Biology Commons^™

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Promising Immunomodulators Against Autoimmune, Autoinflammatory Disorders And Sars-Cov-2 Infection, Ozlem Bulut, İhsan Gürsel

Turkish Journal of Biology

Discovery of novel and broad-acting immunomodulators is of critical importance for the prevention and treatment of disorders occurring due to overexuberant immune responseincluding SARS-CoV-2 triggered cytokine storm leading to lung pathology and mortality during the ongoing viral pandemic. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), highly regarded for their regenerative capacities, also possessesremarkable immunoregulatory functions affecting all types of innate and adaptive immune cells. Owing to that, MSCs have been heavily investigated in clinic for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases along with transplant rejection. Extensive research in the last decaderevealed that MSCs carry out most of their functions through paracrine factors …

Basal Signaling Through Death Receptor 5 And Caspase 3 Activates P38 Kinase To Regulate Serum Response Factor - Mediated Myod Transcription, Jason A. Ross

ETD Archive

The formation of functional skeletal muscle is the consequence of both the differentiation and apoptosis of skeletal myoblasts. Ex vivo culture of skeletal myoblasts provides a tractable model for the study of these two coordinately regulated processes. We have previously reported that 23A2 myoblasts stably expressing a dominant negative Death Receptor 5 (A2:dnDR5 myoblasts) exhibit decreased basal mRNA and protein expression of the master muscle regulatory transcription factor MyoD. This decrease at the mRNA level is not a consequence of altered stability. Binding of the transcription factor SRF to a non-canonical CArG box within a serum response element (SRE) in …

Functional Ecology And Ecosystem Services Of Urban Trees, Milos Simovic

ETD Archive

Compared to their natural counterparts, trees in urban ecosystems experience distinctive environmental conditions which can be both beneficial and harmful to tree functions and fitness. Thus, the morphological, phenological, and physiological functions of trees in urban ecosystems can be unique and might not be predictable from patterns identified in natural forests where most research on tree ecology has occurred. To better understand how different tree species contribute to ecosystem services in urban environments, we estimated a number of key performance metrics and functional traits for species commonly planted in urban areas. Between April of 2017 and December of 2019, we …

Basal Signalling Through Death Receptor 5 And Caspase 3 Activates P38 Kinase To Regulate Serum Response Factor (Srf)-Mediated Myod Transcription, Jason A. Ross, Brianna Barrett, Victoria Bensimon, Girish Shukla, Crystal M. Weyman

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

We have previously reported that stable expression of a dominant negative Death Receptor 5 (dnDR5) in skeletal myoblasts results in decreased basal caspase activity and decreased mRNA and protein expression of the muscle regulatory transcription factor MyoD in growth medium (GM), resulting in inhibited differentation when myoblasts are then cultured in differentiation media (DM). Further, this decreased level of MyoD mRNA was not a consequence of altered message stability, but rather correlated with decreased acetylation of histones in the distal regulatory region (DRR) of the MyoD extended promoter known to control MyoD transcription. As serum response factor (SRF) is the …

Trypanosoma Brucei Rap1 Has Essential Functional Domains That Are Required For Different Protein Interactions, Marjia Afrin, Hanadi Kishmiri, Ranjodh Sandhu, M. A.G. Rabbani, Bibo Li

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

RAP1 is a telomere protein that is well conserved from protozoa to mammals. It plays important roles in chromosome end protection, telomere length control, and gene expression/silencing at both telomeric and nontelomeric loci. Interaction with different partners is an important mechanism by which RAP1 executes its different functions in yeast. The RAP1 ortholog in Trypanosoma brucei is essential for variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) monoallelic expression, an important aspect of antigenic variation, where T. brucei regularly switches its major surface antigen, VSG, to evade the host immune response. Like other RAP1 orthologs, T. brucei RAP1 (TbRAP1) has conserved functional domains, including …

Maternal Diabetes And Obesity Influence The Fetal Epigenome In A Largely Hispanic Population, Heather E. Rizzo, E. N. Escaname, Nicholas B. Alana, E. Lavender, J. Gelfond, R. Fernandez, Matthew A. Hibbs, Jonathan M. King, N. R. Carr, C. L. Blanco

Biology Faculty Research

BACKGROUND:

Obesity and diabetes mellitus are directly implicated in many adverse health consequences in adults as well as in the offspring of obese and diabetic mothers. Hispanic Americans are particularly at risk for obesity, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease. Maternal obesity and/or diabetes through prenatal programming may alter the fetal epigenome increasing the risk of metabolic disease in their offspring. The aims of this study were to determine if maternal obesity or diabetes mellitus during pregnancy results in a change in infant methylation of CpG islands adjacent to targeted genes specific for obesity or diabetes disease pathways in a largely …

Effects Of A Neonicotinoid Insecticide On The Growth Of Honey Bee Gut Microbes, Macee Mitchell, Daniel Franzese, Taylor Morales, Shane Lucht, Jesse Steele, Jenifer Walke

2020 Symposium Posters

The gut microbiome plays an essential role in the overall health of organisms. However, the presence and abundance of these microbes may be altered by environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides. The goals of this project were to understand 1) the prevalence of pesticide residues in honey bees in eastern Washington, and 2) the impact of pesticides to the honey bee gut microbiome. Accordingly, we tested bees from 24 hives among six sites across eastern Washington. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used to detect the presence and concentration of six commonly used agricultural pesticides: Carbaryl, Chlorpyrifos, Coumaphos, Cypermethrin, …

The Rise To Dominance Of Genetic Model Organisms And The Decline Of Curiosity-Driven Organismal Research, Sarah M. Farris

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Curiosity-driven, basic biological research “…performed without thought of practical ends…” establishes fundamental conceptual frameworks for future technological and medical breakthroughs. Traditionally, curiosity-driven research in biological sciences has utilized experimental organisms chosen for their tractability and suitability for studying the question of interest. This approach leverages the diversity of life to uncover working solutions (adaptations) to problems encountered by living things, and evolutionary context as to the extent to which these solutions may be generalized to other species. Despite the well-documented success of this approach, funding portfolios of United States granting agencies are increasingly filled with studies on a few species …

Is Fecal Microbiota Transplantation A Safe And Effective Treatment For Gastrointestinal Diseases?, Shaindel Pinsky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a method of transferring feces from an individual with a healthy microbiome to a patient whose healthy gut bacteria is deficient. While this method is not a new one, it is constantly being explored and studied to determine if it can be an effective way to treat patients with different bowel diseases. The main target of most of these studies are patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. Many studies were done to determine if the method is safe, and which method is most effective, as well as who can be a good donor or recipient …

Is Pnc-27 And Pnc-28 The Best Way To Cure Cancer?, Miriam Silberstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Immunotherapeutic agents have been researched for many decades as an alternative treatment for cancer. Current research demonstrates that immunotherapy is safer than radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This is attributed to immunotherapy’s mechanism of utilizing the body’s own defense system, as opposed to absorbing harmful chemicals. Two forms of immunotherapy that have been effective in curing cancer without the added danger of chemical toxicity are PNC-27 and PNC-28. These peptides were created by a supercomputer at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York in 2000. PNC-27 and PNC-28 work with the MDM2 -P53 tumor suppressor complex. It acts as a competitive inhibitor …

Full Issue: Volume 13, Number 2

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 13, number 2 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Causes And Mechanisms Of Crohn’S Disease, Chana Weis

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most prevalent inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in Jewish and Caucasian populations, affecting as many as one in 250 individuals. Nevertheless, the underlying causes of both disorders are not yet fully understood and remain unknown. However, current evidence suggests that the exaggerated inflammatory response, more commonly referred to as IBD, is believed to arise from dysregulation of the gastrointestinal (GI) immune system in genetically predisposed individuals who are exposed to environmental triggers. Recent advances have identified multiple IBD susceptibility genes; however, only a few environmental determinants of IBD have been consistently identified. The …

Treating Carcinomas Through Integrin Α6Β4 Modification And Inhibition, Pearl Singer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Integrin α6β4 is a membrane protein which is expressed in both normal and cancerous epithelia. In normal cells, it is involved in adhesion to the basal membrane. In carcinomas, however, it takes on cell signaling roles related to survival and migration. Due to its key role in cancer progression, it is now being considered as a therapeutic target. This paper examines how we can affect integrins, with a specific focus on integrin α6β4, to reinforce their ability to prevent migration of cancer cells and progress toward metastasis.

Adding Value To A Field-Based Course With A Science Communication Module On Local Perceptions Of Climate Change, Lorelei E. Patrick, Seth Thompson, Aud Halbritter, Brian J. Enquist, Vigdis Vandvik, Sehoya Cotner

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Field courses, while generally considered as beneficial for students, are challenging to implement and can lead to strained relationships between local residents and visiting scientists. Thus, it is critical to both maximize the educational value of field courses and help students develop contextualized science communication skills. We report on the development of a science communication module, integrated into an existing field-based ecology course, which aims to add value to an international field course enrolling students from multiple countries. Specifically, students surveyed local residents about their knowledge and perceptions of climate change, and then discussed their findings.

Annonex2embl: Automatic Preparation Of Annotated Dna Sequences For Bulk Submissions To Ena, Michael Gruenstaeudl

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The submission of annotated sequence data to public sequence databases constitutes a central pillar in biological research. The surge of novel DNA sequences awaiting database submission due to the application of next-generation sequencing has increased the need for software tools that facilitate bulk submissions. This need has yet to be met with the concurrent development of tools to automate the preparatory work preceding such submissions.The author introduce annonex2embl, a Python package that automates the preparation of complete sequence flatfiles for large-scale sequence submissions to the European Nucleotide Archive. The tool enables the conversion of DNA sequence alignments that are co-supplied …

The Birds And The Trees, Branden Lawson

McNair Scholars

Modification of natural habitats used by native organisms is occurring more rapidly due to the increasing human population. American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are common in urban and non-urban areas and can serve as useful indicators of human activities' effects on wildlife. To create an urban environment, the removal of trees from non-urban habitats is necessary but causes radical alteration of the presence of native avifauna. This study, therefore, examined the influence of tree cover within urban and non-urban sites and how trees' characteristics affected the survival rate of American Robin chicks. Data collection occurred during the 2019 breeding …

Size-Assortative Mating In Explosively Breeding Species: A Case Study Of Adaptive Male Mate Choice In An Anuran, Lindsey Swierk

Biological Sciences Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Nacl Tolerance On The Stress Physiology And Fitness Of Larval Wood Frogs (Rana Sylvatica), Grascen Shidemantle, Nicholas Buss, Jessica Hua

Biological Sciences Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Which Hypothesis Best Explains The Development Of Cancer?, Ariel M. Mayer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

There are three theories of cancer development analyzed in this review. The first theory is the immunological theory, which states that cancer is a result of the immune system failing to detect a cancerous cell in which results in uncontrolled cell growth. The second theory is the somatic mutation theory, which states that genetic mutations are a direct cause cancer. The third theory is the stem cell theory which states that cancer results from an uncontrolled stem cell. The difference in each theory helps guide a clinician’s judgment in how to treat cancer. If a clinician believes in the immunological …

The Biocompatibility Of Various Dental Materials, Amy Noble

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Dentistry is a continuously evolving field with new materials and technologies constantly innovated. The oral cavity presents a harsh environment in which restorative and implant materials must be able to withstand. Aside for meeting the appropriate physical and chemical standards, it is important that dental materials be biocompatible. Biocompatibility relates to the material’s ability to function in the body without causing harm to living tissue. It is necessary to analyze the materials being used and determine whether they interact with the body in a detrimental manner. This will enable dental professionals to choose the most beneficial material to utilize for …

Uterine Transplantation: A Review Of Some Of The Factors That Account For The Success Or Failure Of This Experimental Procedure, Rachel Stern

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Those who suffer from infertility, either due to a congenital or acquired cause and cannot or are opposed to other means, such as surrogacy or adoption, to have a child, are potential candidates for uterine transplantation. Uterine transplantation is a form of allograft transplantation, meaning that it is a transplant of tissue from a donor who is genetically different from the recipient. Additionally, it is a vascularized transplant, including donor blood vessels that will be sutured to the vasculature of the recipient (Testa et al. 2017). This procedure has been attempted around the globe with varying levels of success ranging …

What Is The Future Of Organoids?, Michelle Freilich

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The term organoid refers to a miniature version of any organ of the body. An organoid is artificially produced in vitro from stem cells or tissue that possess the ability to recapitulate and form the three-dimensional structure of the organ they were once a part of. Scientists have learned to create a culture for the organoid that mimics its original micro cellular environment, allowing the 3-D structure to self-organize and develop into miniature organs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the many advancements of organoid technology, and how this progress has benefited the medical field. Organoid technology allows …

Effects Of High Fat Diets, Esther Abady

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

With obesity on the rise, and subsequently numerous diseases, many people are looking for newer ways to counter the effects of the influx of fatty, high sugar and unhealthy foods they are consuming. The most common and widely used method is a diet plan. The key to both a healthy and effective diet is knowing what the diet does to the body. There are short term diets which have adverse effects if kept for too long and long-term diets which are aimed for a healthy lifestyle. Every diet is based on the increased and decreased consumption of different macronutrients and …

X Chromosome Dosage Of Histone Demethylase Kdm5c Determines Sex Differences In Adiposity, Jenny C. Link, Carrie B. Wiese, Xuqi Chen, Rozeta Avetisyan, Emilio Ronquillo, Feiyang Ma, Xiuqing Guo, Jie Yao, Matthew Allison, Yii-Der Ida Chen, Jeremy I. Rotter

Biology

Males and females differ in body composition and fat distribution. Using a mouse model that segregates gonadal sex (ovaries and testes) from chromosomal sex (XX and XY), we showed that XX chromosome complement in combination with a high-fat diet led to enhanced weight gain in the presence of male or female gonads. We identified the genomic dosage of Kdm5c, an X chromosome gene that escapes X chromosome inactivation, as a determinant of the X chromosome effect on adiposity. Modulating Kdm5c gene dosage in XX female mice to levels that are normally present in males resulted in reduced body weight, fat …

Human Organ/Limb Regeneration: A Dream Or Reality?, Shmuel Sashitzky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Organ and limb regeneration might seem like something out of science fiction, but research has been ongoing since the late 1960s and has greatly increased at the turn of the century. It is an understatement to say that this has the potential to be life changing. The need for donor transplant organs and transplant waiting lists can become obsolete and the use of immunosuppressants post-transplant will become unnecessary (leading to higher survival rates). Should this happen, trauma patients will be able to achieve complete recoveries and the reign of some congenital disorders will come to an end. Nature has provided …

The Effects Of Fetal Microchimerism On Maternal Health, Matti Miller

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

No abstract provided.

Interaction Of Certain Monoterpenoid Hydrocarbons With The Receptor Binding Domain Of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-Ncov), Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (Tmprss2), Cathepsin B, And Cathepsin L (Catb/L) And Their Pharmacokinetic Properties, Erman Sali̇h İsti̇fli̇, Arzuhan Şihoğlu Tepe, Cengi̇z Sarikürkcü, Bektaş Tepe

Turkish Journal of Biology

As of June 2020, the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by the 2019 new type coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infected more than 7,000,000 people worldwide and caused the death of more than 400,000 people. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular interactions between monoterpenoids and spike protein of 2019-nCoV together with the cellular proteases [transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), cathepsin B (CatB), and cathepsin L (CatL)]. As a result of the relative binding capacity index (RBCI) analysis, carvone was found to be the most effective molecule against all targets when binding energy and predicted (theoretical) IC50 data were evaluated …

Seasonal Facilitative And Competitive Trade‐Offs Between Shrub Seedlings And Coastal Grasses, Michael N. Sinclair, Natasha N. Woods, Julie C. Zinnert

Biology Publications

Shrub expansion is occurring in grasslands globally and may be impacted by the balance of competition and facilitation with existing grasses. Along the mid‐Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the native shrub Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) is rapidly expanding and displacing other native coastal species. Recent research suggests that much of this expansion is due to warming winter temperatures, as temperatures below −15°C kill M. cerifera. The objective of this project was to understand the importance of species interactions with grasses on the growth and physiology of M. cerifera at the seedling life stage through both field and laboratory experiments. In …

Carbon Limitation In Periphytic Algal Wastewater Treatment Systems, Brandon Furnish, Troy Keller

CSU Datasets

This data set includes the results of 3 independent lab experiments that examined the role of carbon limitation in algal wastewater treatment systems.

Virtual Drug Repurposing Study Against Sars-Cov-2 Tmprss2 Target, Serdar Durdaği

Turkish Journal of Biology

Currently, the world suffers from a new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. Therefore, there is a need for the urgent development of novel drugs and vaccines for COVID-19. Since it can take years to develop new drugs against this disease, here we used a hybrid combined molecular modeling approach in virtual drug screening repurposing study to identify new compounds against this disease. One of the important SARS-CoV-2 targets namely type 2 transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) was screened with NPC's NIH small molecule library which includes approved drugs by FDA and compounds in clinical investigation. We used 6654 small molecules in …