Biology Commons^™

Friend And Foe: Tgf-Beta, Its Role In Tumor Development, And An Analysis Of Chung Et Al. (2018), Yosef Sonbolian

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This paper will analyze an important study performed by Chung et al. (2018) regarding transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta), which plays an important role in various cellular processes. Paradoxically, TGF-beta plays a different role in the development of cancer at various points. In early-stage tumors, TGF-beta has been known to inhibit cancer growth, but in later stages, it acts as a cancer promoter. Chung et al. (2018) attempted to ascertain the efficaciousness of the drug Sorafenib in suppressing TGF-beta responses, as well as the ways that this drug achieves its goal and the implications that their findings may have for future …

Validation Of Non-Invasive Methods For The Measurement Of Gonadal And Inter-Renal Steroid Hormones In A Desert-Adapted Amphibian (Scaphiopus Couchii), Alexander T. Baugh, Callie Cho , '23, Alice Onyango-Opiyo , '23, Sophie A. Rodner , '25, Senna Mieth , '25, Daniel Oakes , '24, Liam Halstead , '25

Biology Faculty Works

For aquatic and semi-aquatic vertebrates like amphibians, it is possible to estimate excreted hormone levels using non-invasive methods such as waterborne and salivary sampling. These techniques allow monitoring of endocrine activity over varying, repeated and simultaneous integration periods while minimizing handling-related stress that can ‘contaminate’ hormone estimates, including estimates of baseline glucocorticoids. Here we have validated the extraction and quantification of three steroid hormones (corticosterone, CORT; 17-b estradiol, E₂; testosterone, TST) in Couch’s spadefoots (Scaphiopus couchii)—a desert-adapted anuran of special interest for physiology, evolution and conservation—using non-invasive waterborne and minimally invasive salivary hormone methods. We combined extraction and …

Noncoding Rnas In Nuclear Organization, Thembalami Dube , '24, Dawn M. Carone

Biology Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Recruitment, Reprogramming, And Function Of Trpv1+ Sensory Nerves In The Development And Progression Of Head And Neck Cancer, Anthony Restaino

Dissertations and Theses

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are an epithelial cancer prevalent across the world and are divided into two subcategories: human papillomavirus-mediated (HPV+) and carcinogen-mediated (HPV-) HNSCC. These subgroups have distinct patient populations, divergent responses to therapy, and prognoses, however the foundational mechanisms that facilitate these differences are not well understood or defined. Recently, the presence and function of sensory neurons within the tumor environment of various solid tumors has been identified and investigated. Herein, we identify differences in the presence of TRPV1+ sensory neurons and neuron structures in the tumor environment of HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC, correlating with …

What Are The Genetic Influences Of Alcohol Sensitivity And Alcohol Metabolism? A Narrative Review Of Human Studies, Erwin Murray, Karen G. Chartier Phd, Msw

UROP Posters

Background: Alcohol sensitivity and alcohol metabolism are two phenotypes associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) influenced by genetics. This narrative review aims to answer “What are the genetic influences of alcohol sensitivity and alcohol metabolism?” to gain a better understanding of the genetic aspects of AUD.

Methods: A database search was performed in PubMed. Empirical human genetic studies published between 2009 and 2025 that focused on alcohol sensitivity (measured by the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol scale) or alcohol-metabolizing genes were eligible for review. Studies were screened to determine inclusion for the current review.

Findings: Fifteen …

Evaluating The Condition Of Age-0 Burbot In Relation To Diet, Cian Verbridge

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Burbot are becoming more and more popular for angling and aquaculture. However, populations have been declining across the world. Very little information is available about their early life and their interactions in the ecosystem due to challenges in sampling. Condition estimates and diet metrics were used to better understand the status of burbot in Lake Bemidji. Using backpack electrofishing, 45 young of the year burbot were collected. The lengths ranged from 86 to 146 mm and the wet weights ranged from 4.29 to 24.36 g. The stomach contents were removed and stored in ethanol for later analysis. The burbot were …

Modeling Wild Rice Bed Health: A Dual Metric Approach For Bed Strength And Invasive Impact, Seth Sisneros-Martinez

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Wild rice (mannoomin; Zizania palustris) is an aquatic grain that grows in slow-moving rivers and shallow bays throughout northern Minnesota. In Headquarters Bay on Leech Lake, wild rice has served as a cultural staple for Indigenous communities for centuries. However, its population has declined in recent years due to multiple environmental issues. One potential contributor is Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum; EWM), an invasive species that forms dense mats capable of outcompeting native aquatic vegetation, including wild rice. EWM was first recorded on the southern shoreline of Leech Lake in 2005 and has since become widespread. This study …

René Dubos: An Annotated Bibliography, Carol L. Moberg

René Dubos: An Annotated Bibliography

René Dubos (1901–1982), a prominent 20th century scientist, humanist, and philosopher, was a prolific author. Affiliated for more than 50 years with The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research/The Rockefeller University, his studies ranged from antibiotics and the role of bacteria in human diseases to formulating broad ecological and environmental questions affecting human health and disease. His seminal writings explore a lifelong belief that a living organism—whether microbe, human being, society, or the Earth itself—could be understood only through its relationships with everything else.

This comprehensive bibliography of more than a thousand works by René Dubos includes brief annotations for each …

The Effect Of Zebra Mussels On Minnesota Fish Communities, Benjamin D. Strei

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha are an aquatic invasive species that has been spreading quickly throughout Minnesota water bodies since 1989. Zebra mussels are known to change certain morphological conditions in lakes such as turbidity, phytoplankton abundance, and aquatic invertebrate populations. However, studies showing impacts of the infestation of zebra mussels on the health of a fish community have been hard to prove due to a lack of repeated surveys and a suite of other confounding variables such as natural and seasonal variability, plant community, and lake morphometry. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine whether zebra mussels have …

Identification Of Benzothiophene-Derived Inhibitors Of Flaviviruses By Targeting Rna-Dependent Rna Polymerase, Leah Liu Wang, Shazeed-Ul Karim, Aidan Hand, Ryan Brunkhorst, Mackenna Petersen, Sarah Altam, Yi Liu, Luwen Zhang, Fengwei Bai, Shi-Hua Xiang

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Flaviviruses such as Dengue, West Nile, and Zika viruses are mosquito-borne RNA viruses that can cause serious diseases in humans. To develop effective drugs for treating these viruses’ infections, we create a new approach for developing common or shared drugs that may work for several different viral species of flaviviruses. It is based on the conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is the key enzyme for viral replication. We built up a common structure of RdRps (POLcon) from their consensus sequence. A conserved Triple-D structural motif was identified at the active site of POLcon that has been used for virtual …

Movement And Activity Of Burbot, (Mizay; Lota Lota) In A Spring-Fed Minnesota Lake, Abigail M. Fountain

Biology Graduate Theses

Burbot (Mizay; Lota lota) are a relatively unmanaged freshwater fish, important in many local Indigenous cultures, but often overlooked or maltreated in research, conservation, and fishing practices. As such, relatively little research has been conducted on Burbot, despite ecological significance as an indicator species. A recent resurgence in popularity as a target species, however, has prompted new research to inform management policies. The objectives of this study were to summarize Burbot movement by identifying patterns in swimming activity and identify possible predictors of the movement observed. This study investigated the movements of 39 individuals implanted with acoustic transmitters in Bad …

Analysis Of Mutations In Bmpr2 Gene Associated With Hypertension, Elaine Vanterpool, Keury C. Ruiz

Student Posters

Mutations in the BMPR2 gene are primarily recognized for their role in the development of blood vessels, however, they have also been associated with the pathogenesis of high blood pressure, specifically in regards to altered vascular function and the endothelial cell signal. Early detection and targeted treatment, as well as lifestyle changes, are pivotal in reducing the risk of serious complications associated with high blood pressure. Recent genetic research and personalized medicine have demonstrated the potential to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high blood pressure, particularly through the identification of genetic mutations in the BMPR2 gene.

Analyzing The Inhibition Of Chemical Compounds On Protease In P. Aeruginosa, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, bacillus-shaped opportunistic pathogen, notorious for invading immunocompromised individual leading to secondary infections. These opportunistic microbes typically are implicated mild to more severe infections including burn or wound infections to more serious systemic infections. The bacterium Ps. aeruginosa utilizes a variety of virulence factors to enhance the pathogenicity of the organism. Virulence factors secreted by Ps. aeruginosa include its pili, adhesins, capsule, exotoxin A, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The proteases produced by Ps. aeruginosa are powerful virulence factors that can lead to tissue destruction and immune invasion. It is imperative that we find ways of regulating the …

Gata1 Gene Variants Associated With Myeloproliferative Syndrome And Its Impact On Hematopoiesis, Elaine Vanterpool, Marliza Mendez Del Orbe

Student Posters

Myeloproliferative syndrome (MPS) are rare blood cancers that originate from an abnormal mutation in a stem cell within the bone marrow, leading to excessive production of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. These disorders affect approximately 20,000 individuals annually in the United States, with around 295,000 people currently living with the condition. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the pathogenicity of GATA1 gene variants associated with MPS.

An Analysis Of Ftl Variants Associated With Cataracts Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Joram Kisaka

Student Posters

Cataract is an eye disease that clouds the eye's natural lens, which is used to focus light on the retina. This eye disease causes symptoms such as blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are tied to the gene called Ferritin Light Chain (FLT), which is found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and plays a role in encoding the light subunits of the ferritin protein. The purpose of this research study was to identify the Ferritin Light Chain mutations that cause cataracts.

An Examination Of Lacc1 Variants Linked To Rheumatoid Arthritis, Elaine Vanterpool, Rochelle Gunter

Student Posters

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease with an annual diagnosis rate of 70 cases per 100,000 people. This is a disease that is usually identified by the abnormal entry of immune cells, such as B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and innate lymphoid cells, into the synovial tissues of the joints. When these immune cells infiltrate the joints, they can become too active, thereby contributing to the chronic inflammatory response characteristic of the disease. The objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the pathogenic potential of LACC1 variants implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis. Simple ClinVar identified LACC1 as a …

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

Student Posters

Breast cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in women in the United States (Mayo Clinic). Cancer is the overproduction of cells. In other words, cancer-infected cells continue to grow and may cause large growths called tumors. Although there have been innumerable strides in breast cancer research, the exact cause for breast cancer is not yet known (Mayo Clinic). It is believed that factors such as family history of the disease, early menstruation age, and obesity can increase an individual’s chances of having breast cancer. One of the well-known genes associated with breast cancer is BRCA1. A much less researched …

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

Student Posters

The androgen receptor (AR) is a steroid-hormone activated transcription factor that regulates gene expression in response to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While AR has been extensively studied in prostate cancer, emerging research suggests its role in breast cancer, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study investigates AR variants associated with breast cancer, assessing their pathogenicity and potential impact on prognosis and treatment.

Study Of Myl3 Mutation Variants And Their Association With Cardiac Amyloidosis, Elaine Vanterpool, Kyla Tucker

Student Posters

Cardiac Amyloidosis is a rare serious, pathological, clinical progressive disease that is caused by the buildup of amyloid fibrils deposited at the cardiac level. The excess amyloid fibrils deposited in the myocardium leads to this critical condition. Cardiac amyloidosis is best treated when diagnosed in its initial stages. The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the clinical significance and pathogenicity of the Myosin light chain 3 (MYL3) its variants, and the potential link to cardiac amyloidosis. For this study, Simple ClinVar was utilized to identify MYL3 as one of the genes correlated with Cardiac Amyloidosis and variants. …

Silver Nanoparticles And Natural Compounds Can Modulate Proteolytic Activities Of Escherichia Coli, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium that naturally resides in the human gastrointestinal tract as a commensal microorganism. While non-pathogenic strains contribute to digestion and vitamin production, certain pathogenic strains can cause a wide range of diseases, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe illness. A key factor in its pathogenicity is the production of protease enzymes that break down proteins which play a crucial role in bacterial survival and virulence. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different antibacterial compounds in inhibiting the function of both secreted and cell-associated E. coli protease activity.

Analysis Of Kcnj2 Variants Associated With Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Kerenlaime Bautista

Student Posters

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a cardiac disorder characterized by an accessory electrical pathway, leading to tachycardia and arrhythmias. It is diagnosed via electrocardiogram (ECG), showing a shortened PR interval and delta wave. WPW is typically managed with medications, catheter ablation, or surgery. Although primarily caused by anatomical anomalies, emerging research suggests genetic factors, including ion channel mutations, may contribute to the condition. The KCNJ2 gene encodes an inward-rectifier potassium channel critical for cardiac excitability. Mutations in KCNJ2 are linked to Andersen-Tawil syndrome, a disorder featuring arrhythmias and muscle weakness, raising questions about its role in WPW. This study investigates whether …

An Analysis Of Htt Involvement In Huntington’S Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Micah Andrews

Student Posters

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of striatal neurons. These striatal neurons are essential in cognition, motor function, decision-making, motivation, reinforcement, and reward perception. Affected individuals may show symptoms such as isolation, lack of motivation, depression, mood swings, and personality changes. This study’s purpose is to analyze and highlight the variants of the HTT gene in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease.

An Analysis Of Dnajc13 Variants Associated With Parkinson’S Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Rhadames M. Batista-Mendez

Student Posters

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor impairments such as tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. Affecting millions worldwide, PD has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to identify and assess the pathogenicity of DNAJC13 variants associated with Parkinson's disease.

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

Student Posters

Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome(MDDS) is a clinically heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorders that reduces the number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the affected cells. This disease is characterized by the disruption of hepatocytes, skeletal muscle, and cerebral function. This study's purpose is to identify and assess the pathogenicity of DGUOK variants associated with MDDS.

Analysis Of Dmd Variants Associated With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Elaine Vanterpool, K’Sia Byass

Student Posters

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder that causes muscle weakness. This disease is characterized by frequent falls, difficulty walking, running, jumping, or scoliosis. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 1 in every 5000 boys worldwide causes a gene tic mutation that prevents the production of dystrophin. This study aims to identify and assess the pathogenicity of DMD variants associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Genetic mutations responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have been reported. Studies regarding DMD and its specific role in causing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have been reported to be accurate and effective. X-linked inheritance patterns are applied to this disease's …

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

Student Posters

One of the biggest mysteries of cancer today is Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastomas are malignancies originating from the early nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system, often known as neuroblasts. Neuroblasts can occur anywhere throughout the sympathetic nervous system. About one-third of infants are diagnosed with neuroblastoma by the time they turn one year old and the disease frequently starts in infancy. By the age of five, almost 75% have a diagnosis. Neuroblastomas are present in some newborns, but they are not identified until later, when the child or infant starts exhibiting symptoms. Adult cases of NB are quite rare. The majority …

Novel Infection By Mucor Hiemalis Kills Caenorhabditis Hosts Through Intestinal Perforation, Jay Ni

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a popular model system to investigate cell biology and host-pathogen interactions. Presently, C. elegans is studied as a natural host of intracellular pathogens such as microsporidia and Orsay virus along with extracellular bacterial and fungal pathogens. The use of C. elegans as a model in host-pathogen research is limited by the number of naturally occurring pathogens to the organism. Through a sampling project to identify new pathogens of C. elegans, we identified the fungus Mucor hiemalis as a pathogen of Caenorhabditis species. We observed the fungus in the intestinal lumen of wild-caught …

Silver Nanoparticles And Vanillin Can Inhibit Collagenase Activities Of Serratia Marcescens, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

Serratia marcescens is a gram-negative, disease-causing agent that belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. This rod-shaped microbe causes many infectious diseases such as urinary and respiratory infections, wound infections, and peritonitis, which can result in fatal bacteremia. Protease is a virulence factor of S. marcescens that enhances its pathogenicity by breaking down proteins via cleavage of peptide bonds. The purpose of this research is to identify testing agents that reduce the protease mediated pathogenicity of S. marcescens

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

Student Posters

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic illness with high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Over time, this condition can cause major harm to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Around 830 million people in the world with diabetes reside in low- and middle-income environments (World Health Organization). This study aims to identify and assess the pathogenicity of APPL1 variants associated with diabetes.

Implications Of Pik3ca On Breast And Ovarian Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Kaylani Krigger

Student Posters

Breast and ovarian cancer are two of the most prevalent diseases affecting women. Ovarian cancer is a disease defined by the presence of tumors in the ovaries. Breast cancer is the uncontrollable cell growth of breast tissue leading to tumor formation. BRCA 1/2, PALB2, TP53, and PTEN are common gene mutations found present in breast and ovarian cancer. The PIK3CA gene mutation is less frequent, however, its mutations are almost exclusively tied to breast and ovarian cancer. Forty percent (40%) of breast cancers and thirty percent (30%) of ovarian cancers have a mutation in the PIK3CA/AKT signaling pathway (Chen et …