Biology Commons^™

Analysis Of Cd36 Variants Associated With Heart Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Lemanisha Adams

Student Posters

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) affects an estimated 47-54% of Black adults in America. CVD is characterized when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients. CVD refers to a various disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, which includes disease like stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Risk factors can include diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Some symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, numbness, weakness, or coldness in the arms or legs, dizziness or fainting, and fatigue or exhaustion. Unfortunately, Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality …

Ctsc Gene Correlation With Dental Disease Periodontitis, Elaine Vanterpool, Misiel Garcia

Student Posters

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and non-communicable disease that poses a major public health challenge worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately 50% of adults are affected by this condition. It results from bacterial infection and dental plaque buildup, leading to gum inflammation, bleeding, bone loss, and, if left untreated, tooth loss. Beyond its effects on oral health, periodontitis is linked to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, making it a significant health concern. Treatment involves professional dental care, including oral hygiene education, deep cleaning of root surfaces, and reducing risk factors like smoking. In addition to environmental …

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

Theses

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

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

Theses

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

Life Line Spring 2025, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this issue:

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

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

Student Posters

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

Adipocyte-Derived Cchamide-1, Eiger, Growth-Blocking Peptide 3, And Unpaired 2 Regulate Drosophila Melanogaster Oogenesis, Chad Simmons, Isaiah Williams, Tancia Bradshaw, Alissa R. Armstrong

Faculty Publications

In addition to energy storage, adipose tissue communication to other organs plays a key role in regulating organismal physiology. While the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and pathophysiology, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and infertility, is clear, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations have not been fully described. We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to better understand how adipose tissue communicates to the ovary. In this study, we utilized D. melanogaster’s robust genetic toolkit to examine the role of five adipokines known to control larval growth during development, CCHamide-1, CCHamide-2, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 in regulating …

Outreach & Dna-Based Monitoring Facilitate 3-Fold Reduction In Seafood Mislabeling In Los Angeles Over 10 Years, Demian A. Willette, Kelli Andrade, Ben Fitzpatrick, Kesterlyn Wilson

Biology Faculty Works

Awareness and intervention can reduce fraudulent labeling in seafood. Using a 10-year longitudinal study approach, DNA-based monitoring data reveals a lower sushi mislabeling in Los Angeles restaurants over time. This is in part attributed to implemented recommendations by restaurants of a local academia-industry-government outreach initiative launched in 2018, The Los Angeles Seafood Monitoring Project. We found mislabeling was 3-fold lower among project-partnering restaurants than other restaurants. This difference was statistically significant, illustrating the combination of project partnering and implementation of recommendations was most impactful on reducing mislabeling rates. Lastly, the study period includes the COVID19 global pandemic, which additional monitoring …

Local Stabilising Density Effects In The Context Of Ecological Disturbance And Community Assembly, Cole J. Doolittle, Joseph A. Lamanna

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

The maintenance of species diversity in ecological communities has many promising explanations, including certain types of local biotic interactions that generate differential effects on the performance of conspecific and heterospecific individuals. To date, most studies of these local biotic interactions have focused on relatively stable systems, such as mature forests or undisturbed grasslands. However, many ecosystems are far from a stable state, especially under accelerating global climate change. Here, we present a synthesis of local differences between conspecific and heterospecific interactions following disturbances—and how disturbances may alter the strength and scaling of these effects to population growth and species diversity. …

When Can We Detect Lianas From Space? Toward A Mechanistic Understanding Of Liana-Infested Forest Optics, Stefan A. Schnitzer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Lianas, woody vines acting as structural parasites of trees, have profound effects on the composition and structure of tropical forests, impacting tree growth, mortality, and forest succession. Remote sensing could offer a powerful tool for quantifying the scale of liana infestation, provided the availability of robust detection methods. We analyze the consistency and global geographic specificity of spectral signals—reflectance across wavelengths—from liana-infested tree crowns and forest stands, examining the underlying mechanisms of these signals. We compiled a uniquely comprehensive database, including leaf reflectance spectra from 5424 leaves, fine-scale airborne reflectance data from 999 liana-infested canopies, and coarse-scale satellite reflectance data …

Comparative Mechanical And Elastic Properties Of The Dorsal And Ventral Tendons In The Peduncle Of Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena Phocoena), Alexa R. Cesari, Jesse K. Placone, Nicole L. Ramo, Michael V. Rosario, Matthew Morris, Danielle S. Adams, Frank E. Fish

Biology Faculty Publications

Cetaceans swim via vertical movements of the tail. The tendons located in the caudal peduncle are attached to the caudal vertebrae to generate propulsive oscillations. Arguments have centered on whether the upstrokes and downstrokes of the tail and propulsive flukes are symmetrical or asymmetrical in time. Previous research from kinematics of swimming animals, muscle architecture and histology has supported both conditions. However, the composition and structure of the tendons suggest a potential mechanism to evaluate this disparity. In this study, the tendons of the caudal peduncle of the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) – specifically, the extensor caudae medialis …

Defective Sickle Cell Mutations, Elaine Vanterpool, Carroline Anderson

Student Posters

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. It is an inherited hemoglobinopathy. Both alleles must be affected to manifest the disease. In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become hard, sticky, and look like a sickle, making it difficult to pass through the blood vessels and carry oxygen. Sickle cell trait is more prevalent than sickle cell disease and affects 1 in 13 African American babies (According to the CDC). The clinical manifestation of sickle cell trait is not as aggressive and does not cause as much morbidity as sickle cell disease. This …

“Seeing Someone Like Me Succeed Made Me Believe I Could Too!”: Evaluating The Big-Sib & Little-Sib Mentorship Program At Swarthmore College, Lina Verghese , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

This thesis evaluates the Bio Big Sib & Little Sib Mentorship Program in Swarthmore College’s Biology Department, a student-led initiative supporting racial/ethnic minority and first-generation, low-income (FLI) students. Launched in 2021, the program pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen to offer guidance, build community, and affirm student identity within a predominantly white, elite academic environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews and survey data, this study examines the program’s effectiveness and long-term impact on student belonging, academic navigation, and identity development. Findings reveal that the program has become a vital support structure, helping participants access the “hidden curriculum” and fostering emotional …