Biology Commons^™

The Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (Sw Casc), Michelle Baker

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Charting A New Vision: Lessons On Vision & Change From A Network Of Biology Educators, Jeremy L. Hsu, Anjali Misra, Michael J. Wolyniak, Carlos C. Goller, Stephanie Mathews, Uma Swamy, Dina L. Newman, Michael E. Moore

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The 2011 Vision & Change report outlined several recommendations for transforming undergraduate biology education, sparking multiple pedagogical reform efforts. Among these was the Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring (PALM) network, an NSF-funded program that provided mentorship and training to instructors on implementing active learning in the classroom. Here, we provide a perspective on how members of the biology education community in PALM view the recommendations of Vision & Change, drawing upon our experiences both as members of PALM and as leaders of an associated project funded by another NSF grant that hosted PALM alumni at various conferences. These efforts …

Tdp43 Autoregulation Gives Rise To Dominant Negative Isoforms That Are Tightly Controlled By Transcriptional And Post-Translational Mechanisms, Megan M. Dykstra, Kaitlin Weskamp, Nicolás B. Gómez, Jacob Waksmacki, Elizabeth Tank, M. Rebecca Glineburg, Allison Snyder, Emile Pinarbasi, Michael Bekier, Xingli Li, Morgan R. Miller, Jen Bai, Shameena Shahzad, Neha Nedumaran, Clare Wieland, Corey Stewart, Sydney Willey, Nikolas Grotewold, Jonathon Mcbride, John J. Moran, Aditya V. Suryakumar, Michael Lucas, Peter M. Tessier, Michael Ward, Peter K. Todd, Sami J. Barmada

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The nuclear RNA-binding protein TDP43 is integrally involved in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Previous studies uncovered N-terminal TDP43 isoforms that are predominantly cytosolic in localization, prone to aggregation, and enriched in susceptible spinal motor neurons. In healthy cells, however, these shortened (s)TDP43 isoforms are difficult to detect in comparison to full-length (fl)TDP43, raising questions regarding their origin and selective regulation. Here, we show that sTDP43 is created as a by-product of TDP43 autoregulation and cleared by nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD). sTDP43-encoding transcripts that escape NMD are rapidly degraded post-translationally via the proteasome …

Extensive Admixture Among Karst-Obligate Salamanders Reveals Evidence Of Recent Divergence And Gene Exchange Through Aquifers, Chris C. Nice, Katherine L. Bell, Zachariah Gompert, Lauren K. Lucas, James R. Ott, Ruben U. Tovar, Paul Crump, Peter H. Diaz

Biology Faculty Publications

Karst ecosystems often contain extraordinary biodiversity, but the complex underground aquifers of karst regions present challenges for assessing and conserving stygobiont diversity and investigating their evolutionary history. We examined the karst-obligate salamanders of the Eurycea neotenes species complex in the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas using population genomics data to address questions about population connectivity and the potential for gene exchange within the underlying aquifer system. The E. neotenes species complex has historically been divided into three nominal species, but their status, and spatial extent of species ranges, have remained uncertain. We discovered evidence of extensive admixture among species …

A Review And Meta-Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi In Remediating Toxic Metals In Mine-Affected Soil, Sonali Banerjee, Jajati Mandal, Dibyendu Sarkar, Rupali Datta, Pradip Bhattacharyya

Michigan Tech Publications

Mines are natural reservoirs of various minerals, metals, and metalloids. Several heavy metals (HMs), such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni, are major anthropogenic pollutants that cause severe environmental pollution. The accumulation of these toxic HMs in soils has raised several concerns for crop growth, food safety, and marketing. Physiological and biochemical processes in plants are severely impacted by HMs, disrupting normal metabolic activities and reducing biomass production. Phytoremediation plays a pivotal role in addressing HM contamination by offering an eco-friendly, economical, and holistic solution. Similarly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a significant role by forming a symbiotic relationship …

The Role Of Neurofilament Light (Nfl) And Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (Gfap) In Ms And Aqp4-Nmosd: Advancing Clinical Applications., Sara Samadzadeh, Roy D. Sleator

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Fluid biomarkers such as Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Neurofilament Light (NfL) play important roles in the diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of therapeutic responses in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Aquaporin-4 Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (AQP4-NMOSD). These biomarkers offer key insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these diseases, enabling effective follow-up and personalized treatment approaches, which are essential for improving patient outcomes. Herein, we synthesize the structural attributes, functional roles, and clinical significance of GFAP and NfL in the context of MS and AQP4-NMOSD. We explore the critical implications of these biomarkers in disease manifestation and …

Using Phylogenetics And Floral Evolution Of Sicklebill Hummingbird-Pollinated Centropogon Subgenus Centropogon To Support Undergraduate Research, Janet Mansaray

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The genus Centropogon subgenus Centropogon, offers an ideal system for studying macroevolutionary patterns due to its diverse floral morphologies and specialized pollinator interactions. This subgenus comprises 55 species, mostly found in mid-elevation Andean forests, where many species exhibit abruptly curved flowers, often associated with pollination by sicklebill hummingbirds. Using phylogenomic approaches, we conducted the first densely sampled analysis of this group, confirming the monophyly of two sections. Our study highlighted extensive gene tree discordance, likely driven by incomplete lineage sorting. Floral curvature and inflorescence structure evolved in a correlated fashion, leading to multiple independent losses of traits linked to …

Characterization Of Dhdds Rp59 Knock-In Mouse Models Of Retinitis Pigmentosa, Mai Ngoc Nguyen

All ETDs from UAB

Cis-prenyltransferase (CPT), a prenyl chain elongation enzyme made up of two copies of dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase (DHDDS) and two copies of Nogo-B Receptor (NgBR), condenses metabolites from the mevalonate pathway to create dolichol, a sugar carrier required for glycosylation in all cells of the body. However, certain missense mutations in DHDDS cause non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP59). Three missense mutations, K42E, T206A, and R98W have been found in RP59 patients that present the cardinal phenotypes of RP – diminished ERG responses, attenuated retinal vessels, bone spicule-like pigmentation, and retinal thinning due to photoreceptor loss. However, no global changes in glycosylation are …

Evaluation Of Green Tea Yoghurt Enriched With Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei E1 Microcapsules On Macrophage M1 Profile In High Fat-Fructose Diet Mice, Esha Ardiansyah, Nur Alfi Maghfirotus Sa’Adah, Rahmi Izati, Belinda Nabiila Al Faizah, Dawama Nur Fadlilah, Septhyanti Aprilia Kavitarna, Mochammad Fitri Atho’Illah, Siti Nur Arifah, Yoga Dwi Jatmiko, Muhaimin Rifa’I

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Obesity is caused by an energy imbalance that increases chronic low-grade inflammation, including macrophage cell infiltration. Adipose tissue macrophages are polarized into pro-inflammatory macrophage type 1 (M1), secrete large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activate transcription factors. Yoghurt with probiotics is popular at all ages for its health benefits and must be protected by microencapsulation. Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) fortification provides yoghurt nutrients while improving its functional qualities and bioactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of microencapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei E1 in green tea yoghurt (GTY) on the profile of M1 macrophages in mice fed a …

Metabolic And Physiological Characteristics Of Diet Manipulation And Genetic Modification In Two Rat Models Of Aging, Soe Maung Maung Phone Myint

All ETDs from UAB

As society and human civilization advances, humans have begun to live longer and most people live to be longer than 60, which was not the case several decades ago. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), by the turn of the next decade at 2030, 1 in 6 people will be 60 years or older, accounting for almost 1.4 billion people. Aging affects people differently but in general, it has a propensity to induce widespread and progressive molecular and cellular damage which leads to a myriad of diseases and eventually death. The greatest risk factor for most of the chronic diseases …

Role Of Ring-Box E3 Ligases In Runx2 And Sp7 Protein Turnover During Osteoblast Differentiation, Abeera Sikandar

All ETDs from UAB

The bone matrix synthesis by osteoblast during skeletogenesis is regulated by several transcription factors and signaling pathways. Runx2 and Sp7 are master regulators of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Deletion of both genes in mice results in the complete failure of ossification. In humans, Sp7 and Runx2 genes mutations cause osteogenesis imperfecta and cleidocranial dysplasia, respectively. The progression of osteoblast differentiation requires a coordinated and temporal expression of Runx2 and Sp7 genes. Posttranslational modifications regulate the cellular levels and function of Runx2 and Sp7 proteins. Ubiquitination controls protein turnover through targeted degradation. The multi-subunit SCF-complex is the largest class of …

The Evolutionary Ecology Of Reproductive System Variation In Haploid-Diploid Freshwater Red Macroalgae, Sarah Connelly

All ETDs from UAB

Reproductive systems describe the relative rates of sexual versus asexual reproduction and selfing versus outcrossing, governing the transmission of genetic diversity between generations and shaping evolutionary responses to environmental change. Though sex has inherent costs, it contributes to the reproductive system for most eukaryotes, generating incredible life cycle diversity. Life cycles are expected to be correlated with different reproductive systems. Diploid life cycles should be associated with outcrossing, whereas life cycles with a long-lived haploid phase are hypothesized to be associated with selfing and asexual reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we used ten polymorphic microsatellite loci to genotype 311 gametophytes …

Single Nucleus Multiomics Reveals The Drought-Driven Gene Regulatory Atlas In Arabidopsis, Jinbao Liu

All ETDs from UAB

The regulation of gene expression in plant responses to drought has been thoroughly in-vestigated in previous studies. Despite this, a detailed understanding of the cell type-specific regulatory mechanisms, encompassing multi-layered biological processes, is lack-ing. In this study, we report the use of single nucleus multiomic analysis in Arabidopsis seedlings in response to drought stress. Our single-nuclei RNA (snRNA) analysis deline-ated 14 distinct clusters representing major root and shoot cell types and discovered new cell type-specific drought markers. Integration of snRNA with single-nuclei ATAC (snATAC) data in leaf epidermis, root endodermis, and guard cells revealed accessible chromatin regions (ACRs)-linked genes predominantly …

Metal-Rich Lacustrine Sediments From Legacy Mining Perpetuate Copper Exposure To Aquatic-Riparian Food Webs, Brittany G. Perrotta, Karen A. Kidd, Kate M. Campbell, Marie-Noële Croteau, Tyler J. Kane, Amy Marcarelli, R Blaine Mccleskey, Gordon Paterson, Craig A. Stricker, David M. Walters

Michigan Tech Publications

Historic copper mining left a legacy of metal-rich tailings resulting in ecological impacts along and within Torch Lake, an area of concern in the Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA. Given the toxicity of copper to invertebrates, this study assessed the influence of this legacy on present day nearshore aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We measured the metal (Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd) and metalloid (As) concentrations in sediment, pore water, surface water, larval and adult insects, and two riparian spider taxa collected from Torch Lake and a nearby reference lake. Overall, elevated metal and metalloid concentrations, particularly Cu, were measured in all …

Fta™ Card Use For Detection Of Mycoplasma Gallisepticum In Wild Birds, Linda Purvis, Dawn E.W. Drumtra

Georgia Journal of Science

Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards are increasingly accepted as an accurate method for nucleic acid detection, including testing for the presence of various avian diseases. However, the accuracy of FTA cards for detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in wild birds has not been published. Traditional techniques for testing MG in birds include serum plate agglutanation (SPA), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) all of which are time consuming and require significant financial investment into specialized equipment. We tested the efficacy of using FTA cards to detect MG in wild bird carcasses collected in …

Development And Characterization Of Sodium Alginate-Based Active Edible Films Functionalized With Olive Mill Wastewater Extract, Nassima Hadri, Mohamed Didi Ould El-Hadj, Zineb Mahcene, Fatih Bozkurt, Rusen Metin Yildirim, Youcef Rahmani, Aicha Tedjani, Muhammet Arici

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater (PCO) of Algerian origin were used to produce sodium alginate-based active films using the casting method. The effects of adding various concentrations of PCO (0%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v) were evaluated regarding the molecular, morphological, thermal, physicochemical, optical, barrier, biodegradability, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of the alginate films. The FTIR and SEM results elucidated the development of a coherent cross-linked structure attributed to hydrogen bonding interactions between PCO and alginate chains. Consequently, the films exhibited enhanced crystallinity and thermal stability, as revealed by DSC analysis. Moreover, PCO addition positively influenced several film properties, including …

Acute Toxicity Of Chlorimuron-Ethyl To Daphnia Magna, Jack H. Bagwell

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The acute toxicity of a sulfonylurea herbicide, chlorimuron ethyl, to Daphnia magna was determined experimentally using acute toxicity tests.

On Solving Differential Equations Describing The Ecology Of Shallow Lakes: A Comparison Of Classical And Modern Computational Methods Through Python, Vruddhi Kapre, Jeffrey R. Anderson, Alessandro Maria Selvitella

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

In this exposition paper, we describe some computational methodologies to solve numerically differential equations modeling the shallow lake ecosystem, with particular focus on the dynamics of the phosphorus. We describe in detail Python implementations of classical algorithms, like Runge-Kutta, and more modern approaches, including physics-informed neural networks.

Circadian And Age-Related Variations Of Amino Acids Levels In Drosophila Brains: Correlations And Descriptive Dimensions, Sandrine Parrot, Jacob Crehan, Chloé Aman, Philippe De Deurwaerdère, Matthew S. Thimgan, Laurent Seugnet

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

A comprehensive view of whole-brain amino acid levels holds the potential to provide valuable insights into the brain's state, given the mutual interconnections through metabolism, food intake, and neurotransmission. We tested this concept by evaluating free amino acid levels in single Drosophila brains across 24 h and at two different ages. A large proportion of these amino acids displayed time-of-day variations, and a subset exhibited age-dependent variations. Cross-correlation analysis of the data sets confirmed broad time-of-day and age dependent interconnections between amino acids. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data revealed further data structuration along key amino acids. For example, 50% of …

Dataset Supporting "Functional Trait Responses Of Alternanthera Philoxeroides To Increasing Salinity: Stress Tolerance, Avoidance And Escape Strategies Support Invasiveness With Sea Level Rise, Brenda J. Grewell*, Blanca Gallego-Tévar, Jesús M. Castillo, Caryn J. Futrell, Rebecca E. Drenovsky, Nathan E. Harms, Paul D. Pratt

Alligator Weed Salinity Exp for NeoBiota

No abstract provided.

Neuroma Prevention By Nerve To Artery Coaptation: A Pilot Study, Tyler D. Ragsdale, Peter K. Firouzbakht, Benjamin A. Nwadike, Grant R. Kolar, John Tracy Watson, Vikas Dhawan

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Purpose: Neuroma formation is a notable complication that can occur following amputation. Newer techniques are proving to be successful in preventing neuroma formation by providing the proximal nerve segment with an end organ to help with organized growth. Redirecting arterial blood flow to the nerve endings may be an effective mechanism of preventing neuroma formation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that by coapting the proximal end of a transected nerve with a functional artery as a vascular end organ, neuroma formation can be prevented. Methods: Six Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the control and experimental groups. Subjects …

Bioinformatics Analysis Of The Mbl2 Missense Variants Associated With Cystic Fibrosis, Elaine Vanterpool, Kiar-Ra Cameron

Student Posters

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease commonly recognized by thick mucus and loud coughs. The manifestation of these symptoms is due to the inability of chloride ions to diffuse out of the cell. Thus, preventing osmosis resulting in a thick mucus on the lung’s surface. Those who suffer from this disease have difficulty breathing and require a modulator with a vest to increase gas exchange in the lungs. Moreover, the disease can result in much pain due to coughs, which destroys ciliated epithelial cells. Patients who have cystic fibrosis can suffer from pneumonia and other bronchial infections. They …

Pregnancy And Postpartum Effects Of Electronic Cigarettes On Maternal Health And Vascular Function In The Fourth Trimester, Amber Mills, Duaa Dakhlallah, Anand Ranpara, W. Travis Goldsmith, Paul D. Chantler, Yue-Wern Huang, Jonathan Boyd, I. Mark Olfert

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time with significant cardiovascular changes that can lead to adverse outcomes, which can extend into the postpartum window. Exposure to emissions from electronic cigarettes (Ecig), commonly known as "vaping," has an adverse impact on cardiovascular function during pregnancy and post-natal life of offspring, but the postpartum effects on maternal health are poorly understood. We used a Sprague Dawley rat model, where pregnant dams are exposed to Ecigs between gestational day (GD)2-GD21 to examine postpartum consequences. Litter and dam health were monitored during the weaning period, and maternal vascular and endocrine function were assessed after weaning. Exposure …

Investigating The Impact Of Roundup® Exposure On Hearing In Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Joshua W. Adams, Daniel E. Holt

CSU Tower Day

Tower Day 2025 Undergraduate Poster 3rd place Winner

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) such as Roundup® are used extensively worldwide, yet their potential to disrupt fish sensory physiology has remained relatively unexplored. Previous studies have established that glyphosate exposure can induce various neurotoxic effects in fish and other vertebrates—ranging from oxidative stress to altered neurotransmitter systems and anxiogenic-like responses. Despite these documented impacts, no published research has directly assessed whether glyphosate compromises auditory function in fish.

Here, we address this knowledge gap by examining the hearing sensitivity of farm- raised Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) following a 96-hour exposure to Roundup® (3 mg/L …

Measuring Spatial And Temporal Variation In Species Composition Of Ephemeral Pond Amphibian Assemblages Using Metabarcoding, Elizabeth Strasko

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Amphibian populations worldwide face severe threats, heightening the need for reliable monitoring methods. In this thesis, I explored and tested environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding protocols to survey amphibian assemblages in ephemeral ponds of the the Green River Preserve in central Kentucky, USA. First, I evaluated whether the commonly used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene could effectively capture species-level variation in local amphibians for eDNA metabarcoding. Extensive primer design and testing revealed significant challenges in amplifying fragmented eDNA from water samples. In a second study, I applied a metabarcoding approach using the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S) gene …

A Phylogeographic Study Of The Kentucky Endemic Cave Beetle Neaphaenops Tellkampfii Erichson (1844), Mahamad Miya

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cave beetles are an excellent group to study evolutionary history and speciation by isolation within cave habitats. However, they are underrepresented in such studies, particularly in North America, one of the hotspots of cave biodiversity where beetles account for a significant proportion. The present research addresses this issue by focusing on the Kentucky endemic cave beetle, Neaphaenops tellkampfii, a species hypothesized to comprise four subspecies. Based on allozyme data, previous studies have noted high genetic variation within and high similarity among local populations of this beetle, suggesting complex evolutionary dynamics. In this regard, this study aims to elucidate the evolutionary …

Mutations In The Pms1 Gene Associating With Ovarian Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Erin Hough

Student Posters

The female reproductive system contains two ovaries on each side of the uterus, producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow and divide uncontrollably, destroying healthy body tissue. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include weight loss, fatigue, discomfort in the pelvic area, or changes in bowel habits. The goal of this research is to understand and identify the pathogenicity of the PMS1 gene in ovarian cancer and factors associated specifically with the mutation.

The Influence Of Mef2c Variants On Autism Development, Elaine Vanterpool, Maya O’Reilly

Student Posters

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and behave, with about 1 in 54 children in the U.S. being diagnosed. This study looks at the MEF2C gene and its possible link to ASD.

Which Of The Environmental Aspects Affecting The Gut Microbiome Of The Neonate Has The Largest Lifelong Impact?, Roza Heershzon

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The development of new DNA sequencing techniques has led to new discoveries on the gut microbiome’s critical influence on metabolic processes and immune development. Therefore, understanding the most influential factors in the development of the gut microbiome during early infancy, which impacts the individual’s long-term health, is vital. This paper explores how environmental factors, including delivery method and nutrition, shape the gut microbiome’s devel- opment in early life. In addition, it discusses their long-term health implications. The paper highlights how the mode of delivery significantly affects initial microbial colonization. Vaginal births promote a microbial community that is rich in beneficial …

Investigating The Interactions Between Elm1 And Hsl7 In The Morphogenesis Checkpoint Of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Rachel Foster

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cell shape is essential to understanding the normal regulatory processes that occur within the cell and can indicate there are abnormalities present when there is dysfunction in the cell's development, which can have broader implications regarding human disease. The morphogenesis pathway couples cell division to the timely formation of a daughter bud in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and consists of Elm1, Hsl1, Hsl7, and Swe1 proteins which interact with septins at the bud neck to provide stability for the bud and to facilitate cell division. Elm1 is needed for the recruitment of Hsl1 and subsequently Hsl7. Hsl7 will then tether Swe1 to …