Biology Commons^™

Video Tracking As An Effective High Throughput Method For Mtbi Detection, Julie Mcintyre, Julie A. Semon

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae) Neurocranium, Michelle Bassali, David Kerstetter, Ema Nagel

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae) Jaw, Michelle Bassali, David Kerstetter, Ema Nagel

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Dissecting The Contribution Of Stmn2 To Als Pathogenesis, Kelsey Krus

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

TDP-43 is required for splicing of Stathmin-2 (STMN2) transcript, so STMN2 is reduced in most ALS patients. TDP-43 does not regulate STMN2 in mice as it does in humans. Thus, mouse models of ALS do not reflect patient loss of STMN2. To test the hypothesis that a reduction in STMN2 contributes to ALS pathogenesis, we generated STMN2 knockout mice. Constitutive STMN2 loss induces an early sensory and motor neuropathy with disrupted motor behavior and dramatic distal neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation. This NMJ pathology occurs in fast-fatigable motor units, which are the most vulnerable in ALS. In contrast, motoneurons and axons …

Effects Of Ally Confrontation On Target Outcomes, Sophie Firle, Gemma Flores-Olivas

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

What's That Sound?: Characterizing Chemical Signals In Bradyrhizobium Japonicum Strains, Sophia Nicolette Militante

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Vibration Amplitude In The Escape-Hatching Response Of Red-Eyed Treefrog Embryos, Julie Jung, Michael S. Caldwell, Gregrory Mcdaniel, Karen Warkentin

Biology Faculty Publications

Red-eyed treefrogs hatch early when attacked by snake or wasp egg predators. They use vibrations generated by attacks to identify these threats but other, harmless environmental disturbances also produce strong vibrations within egg clutches. This study examines the complex ways embryos use vibrations amplitude information to ensure they hatch only when a real threat is present.

Metabolic Transitions In Embryos Of Artemia Franciscana: Regulation And Consequences For Oxidative Stress, Daniel Anthony Arabie

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Embryos of Artemia franciscana survive harsh conditions in diapause and anoxia-induced quiescence for years by undergoing deep metabolic transitions. I investigated the relationship between phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and carbon flux to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle during metabolic depression. The difference in catalytic activity of the PDH complex (PDC) in maximally phosphorylated and dephosphorylated samples was 16.5-fold. Western blot analysis confirmed the changes in phosphorylation of PDH. Analysis of PDH expression in diapause and post-diapause embryos via phospho-PDH showed no significant differences. Investigation of post-diapause embryos under anoxia showed that phosphorylation of PDH decreased and activated the enzyme. …

Barcoding The Unknown: Primer Development For Diverse Nematode Strains, Alegria O. Bautista

Research and Creativity Symposium

DNA barcoding has significantly advanced species identification and revealed many cryptic species with significant biomedical and agricultural research applications. Nematodes are frequently used in DNA barcoding due to their short generation times and ease of laboratory maintenance. However, the rapid increase in newly discovered species presents a taxonomic impediment, where traditional identification methods struggle to keep pace. In this study, unknown nematode strains underwent a modified Caenorhabditis elegans bleaching protocol to eliminate contamination and accommodate varying developmental stages. DNA was extracted and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting regions of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Established primers (18S …

Fisheries Management Paper No.286: Western Australian Octopus Resource Harvest Strategy, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

Harvest strategies for Western Australia’s (WA) aquatic resources are formal documents developed to support decision-making processes that ensure the outcomes are consistent with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD; Fletcher 2002a) and Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM; Fletcher et al. 2012). Harvest strategies are a key component of all contemporary fishery management systems and a requirement for certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The objectives of ESD are reflected in the objectives of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA).

This Octopus Resource Harvest Strategy (Harvest Strategy) has been developed and revised in line with the Harvest Strategy …

Wrack Lines Spring-Summer 2025, Volume 25, Number 1, Megan Bard, Ronald Goldberg, Clayton Mcgoldrick, Judy Benson

Wrack Lines

Spring-Summer 2025 issue of CT Sea Grant's biannual magazine focuses on the theme of, "Finding their niche: Unique ways of serving people and the environment," with profiles of six standouts in various environmental fields.

Study Of Asf1a Protein’S Biological Significance In Arabidopsis Thaliana Via Phenotypic Manifestations Of Crispr/Cas Induced A. Thaliana Asf1a Mutagenesis, Yue Fan, Tara Phelps-Durr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

ANTI-SILENCING FUNCTION 1A (ASF1a) is a multifunctional protein involved in pivotal cellular processes. In plants, ASF1a interacts with HIRA to participate in KNOX genes silencing. To further characterize how ASF1a regulates gene expression, a CRISPR CAS 9 vector was created and ready to be transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana to induce mutations in the 3’ region of the A. thaliana ASF1a gene that corresponds to the ASF histone chaperone protein domain. We hypothesized that phyllotactic alterations will take place as a result of the mutations.

The Genetic In Alzheimer, Elaine Vanterpool, Cristy Jimenez

Student Posters

APOE gene (apolipoprotein E gene) can be associated with pathogenic effects, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular diseases, though it’s not inherently pathogenic in everyone. APOE comes in different alleles (variants), with APOE ε2, ε3, and ε4 being the most common. The protein encoded by this gene (Apolipoprotein) is a major apoprotein of the chylomicron. It binds to a specific liver and peripheral cell receptor, and is essential for the normal catabolism of triglyceride rich lipoprotein constituents. This gene maps to chromosome 19 in a cluster with the related apolipoprotein C1 and C2 genes. Mutations in this …

Brca1 Variants And Associations With Breast Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Tessa Tsoka

Student Posters

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most life-threatening diseases throughout the world, and various genetic factors play a critical role in its development. While there are a number of gene variants associated with hereditary breast cancer, BRCA1 is an extremely important tumor suppressor gene which is responsible for the maintenance of genomic stability. BRCA1, in addition to BRCA2, is crucial for DNA repair by method of homologous recombination. Together, these genes function to prevent the accumulation of DNA damage which could cause uncontrolled cell growth, leading to the development of tumors. The tumor suppressor protein that the BRCA1 …

An Analysis Of Dguok Variants Associated With Mitochondrial Dna Depletion Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Ethan Harris

Student Posters

The DGUOK is a nuclear gene that codes for the enzyme deoxyguanosine kinase, an essential protein in maintaining mitochondrial DNA and producing mitochondria. Mutagens in this gene can result in deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency, an inherited disorder that disrupts liver, muscle, and cerebral function. Manifesting from biallelic pathogenic variants, Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome ((MDDS) is a clinically heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorders that significantly reduce the number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the affected cells. This results in stifled ATP synthesis, decreased energy reserves, and cellular dysfunction. As such, energy-dependent tissues such as the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, and …

My09b And Ctla4 Effects On Celiac Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Blake Woode

Student Posters

Celiac disease is a disease that restricts what people can eat. When the body overreacts to gluten it damages the tiny, hairlike projections, called villi, that line the small intestine. This affects millions of Americans. In this study, we search for the genes that affect this disease and why. In this study, we will be using SIFT, simple clinvar, and SIFT. First, we will use simple clinvar. Using this tool we find the gene that is being affected which is gene MY09B. After using SIFT to determine variant pathogenicity and the potential to impact protein function we found that the …

Investigating Alk, Phox2b, And Brca2 Gene In Relation To Neuroblastoma, Elaine Vanterpool, Joshua Henry

Student Posters

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood cancer of immature nerves. Less than 10% of neuroblastoma (NB) cases affect kids older than ten years of age. Adult occurrences of NB are extremely rare. Majority of neuroblastomas are caused by genetic alterations in neuroblasts that take place during a child's development, occasionally even prior to birth. More than 60% of survivors of long-term childhood cancer have chronic illnesses because of their treatment, and more than 25% have a serious or potentially fatal illness. Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma include bone pain or a lump in the abdomen, neck, or chest. With today's methods …

Analysis Of Sim1 Variants In Diabetes, Elaine Vanterpool, Shayne Gordon

Student Posters

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either the body’s inability to produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the cells’ resistance to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is the leading cause of many complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and loss of vision. Gestational Diabetes which is developed during pregnancy and may go away after birth. SIM1 is a gene, known as ”single-minded”, that I choose to research for this study. SIM1 is a gene that plays a role in the regulation of …

Impact Of Smad 4 Gene To Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Robert Lister

Student Posters

The SMAD family job is to aid in signal transduction of transforming growth factor �� (TGF ��), which is used as a growth hormone that aids in hyperpermeability of blood vessels, epithelial cell production, and cell differentiation. For the specific SMAD4 protein it has been to be a tumor suppressor gene that regulates the production of cells so that the abnormal production does not occur. However, with a mutated SMAD gene, these functions could be altered and cause drastic damage to the body. Learning how the SMAD 4 gene can cause diseases such as juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) and gastric …

An Analysis Of Androgen Receptor (Ar) Variants In Breast Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

The androgen receptor gene is more than 90 kb long and codes for a protein that has 3 major functional domains: the N terminal domain, DNA-binding domain, and androgen-binding domain. The protein functions as a steroid-hormone activated transcription factor. Upon binding the hormone ligand, the receptor dissociates from accessory proteins, translocates into the nucleus, dimerizes, and then stimulates transcription of androgen responsive genes. This gene contains 2 polymorphic trinucleotide repeat segments that encode polyglutamine and polyglycine tracts in the N-terminal transactivation domain of its protein. Expansion of the polyglutamine tract from the normal 9-34 repeats to the pathogenic 38-62 repeats …

Hbb Gene And Sickle Cell Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Adia Burley

Student Posters

Around 100,000 people in the US are affected by sickle cell disease. There are 8 million people worldwide who are affected by Sickle cell disease. Regarding African ancestry or those who identify as black, 9 of 10 people would have this disease. Black babies can be born with this trait, and the ratio is 1 in every 13, and around 1 in every 365 babies are born with the disease. (NHLBI) •Hemoglobin, a specific protein in red blood cells, affects sickle cell disease. Our red blood cells are important for carrying oxygen throughout our body. When we breathe, the hemoglobin …

An Analysis Of Diabetes Associated With Appl1 Variants D94n And R46w, Elaine Vanterpool, Gaielle Price

Student Posters

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is often linked to insulin resistance, where cells do not respond properly to insulin. The APPL1 gene encodes a multifunctional adaptor protein that plays a key role in insulin and adiponectin signaling, both of which are crucial for glucose metabolism. APPL1 enhances insulin stimulated glucose uptake by activating Akt, a major component in the insulin signaling pathway. Deficiencies in APPL1 have been linked to impaired insulin signaling, contributing to insulin resistance …

Analysis Of The Capn10 Gene In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Gabrielle Murray

Student Posters

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance disorder unique to females that primarily affects the ovaries. It is common in women of reproductive age and characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and further health issues include diabetes type 2, ovarian cysts and infertility. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. CAPN10 is the first diabetes gene to be identified through a genome scan. It was also found to be associated with other Cardiometabolic disease and PCOS. CAPN10 gene also known as the calpain-10 is a calcium dependent cysteine protease. This means its activity is regulated by calcium ions and it …

The Duality Of The Bard1 Gene, Elaine Vanterpool, Khadra Burden

Student Posters

Cancer causes cells to constantly grow and wreak havoc on the body. Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world and affects over 2 million individuals in the United States. One of the most common cancers in the US is breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in women in the US. Breast cancer occurs when the breast cells overproduce, and tumors develop and eventually spread to the rest of the body. There are several factors that increase an individual’s risk of breast cancer such as age, sex, genetics, obesity, family history of …

Unveiling Genetic Links To Hypertension: Smad4 Mutations And Their Predicted Impact, Elaine Vanterpool, Cailey Wilson

Student Posters

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a significant public health concern due to its role in increasing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Often called the "silent killer," hypertension typically presents without symptoms, leading many individuals to remain unaware of their condition until complications arise. While lifestyle factors play a crucial role in hypertension development, genetic factors have also been increasingly recognized as contributors to disease susceptibility. This study focuses on the genetic basis of hypertension by investigating the SMAD4 gene, which encodes a protein involved in intracellular signaling pathways. Mutations in …

Analysis Of The Actb Gene Pathogenicity And Its Impact On Dystonia Pathogenesis Abygail Newton And Elaine Vanterpool, Phd, Elaine Vanterpool, Abygail Newton

Student Posters

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary spasms or contractions of the muscles in one or more areas of the body, which may or may not be accompanied by pain. Over 250,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with dystonia, making it one of the three most common neurological motor diseases in the country. Dystonia does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of race or age. However, women are diagnosed with this disease at twice the rate of men. The precise cause of dystonia remains unclear, but it can be hereditary. Fortunately, we have identified …

An Analysis Of Sim1 Variants Associated With Diabetes, Elaine Vanterpool, Jasmine Tomlin

Student Posters

SIM1, known as Drosophila single-minded 1, Is a homologous gene. It resides within chromosome 21 and was originally detected in fetal kidneys and fetal diseases. It is a transcription factor that is involved in the development of the paraventricular nucleus in the hypothalamus. These are two clusters of neurons that play a vital role in many functions such as growth and metabolism. This includes the control of food intake and regulation of energy homeostasis. The Haploinsufficiency of SIM1 affects the expression of the gene and causes early-onset obesity due to its poor regulation. Due to its role in drosophila genetics …

An Analysis Of Vhl And Its Relation To Leukemia, Elaine Vanterpool, Marquise Develde

Student Posters

Leukemia is the cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Mainly, leukemia effects the white blood cells. The malignancy known as leukemia damages the body's capacity to make healthy blood cells and starts in the bone marrow. White blood cells, which are essential to the immune system, are its main target. Leukemia disrupts normal blood function by causing an aberrant multiplication of immature blood cells, in contrast to other malignancies that create solid tumors. The disease is divided into various categories according to the particular blood cells impacted, and it can develop either …

An Analysis Of Sco2 Variants Associated With Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Elaine Vanterpool, Mitspah Eshette

Student Posters

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by severe damage to the heart muscle. The left ventricle becomes enlarged and then thins, causing it to pump with less force than it should. After each beat, more blood remains in the heart, making it challenging for the heart to supply blood to other parts of the body. If the patient is younger than 50, Black, male, and has a family history of dilated cardiomyopathy, they may be at higher risk. DCM has various causes, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. However, one of the major causes of DCM …

An Analysis Of Pdgfra Variants Associated With Fibroids, Elaine Vanterpool, Nadja Hunt

Student Posters

Fibroids is a genetic disease where benign masses grow within the wall of the uterus. When the PDGFRA gene has a missense mutation or is not coding for the right processes, it can lead to the development of tumors that are nonmalignant but still have effect a patient's quality of life. Fibroids can affect women in many ways including a heavier and prolonged menstrual cycle, pelvic pain, and even infertility. This disease affects 20-30% of women ages 30-50 and black women are more likely to be affected. This study focuses on how fibroids is related to the PDGFRA gene. This …