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Articles 31 - 60 of 632
Full-Text Articles in Biology
Analysis Of Microbiome In Various Human Medical Conditions Using Next-Generation Sequencing Of The 16s Rrna Gene, Pallavi Sharma
Analysis Of Microbiome In Various Human Medical Conditions Using Next-Generation Sequencing Of The 16s Rrna Gene, Pallavi Sharma
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Studies of human microbiomics, spanning diverse anatomical sites, offer a unique perspective into the complex microbial communities within the body. Influenced by age, gender, and disease, it mirrors broader microbial ecosystems. This study specifically delves into the ocular and gastrointestinal tract microbiome, comparing its composition in 43 healthy and diseased patients using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified a rich microbial landscape, identifying over 338 bacterial taxa. Notably, Acinetobacter, Cutibacterium, Acidovorax and Herbaspirillum were prevalent in the ocular samples and Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Anaerostipes were mostly prevalent in gut samples. Moreover, dry eye disease conditions were characterized by …
Unraveling The Role Of Hid-1: Insights Into Sgii Regulation, Breanna L. Sellers
Unraveling The Role Of Hid-1: Insights Into Sgii Regulation, Breanna L. Sellers
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The regulated secretory pathway is important for the secretion of hormones and neuropeptides from large dense core vesicles (LDCVs). Dysregulation of the biogenesis of LDCVs can result in metabolic and neurological diseases. Recent studies have suggested that the peripheral membrane protein HID-1 plays a role in the sorting and storage of granins which contribute to LDCV biogenesis. To further understand how HID-1 influences the regulation of granins, we investigated potential HID-1 interactors. We determined that while HID-1 is likely functioning in the same pathway as USP25, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), the cause of reduced cellular SgII levels is likely not …
Population Genetic Diversity In Two Biological Systems, Alyson Emery
Population Genetic Diversity In Two Biological Systems, Alyson Emery
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Population genetic analysis can be used to answer questions about population structure and composition in many biological systems. Recent improvements to sequencing technologies have made population genetic studies more accessible than ever before. Many of the same techniques can be applied to different biological systems, but some analyses may differ depending on how genetically divergent the populations in question are. Here, we describe two unique projects using next-generation genome sequencing, each looking at population structure at different levels of genetic divergence: the first involved determining interspecific population structure between two species of hybridizing field cricket using a novel sequencing method, …
Akt Disruption Leads To Non-Canonical Apical Constriction In Drosophila Embryos, Vincent Brown
Akt Disruption Leads To Non-Canonical Apical Constriction In Drosophila Embryos, Vincent Brown
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The Akt/mTOR pathway (Akt pathway) has largely been examined in terms of its role as the primary nutrient sensing pathway due to its ability to recognize nutrient availability within a cell, particularly amino acids and glucose. Among its nutrient sensing characteristics, this pathway also contributes to a large variety of other cell functions such as cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, and cell survival via anti-apoptotic signaling. Although many aspects of this pathway have been carefully studied, the extent to which it regulates embryonic development remains unclear. Here, I examine Akt function in the early Drosophila embryo and demonstrate that Akt …
Steroid Sulfatase In Rodent Tissues And A Cell Line: Characterization, Regulation And Inhibition, Barathi Balasubramonian
Steroid Sulfatase In Rodent Tissues And A Cell Line: Characterization, Regulation And Inhibition, Barathi Balasubramonian
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Inactive sulfated steroids are present in plasma at higher concentrations than unsulfated ones. Steroid sulfatase (STS) is the enzyme that removes the sulfate group from sulfated steroid hormones in local tissues, making them active. High levels of STS are linked to breast and prostate cancers, and low levels of STS cause behavioral disorders and X-linked ichthyosis. STS is present in most tissues, yet its physiological role is uncertain. We sought to characterize STS activity in several rodent model systems in order to learn more about its function. Three different sets of experiments were conducted. First, we examined STS in mouse …
Manipulation Of Cellular Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (Pcna) During Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection, Jessica Packard, Jill A. Dembowski
Manipulation Of Cellular Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (Pcna) During Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection, Jessica Packard, Jill A. Dembowski
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a double stranded DNA virus that replicates within the nucleus of host cells. Using accelerated native isolation of proteins on nascent DNA (aniPOND), cellular proteins were found to associate with HSV-1 replication forks. One host factor of interest is proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the DNA sliding clamp that tethers DNA polymerases and DNA damage response proteins to replicating cellular DNA. Although HSV-1 encodes its own DNA polymerase processivity factor (UL42), PCNA plays a key role in HSV-1 infection. We used commercially available PCNA inhibitors and short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) to investigate how …
Avian Communities Monitored Along A Successional Chronosequence In Bottomland Hardwood Forests In The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Eamonn Alasdair Thurmond
Avian Communities Monitored Along A Successional Chronosequence In Bottomland Hardwood Forests In The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Eamonn Alasdair Thurmond
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Bottomland hardwood forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley have been extensively reduced due to agriculture conversion and altered hydrology. Remnant forests have undergone further degradation from sources such as a lack of forest management, invasive species, and reduced regeneration of oaks (Quercus spp.). Recent restoration efforts of bottomland hardwood forests have focused on implementing wildlife forestry practices that prioritize restoring wildlife habitat while retaining profitable timber harvests. In this study I surveyed bird communities in bottomland hardwood forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley along a successional chronosequence. Birds were sampled using automated recording units over 10 days …
The Functional Role Of The Dynorphin-Kappa Opioid Receptor System In Cocaine-Dependent Male Rats, Jessica Lord
The Functional Role Of The Dynorphin-Kappa Opioid Receptor System In Cocaine-Dependent Male Rats, Jessica Lord
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Activation of the dynorphin-kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system produces a negative emotional state during drug withdrawal, thereby motivating continued cocaine-seeking behaviors. However, it is not clear whether dynorphin plays a functional role in the onset of compulsive cocaine-taking. Here, escalation of cocaine self-administration was significantly attenuated by pretreatment of a long-acting KOR antagonist, norbinaltorphimine (NBI), in long access (LgA; 6-hours) male rats, whereas there was no effect of NBI on short access (ShA; 1-hour) rats on a fixed or progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Additionally, optical density of prodynorphin was increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and shell, bed …
Effect Of Chemical Enhancers On Transdermal Delivery Of Amiloride For Management Of Resistant Hypertension, Oluwatosin Tabitha Leshaodo
Effect Of Chemical Enhancers On Transdermal Delivery Of Amiloride For Management Of Resistant Hypertension, Oluwatosin Tabitha Leshaodo
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Amiloride, a diuretic used for managing resistant hypertension, is hindered by low oral bioavailability and Gastrointestinal side effects, impacting patient compliance. This study investigates transdermal delivery as an alternative to reduce pill burden and improve adherence. Using dermatomed porcine ear skin, the research examined the passive transdermal delivery of amiloride and the effect of various chemical enhancers, including oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, individually or in combination. A validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method, adhering to Internal Council for Harmonized guidelines (ICH), was employed for quantitative analysis. In vitro permeation studies, conducted using porcine skin and …
Spectral Sensitivity Of Circadian Entrainment In Araneoid And Non-Araneoid Spiders, Craig Campbell
Spectral Sensitivity Of Circadian Entrainment In Araneoid And Non-Araneoid Spiders, Craig Campbell
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Artificial lighting at night is a growing worldwide phenomenon that can negatively impact flora and fauna in the surrounding area. With new technology, there is now opportunity for change: newer LEDs can emit specific wavelengths of light that may be less ecologically damaging. In this study, we aim to describe the circadian spectral sensitivity of two phylogenetically distant urban spider species with similar life histories, the Araneoid Parasteatoda tepidariorum and non-Araneoid Pholcus manueli, to determine differences between them. We exposed these spiders to progressively dimmer levels of white, blue, green, or red light. Despite evidence that spiders lack visual …
Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer’S Disease Mouse Brain Following Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Lujain Almuhanna
Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer’S Disease Mouse Brain Following Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Lujain Almuhanna
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common form of head injury, with mild TBIs (mTBIs) making up 75-90% of the TBI severity scale. It’s been suggested that repetitive mild TBIs (rmTBIs) may enhance effects of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). With dementia linking TBI and AD together, we investigated the memory hub of the brain - the hippocampus. Astrocytes and microglia are two glial cells that respond to neuroinflammation and therefore imaged in hippocampal regions of the 3xTg-AD mouse brain. We hypothesized that AD brain pathology (i.e., neuroinflammation) would be accelerated in 3xTg-AD mice following rmTBIs early in life. Analyses revealed that …
The Aquatic Microbial Environment Shapes The Gut Microbiota, Brain, And Behavior Of Larval Amphibians, Kyle Emerson
The Aquatic Microbial Environment Shapes The Gut Microbiota, Brain, And Behavior Of Larval Amphibians, Kyle Emerson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Microbial communities comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists live within and on the surfaces of animal hosts. These microbial communities exist in symbiosis with the host, and heavily influence host physiology, development, health, and fitness. Gut-dwelling microbes (i.e., gut microbiota) contribute to host neurodevelopment through a bidirectional Microbiota-Gut-Brain (MGB) axis. Evidence of the MGB axis has been primarily derived from studies that use germ-free (GF) models, which commonly display altered neurophysiology and behavior compared to conventionally raised counterparts. Almost all studies of the MGB axis have used mammalian models in a biomedical framework, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the role …
Omani Camels From A Cultural And Genomics Perspective, Al Muatasim Al Zadjali
Omani Camels From A Cultural And Genomics Perspective, Al Muatasim Al Zadjali
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The Dromedarian camel, Camelus dromedarius, is native to the Arabian Peninsula, including the Sultanate of Oman. These camels are used for food, milk, as well as show and racing competitions. Despite their economic and cultural importance research on camels in Oman is limited. The goal of this study was to examine their genomic variation, relationship with camels in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and to determine if selective breeding has led to the establishment of distinct breeds in Oman. Information was compiled from multiple sources to produce a comprehensive review on the breeding, management, economic and cultural use, …
Characterization Of A Novel Metalloid Reductase Outer Membrane Porin Rara From Sulfurospirillum Barnesii Ses-3, Narthana Jeganathar Kanmanii
Characterization Of A Novel Metalloid Reductase Outer Membrane Porin Rara From Sulfurospirillum Barnesii Ses-3, Narthana Jeganathar Kanmanii
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Sulfurospirillum barnesii SES-3 is a gram-negative epsilon proteobacterium that grows anaerobically by coupling the oxidation of lactate to the reduction of arsenate. Previous work on metal and metalloid metabolism in S. barnesii had identified a redox active protein, designated RarA that when provided an artificial electron donor (i.e., reduced methyl viologen, FMN, or NADH), could reduce a variety of substrates, including arsenate, selenate, selenite, nitrite, and even phosphate. The enzyme’s inferred amino acid sequence showed weak similarity (30%) to outer membrane porins with homologs found in only certain species of Sulfurospirillum. Further, the enzyme did not contain cysteine residues …
Comparative Functional And Computational Analyses Of Primate Seminal Proteins: Insights Into Sexual Selection And Hiv/Siv, Emine Feride Kahveci
Comparative Functional And Computational Analyses Of Primate Seminal Proteins: Insights Into Sexual Selection And Hiv/Siv, Emine Feride Kahveci
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Male reproductive protein-coding genes are among the most rapidly evolving genes across many animal taxa, commonly attributed to sexual selection; however, pathogen defense mechanisms might also be contributing factors. This study aimed to both computationally and experimentally investigate the selective pressures responsible for the rapid evolution of seminal proteins. In the first part, the research focused on sexual selection in the form of post-copulatory sperm competition as a driving force behind the evolution of kallikrein related peptidase 3 (KLK3), also known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a key prostatic seminal protein. KLK3 is responsible for the liquefaction of semen coagulum through …
The Influence Of Researcher Disturbance On Raccoon Predation Of American Alligator Nests, Clarissa Tuten
The Influence Of Researcher Disturbance On Raccoon Predation Of American Alligator Nests, Clarissa Tuten
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are a dominant predator of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests in the southeastern United States, using a combination of olfactory, visual, and tactile cues to identify nest locations. Studies on alligator nesting ecology typically require researchers to create paths through marsh habitat, potentially introducing visual and olfactory cues raccoons may use to locate nests. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of human visitation to alligator nests on the frequency of raccoon nest predation at two sites in coastal South Carolina, Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center (TYWC) and Santee Coastal Reserve (SCR). We hypothesized that …
Role Of Arabidopsis Ltp12 In Environmental Stress Response, Bikram Giri
Role Of Arabidopsis Ltp12 In Environmental Stress Response, Bikram Giri
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) constitute a pervasive class of small proteins implicated in many biological and physiological processes, including seed development, germination, cuticle formation, and abiotic stress responses. In this study, we explored the role of Arabidopsis LTP12 protein in mitigating environmental stresses. To address this, we analyzed the T-DNA knockout mutant ltp12, focusing on its responses to salinity and osmotic stress. Utilizing antioxidant enzyme assays, phenotypic analyses (including water loss, chlorophyll content, seed germination rates, root length, and relative water content), and lipid profile analysis via Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), we found that ltp12 mutants showed reduced catalase and …
Characterization Of The Role Of Tobacco Deacetylase Enzyme Sip-428 In Mediating Environmental Stress, Zahra Barati
Characterization Of The Role Of Tobacco Deacetylase Enzyme Sip-428 In Mediating Environmental Stress, Zahra Barati
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Abiotic stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity and food security. In this study, we focused on understanding the role of SIP-428, a SABP2-interacting protein, in mediating plant responses to environmental stresses. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing SIP-428 were subjected to salinity and drought stress. The overexpression of SIP-428 led to diminished growth under both stress conditions, indicating a negative impact on stress tolerance. Specifically, SIP-428 overexpression resulted in a reduction in catalase activity, while peroxidase activity remained unaffected. These findings suggest that SIP-428 plays a negative regulatory role on the catalase activity during abiotic stress, which may contribute to …
Development Of Innovative Flocculation Technologies For Agricultural Water Treatment, Noor Haleem
Development Of Innovative Flocculation Technologies For Agricultural Water Treatment, Noor Haleem
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The development of innovative flocculation technologies is essential for addressing the challenges of agricultural water treatment. These technologies play a crucial role in removing contaminants such as suspended solids and nutrients, thereby ensuring safer water for irrigation and livestock consumption. By enhancing water quality and wastewater management, they contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and public health in agricultural communities. This comprehensive thesis extensively explores various dimensions of flocculation, with a focused effort on methodologies and resources aimed at strengthening sustainability and efficiency. A pivotal aspect of the research involves synthesizing cationic starch (CS), a flocculant derived from an underutilized resource, …
Effects Of Isoacids Supplementation In Lactating Cows’ Diet Varying In Forage Fiber Level On Performances, Feed Efficiency, And Milk Fatty Acids Profile, Sumon Ahmed
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
Role Of Interferon Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 (Ifitm3) And Neural Precursor Cell Expressed Developmentally Down Regulated Protein 4 (Nedd4) In Seneca Virus A (Sva) Replication, Shamiq Aftab
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In this study, we studied the role of IFITM3 in SVA replication in vitro by silencing the endogenous IFITM3 in NCI-H1299 cells. An average of 1.94-fold increase in SVA VP2 expression and an average of 4.4-fold increase in supernatant virus titer was observed after 24h SVA isolate SD15-26 infection. We have indeed observed an increase in viral mRNA copies by an average of 5-fold in IFITM3 silenced NCI-H1299 cells at 8 hpi indicating that IFITM3 restricts SVA replication post virus attachment and entry. A positive correlation between interferon-alpha induced IFITM3 upregulation and reduced SVA replication was observed. To further confirm …
Isolation And Characterization Of Bacteriophages From Fish Tank Samples, Oluwaseyi Oluwagbeminiyi Oladele-Ajose
Isolation And Characterization Of Bacteriophages From Fish Tank Samples, Oluwaseyi Oluwagbeminiyi Oladele-Ajose
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Bacteriophages (phages) are viral obligate intracellular parasites that infect bacteria. Research has been carried out on alternative treatment plans for bacterial infections due to the increase in antibiotic resistance. Phages have been proposed as an alternative to antibiotics. This research focused on the isolation and characterization of bacteria from small aquariums. A total of 42 bacterial isolates were isolated from seven different fish tank water samples and were tested to determine if they possessed phages. Spot plaque assay revealed presence of lytic phage for only one of the isolated bacterial strains, which was determined to belong to Enterobacteriaceae family based …
Breaking Virulent: The Coincidental Evolution Of Virulence Factors In Bacteria., Rhiannon Emmanuelle Cecil
Breaking Virulent: The Coincidental Evolution Of Virulence Factors In Bacteria., Rhiannon Emmanuelle Cecil
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Understanding how innocuous organisms can evolve to be pathogenic to humans is of increasing global concern. Further, understanding how existing pathogens may evolved to be more virulent is also vital to our ability to provide healthcare to people afflicted with diseases that promote chronic bacterial infections, such as cystic fibrosis. With the rise of antibiotic resistance in both bacteria and fungi it is paramount that new therapeutics are identified. Understanding what mutations occur that result in increased virulence in microbes can potentially provide new targets for antimicrobial drugs to combat antibiotic resistance. The Coincidental Evolution Hypothesis is a fundamental hypothesis …
Effect Of Macrophage Expressed Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (Α7nachr) On Migration Of Macrophages During Inflammation, Kasey Keever
Effect Of Macrophage Expressed Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (Α7nachr) On Migration Of Macrophages During Inflammation, Kasey Keever
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by overwhelming inflammation, resulting in organ system damage, leading to a high mortality rate. Care in the clinical setting is supportive, and there are no approved sepsis-specific treatments. In septic mice, activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway decreases cytokine secretion by leukocytes and improves survival. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a reflex of the parasympathetic nervous system, converging on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nAChR) at the surface of macrophages. Signaling through the receptor blocks NF-kB activation, thus cytokine secretion. Receptor activation has other effects on macrophages, including modulating their migration to …
Analyzing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa With Bacteriophage Tags Using Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry, Jennifer C. Schinke
Analyzing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa With Bacteriophage Tags Using Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry, Jennifer C. Schinke
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The number of daily bacterial infections is climbing and the CDC explains that this is due to the antibiotic-resistant threat in the United States. Finding a faster way of bacterial identification is necessary as it currently takes 1-4 days for a medical lab to culture and identify bacteria. Photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC) can be used as an alternative method resulting in swift identification within an hour (Edgar, 2019). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cell line PA01, will be coated in up to a few hundred red dyed phages making it detectible by the photoacoustic flow cytometry system. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that …
Glycerophosphocholine Is Used For Lipid And Phosphate Metabolism By Candida Albicans, Will King
Glycerophosphocholine Is Used For Lipid And Phosphate Metabolism By Candida Albicans, Will King
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The metabolism of phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major eukaryotic membrane lipid, has been shown to be an important aspect of pathogenesis in Candida albicans. Of note, PC turnover product, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), is abundant renal metabolite available within the host. GPC is readily imported by C. albicans, and deletion of the major GPC transporter, Git3, leads to decreased virulence in a bloodstream infection model. Here I have characterized two potential metabolic fates of internalized GPC. The first metabolic fate explored is internalized GPC can be hydrolyzed to release Pi. To determine if GPC import and subsequent metabolism impact phosphate …
Molecular Detection And Characterization Of Rickettsia Sp. In Hard Ticks Collected In Nacogdoches, Texas, Haley Nicole Standifird
Molecular Detection And Characterization Of Rickettsia Sp. In Hard Ticks Collected In Nacogdoches, Texas, Haley Nicole Standifird
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The number of cases of tick-borne diseases is increasing in the United States. Many efforts to control ticks have been made and are continuously being developed. These methods include surveillance of ticks and detection of the tick-borne pathogens.This study examined hard ticks in Nacogdoches, Texas, to test for the presence of Rickettsia sp. 47 ticks were collected from vegetation by flagging and their species, sex, and developmental stage were determined using available keys. Individual ticks were processed for nucleic acid extraction and molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. using PCR-based methods. The citrate cynthease gene, 17kDa gene, and outer membrane protein …
Mechanisms Behind The Chaperone Activity Of Nucleic Acids, Theodore J. Litberg
Mechanisms Behind The Chaperone Activity Of Nucleic Acids, Theodore J. Litberg
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Understanding the interplay between nucleic acids and protein aggregation is integral to the understanding of proteostasis, aging, and neurodegenerative disease progression. Nucleic acids are known to modulate the aggregation of PrP, tau, ⍺-synuclein, and other disease relevant proteins. Although the interactions between misfolded protein and nucleic acids can play a role in disease, this interaction may potentially be beneficial as well. Our group and others have shown nucleic acids can be powerful chaperones. Previous work has shown both RNA and DNA can prevent protein aggregation and RNA can pass off protein clients to the heat shock protein (Hsp) system. Here …
Polar Body Membrane Breakdown Occurs Independent Of Macroautophagy In C. Elegans, Shruti Kolli
Polar Body Membrane Breakdown Occurs Independent Of Macroautophagy In C. Elegans, Shruti Kolli
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Failure to digest cell corpses can lead to lupus-like autoimmune disorders in mammals. To better understand if LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) drives cell corpse breakdown in phagolysosomes, we studied the clearance of the C. elegans polar body during embryonic development. ATG16L1 has separable roles in regulating LC3 recruitment during macroautophagy and LAP. We demonstrated that the ATG16L1 C. elegans orthologs, ATG-16.1 and ATG-16.2, function redundantly to promote polar body membrane breakdown. We also discovered that truncating the LAP-specific WD40 domain of ATG-16.2 unexpectedly disrupts autophagy. Furthermore, we confirmed that polar body membrane breakdown occurs independent of macroautophagy. We also showed that …
Co-Flowering Community Effects On The Relative Contribution Of Pollen Quantity And Quality Limitation To The Reproductive Success Of Four Clarkia Species, Emma Moore
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
More than 60% of plant populations experience low pollen availability which limits seed production (pollen limitation). Pollen limitation occurs due to low quantity or quality of pollen delivered to stigmas. Despite its ubiquity in nature, to date we still have limited understanding of the drivers of pollen limitation in plant communities. Plants typically occur in diverse communities where pollinator sharing is common and can influence quality and quantity aspects of pollen limitation. Co-flowering species can attract larger numbers of pollinators or they can compete for pollinators affecting pollen loads on stigmas. Pollinator competition may also lead to higher rates of …