, James S Floyd, Myriam Fornage, Barry I Freedman, Stacey Gabriel, Soren Germer, Richard A Gibbs, Xiuqing Guo, Jiang He, Nancy Heard-Costa, Bertha Hildalgo, Lifang Hou, Marguerite R Irvin, Roby Joehanes, Robert C Kaplan, Sharon Lr Kardia, Tanika N Kelly, Ryan Kim, Charles Kooperberg, Brian G Kral, Daniel Levy, Changwei Li, Chunyu Liu, Don Lloyd-Jone, Ruth Jf Loos, Michael C Mahaney, Lisa W Martin, Rasika A Mathias, Ryan L Minster, Braxton D Mitchell, May E Montasser, Alanna C Morrison, Joanne M Murabito, Take Naseri, Jeffrey R O'Connell, Nicholette D Palmer, Michael H Preuss, Bruce M Psaty, Laura M Raffield, Dabeeru C Rao, Susan Redline, Alexander P Reiner, Stephen S Rich, Muagututi'a Sefuiva Ruepena, Wayne H-H Sheu, Jennifer A Smith, Albert Smith, Hemant K Tiwari, Michael Y Tsai, Karine A Viaud-Martinez, Zhe Wang, Lisa R Yanek, Wei Zhao, Nhlbi Trans-Omics For Precision Medicine (Topmed) Consortium, Jerome I Rotter, Xihong Lin, Pradeep Natarajan, Gina M Peloso

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to perform important regulatory functions in lipid metabolism. Large-scale whole-genome sequencing (WGS) studies and new statistical methods for variant set tests now provide an opportunity to assess more associations between rare variants in lncRNA genes and complex traits across the genome. In this study, we used high-coverage WGS from 66,329 participants of diverse ancestries with measurement of blood lipids and lipoproteins (LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, and TG) in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program to investigate the role of lncRNAs in lipid variability. We aggregated rare variants …

Sars-Cov-2: Tale Of A Microscopic Murderer, Josiah P. Garner

Quest

Independent Study

Research in progress for BIOL1406: Biology for Science Majors I

Faculty Mentor: Amina Tassa, Ph.D.

I am delighted to introduce Josiah Garner’s “SARS-CoV-2: Tale of a Microscopic Murderer.” This independent study assignment explores the impact of a novel, deadly, and worldwide virus. The assignment also examines the fast development of vaccines to control the spread and reduce the symptoms of the virus.

Josiah’s paper focuses on the early history of the emergence of COVID-19, the world response, and vaccine development. He demonstrates critical thinking skills and effectively utilizes various research methods to obtain and communicate his information. Josiah …