Biology Commons^™

Role Of The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) In Cellular Response To Novel Chemotherapeutic Compounds, Alexis Fagg '28, Jacoba Hensley '27, Emma Krsak '28

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the United States and around the world, with approximately 320,000 new cases estimated to be diagnosed, and over 40,000 cancer-related deaths estimated in 2026 (American Cancer Society, Key Statistics for Breast Cancer). While cancer treatments have improved significantly in the past decade, particularly in the area of immunotherapy, these therapies are not effective in solid tumors like breast cancer. There are many therapeutic options for early-stage breast cancer, but new therapeutic options continue to be necessary, particularly to prevent progression of cancers and to treat advanced, metastatic tumors. …

Comparative Analysis Of Bacterial Recbcd And Sbcc-Sbcd Systems And The Yeast Mre11-Rad50 Complex During Dna Replication, Tannos Seyedjavadi

Dissertations and Theses

Accurate completion of DNA replication when forks converge is essential for genome stability. In Escherichia coli, several proteins have been identified including RecG, ExoI, RecBCD, and SbcCD, that contribute to completing replication, and loss of these factors causes genetic instability. Eukaryotes encode proteins with homology to several E. coli completion enzymes. Mre11–Rad50 complex is structurally and functionally conserved with bacterial SbcCD, and Rrm3 shares homologous motifs with bacterial RecBCD. These proteins are often described as being involved in homologous double strand break repair. Whether they are also conserved and play a similar role as their E. coli counterparts in …

Characterization Of Srsf1’S Functions In Transcription And Alternative Splicing, Elena Bisotto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Serine/Arginine splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) is an RNA-binding protein (RBP) that serves as a central regulator of RNA biogenesis. SRSF1 has been implicated in cell replication, motility, ageing, immune function, and other physiological processes, while its dysregulation is associated with multiple cancers and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we characterized the global impact and structural requirements of SRSF1-mediated gene regulation to elucidate its proto-oncogenic functions.

Utilizing a time-course RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach in HEK293 cells, we identified 28 primary transcriptional targets of SRSF1, 18 of which were consistently upregulated in the established cancer cell models PC-3 and MCF-7. These targets …

Host-Derived Interleukin-1Α Drives Tumor Immunosuppression By Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells, Manikanda Raja Keerthi Raja, Gourab Gupta, Grace Atkinson, Katie Kathrein, Alissa R. Armstrong, R. Michael Gower, Igor Roninson Ph.D., Eugenia Broude, Mengqian Chen Ph.D., Hao Ji, Chang-Uk Lim, Hongjun Wang, Daping Fan, Peisheng Xu Ph.D., Hexin Chen

Faculty Publications

Myeloid cells are highly heterogeneous and play key roles in establishing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), but the mechanisms controlling their differentiation remain unclear. Using orthotopic murine breast cancer models, we investigated how interleukin-1α (IL-1α) influences this process. Deletion of host Il1α resulted in rejection of transplanted tumors. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified CX3CR1⁺ macrophages as the main source of IL-1α in the TME. Il1α deficiency disrupted monocyte–macrophage differentiation, reducing CX3CR1⁺ macrophages and increasing iNOS⁺ macrophages. Myeloid cells from Il1α⁻/⁻ hosts induced lower PD-1 and CTLA-4 expression in co-cultured CD8⁺ T cells than those from wild-type hosts. CellChat analysis showed …

Exploring The Synergistic Effects Of Cisplatin And Curcumin In Osteosarcoma Cells, Ellis Stafford, Alexa Cabral, Andrea Florian Ph.D., Reese Nagy

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer characterized by rapid metastasis, which drastically reduces patient survival rates from 70% in localized cases to 30% upon metastasis. Current treatments combining chemotherapy with cisplatin and surgical intervention are often ineffective against metastatic OS and are associated with significant side effects. Cisplatin targets cancer cells by binding to DNA, disrupting transcription and replication, and inducing apoptosis. To address the challenges associated with current treatments, this study investigates the potential of combining cisplatin with curcumin, the bioactive compound derived from turmeric, as a novel therapeutic approach. Curcumin has shown anticancer properties by inducing …

Exploring Shootin1’S Oncogenic Role Within Fgfr2 Gene Fusions, Volkan Ergi̇n, Mutlu Erdoğan, Ekrem Yaşar, Sika Zheng

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) gene fusions are recognized as pivotal oncogenic drivers, contributing to cancer initiation and progression across diverse malignancies. These fusions often represent significant therapeutic targets, particularly in challenging malignancies like cholangiocarcinoma. This study aimed to characterize the novel FGFR2::SHTN1 fusion, identify it as a de novo chimeric protein, and elucidate its precise oncogenic mechanism. Materials and methods: FGFR2::SHTN1 fusions were identified via cancer genomics databases and modeled using AlphaFold and HADDOCK. SHTN1 variants were expressed in Neuro-2a cells for coimmunoprecipitation, purification, and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to assess oligomerization. Structural modeling included membrane embedding with …

(Si15-107) Mathematical Modeling Of Cancer Dynamics Stability Analysis Of Post Therapy Protection, Rajendran Swetha, Tharmalingam Gunasekar, Kamalendra Kumar, Krishnasamy Sakthivel

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The study of PSITPS mathematical model is developed to analyze cancer dynamics, focusing on post-therapy protection. The model’s solution is rigorously examined for boundedness and positivity of solutions. Equilibrium points are identified, and numerical methods are employed to study stability. Simulations using accurate cancer data demonstrate the effectiveness of post-treatment protection in controlling cancer spread and minimizing recurrence. Stability analysis confirms the model’s predictive capability, offering valuable insights into long-term patient outcomes. The results highlight the importance of continuous post-treatment care in improving survival rates and reducing disease prevalence. This study provides a framework for optimizing cancer treatment strategies by …

Multiscale Modelling Of Eg5: Structural Insights Into Microtubule Interactions, Atp Hydrolysis, And Allosteric Inhibition Mechanisms, Soundarya Priya Alexandar Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The mitotic kinesin EG5 is essential for spindle bipolarity and accurate chromosome segregation during cell division, making it a validated anti-cancer target. Unlike conventional microtubule-targeting agents, EG5 inhibitors offer mitosis-specific action, reducing neurotoxicity. Although inhibitors targeting EG5’s allosteric site-I have been extensively studied, mechanistic insights into inhibition at site-II, and their combined effects, remain underexplored. This thesis systematically investigates the structural and dynamic mechanisms underlying EG5 function and its inhibition using an integrative computational approach.

Conformational analysis, coarse-grained dynamics, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and protein network analysis were performed on EG5 motor domain structures and EG5-microtubule complexes. Results show that …

In Silico Investigation Of The Anticancer Activity Of Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloids Targeting The Monoamine Oxidase A Enzyme, Reham A. Al-Anssari, Anwar H. Ali, Ola Adel Al-Saad, Shaker A.N. Al-Jadaan

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) has recently been identified as a candidate for cancer therapy due to its roles in tumor development and growth. Conventional approaches for the discovery of MAO-A inhibitors are both costly and time-consuming. The objective of this work was to apply in silico methods to predict natural isoquinoline alkaloids capable of acting as potent MAO-A inhibitors, and to establish this class of compounds as potential sources of a cost-effective anticancer therapy. Twenty-one natural isoquinoline alkaloids were subjected to a multistep computer-aided drug discovery protocol. The compounds were initially screened for pharmacokinetic (ADME), toxicity, and drug-likeliness properties by …

Phosphorylation Deficient Inducible Camp Early Repressor (Icer) Modulates Tumorigenesis And Survival In A Transgenic Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Model Of Melanoma, Justin Wheelan, Melissa Rose Spigelman, Angelo Cirinelli, James Reilly, Carlos A. Molina

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is commonly associated with mutations in the BRAF gene, particularly BRAF^V600E, which drives tumor proliferation via the ERK1/2 signaling cascade. While BRAF inhibitors initially demonstrate efficacy, therapeutic resistance remains a significant challenge. Emerging evidence implicates the cAMP signaling pathway, particularly the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and its repressor, inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), in melanoma progression and drug resistance. ICER, a transcriptional repressor regulated via Ras/MAPK-mediated phosphorylation and ubiquitination, is degraded in melanoma, undermining its tumor-suppressive role. In a braf^V600E; p53 (loss of function) transgenic zebrafish ( …

A Bitter Brew For Cancer: Egcg’S Impact On Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Lizzeth Holguin, Mary-Esther Leblanc, Mariana Reyes, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant found in green tea, is an abundant treatment to treat Ewing Sarcoma cells, a pediatric cancer affecting the skeletal system. Given EGCG’s known role in other cancer treatments, these tests aim to investigate its effects as a standalone natural compound on Ewing Sarcoma cells. Focusing on the PI3K/AKT pathway, if the PI3K/AKT pathway is inhibited by EGCG, then it will lead to reduced cell survival and proliferation of EW8 cells. Using cell culture techniques, IncuCyte-based IC50 analysis, caspase 3/7, RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR, EGCG’s impact was assessed on cell apoptosis and gene …

The Effect Of Epigallocatechin Gallate (Egcg) And Alpha L-Mangostin On Tp53, Bax, And Vim Gene Expression And Apoptosis In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Victoria Valdez, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing Sarcoma (ES) is a malignant pediatric bone tumor driven by chromosomal translocations and fusion oncogenes with limited targeted treatment options. This study investigated the chemopreventive potential of two natural compounds, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, and Alpha L-Mangostin from mangosteen, on apoptosis and gene expression in ES cells. We hypothesized that EGCG and Alpha L-Mangostin treatment would induce apoptosis and downregulate cancer-promoting genes. To test this, we performed tissue culture, IC50 assays, caspase-based apoptosis detection, RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR on ES cell lines treated with a high and low concentration of the two compounds. Our …

Identification Of Methylation Patterns, Associated Dna Methylating Proteins, And Methyltransferase Inhibitors On The Promoter Regions Of Dax-1, Brandon Tyler Toy

Master's Theses

The DAX-1 gene (Dosage-Sensitive Sex Reversal, Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita, Critical Region on the X chromosome, gene 1) encodes for an orphan nuclear hormone receptor and its mutation is implicated in multiple diseases including congenital adrenal hypoplasia, adrenal cancer, and breast cancer. Previous research has linked DAX-1 downregulation to tumor initiation in breast tissue, suggesting the gene acts as a tumor suppressor with respect to breast cancer. Additional studies completed by the Tzagarakis-Foster laboratory have shown that methylation of the DAX-1 promoter region is heavily influential in breast cancer development, with release of epigenetic repression resulting in slowing of cellular proliferation …

Minimal Anti-Cancer Effects Of Mushroom-Derived Compounds Hispidin And Chaga Extract On Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Jordan Cosgrove, Fiona Coulbourne, Iris Reyna, Giselle Serna-Flores, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer of adolescents and young adults driven by the EWSR1–FLI1 gene fusion. Standard treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, though survival rates remain low. Natural compounds such as hispidin, derived from fungi, and Chaga mushroom extract have shown potential anti-cancer effects by disrupting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis in other cancer models. In this study, we tested the effects of hispidin and Chaga extract on Ewing sarcoma cells to evaluate their ability to suppress cell growth and identify potential therapeutic benefits.

The Effects Of Hispidin And Eribulin Mesylate On Cell Proliferation Of Ewing Sarcoma Cell Lines, Elena Mares, Angelina Juarrita, Sierra Munoz, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer that targets the cells within bones and soft tissue and is most prevalent in younger populations. It is important to look at this specific cancer because there is no cure yet, and the risks increase, even after a patient has completed their treatment. We hypothesize that if we treat Ewing sarcoma cell lines with natural compounds, specifically Hispidin and Eribulin Mesylate, then the cell lines will decrease in cell viability and there will be an increase in apoptosis of the cancerous cell lines. We performed a series of experiments, which included IC50 analysis, …

Pan-Cancer Universal Targets For Immunotherapy Resulted From Transposable Elements Activation, Yonghao Liang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Transposable elements (TEs) contribute to nearly half of the human genome yet have been overlooked in genomic medicines due to the stereotypic impression as “junk DNA” and technical challenges. However, studies in the last two decades demonstrated that dysregulation of the epigenome in cancer cells resurrects the cis-regulatory functions of TEs, including the promoter activities. The tumor-specific TE activation events along with the resulting tumor-specific RNA and protein molecules, provide a potential “gold mine” for identifying tumor-specific therapeutic targets for cancer treatments, including immunotherapy. Here, I present a series of works to investigate the potential of providing actionable, pan-cancer, and …

Computational Design Of Potent Sirna For Braf Oncogene Silencing For Enhancing Cancer Therapy, Muhammad Hermawan Widyananda, Ricadonna Raissa

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The discovery of oncogenic BRAF mutations has prompted the development of inhibitors, yet resistance remains widespread. A more effective strategy involves targeting BRAF mRNA with siRNA to overcome resistance to BRAF inhibitors. This study aims to design potent siRNA for BRAF oncogene silencing using a computational approach. The full coding sequence of BRAF was retrieved from the NCBI database and potential siRNAs were predicted using the Ui-Tei, Reynolds, and Amarzguioui rules. Identified siRNAs were further analyzed using various prediction systems and parameters, including their interaction with the hAgo2 protein. The results identified that seven siRNAs (siRNA 23, siRNA 24, siRNA …

Exploring Ddr2’S Role In Caf Extracellular Matrix Production And Tumor Progression, Favour Ayomide Akinjiyan

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Ovarian cancer has poor survival outcomes particularly for advanced stage, metastatic disease. Metastasis is promoted by interactions of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), with tumor cells. CAFs play a key role in tumor progression by remodeling the TME and extracellular matrix (ECM) to result in a more permissive environment for tumor progression. It has been shown that fibroblasts, in particular myofibroblasts, utilize metabolism to support ECM remodeling. However, the intricate mechanisms by which CAFs support collagen production and tumor progression are poorly understood. In this study, we show that the fibrillar collagen receptor, …

Epigenetic Reprogramming In Pediatric Tumors Predicts Active Pathways In The Tumor Microenvironments, Noah Moffat, Clark Tolbert, Colin Wessman, Matthew H. Bailey

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Figure 1: We collected samples from five different studies that analyzed and generated spatial transcriptomic data from adult and pediatric brain tumors1-4.

Effects Of Round-Up On The Environment, Sandra J. Marcu

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Many people around the world have used and still currently use Roundup but are unaware of the effects it has on the environment. Roundup is a spray on application weedkiller that is widely used around the world today both residentially and commercially. It enables its user to grow a garden or a field of crops with a no-tilling approach to eliminate weeds. It is a well-known and popular choice for killing weeds that has been around since the mid 1970’s (Oca, 2017). John Franz, a Monsanto scientist discovered that glyphosate (main ingredient in Roundup) was an herbicide or weedkiller, and …

Exploration In Cell Growth: Rac3 And Its Effect On Ewing Sarcomas Tumorigenic Properties, Allie Woods, Samuel De La Cruz, Catherine Garcia, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Multiple experiments were conducted to measure the effectiveness of certain genes on cell growth. In the exploration of this process, RAC3 acted as the target gene and was applied to both SOX18 overexpressing and normal expressing cells (control). RAC3 is a gene that typically controls the intercellular signaling pathway of a cell. This means it helps with the movement of cells and allows for migration.The purpose of these experiments were to determine how the gene RAC3 would work when introduced to carcinogenic cells, specifically Ewing Sarcoma. Typically, RAC3 acts as a messenger for the cell, but when in conjunction with …

The Effect Of Knockdown Of Gene Kit On Sox18 Gene Expression Through The Jak2/Stat3 Signaling Pathway Within An Ewing Sarcoma Cell, Samantha Aragon, Cristina Herrera, Felicity Rodriguez, Riley Smith, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that affects children & adolescents. Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, yet individuals have a poor survival rate and often develop side effects from treatment, including fertility issues, secondary cancer, heart problems, and growth abnormalities.1SOX18 is a gene identified to aid in cell proliferation and cell differentiation, leading to the development of several cancers, such as gastric, bladder, and lung cancer.2,3 SOX18 resides in the JAK2/STAT3 pathway as a regulator, along with another gene named KIT that instigates the formation of the cell signaling pathway.4KIT is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, which instigates cell …

The Effects Of Ewing Sarcoma Through The Overexpression And Knockdown Of Transcription Factors Sox18 And Stat1, Victoria Castillo, Melany Cervantes, Nicole Robles, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

SOX18, a transcription factor with a DNA-binding HMG domain, plays a critical role in regulatory processes linked to cancer progression. Exhibiting oncogenic properties, SOX18 has been linked to various cancers, where it promotes tumor growth by enhancing cell invasion, uncontrolled proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis through dysregulated signaling pathways. STAT1, a protein crucial for immune system regulation, is prominently expressed in immune-associated tissues like the lymph nodes, and bone marrow, suggesting it could play a role in tumor growth. Ewing Sarcoma (EWS), an aggressive cancer that targets bone and soft tissue, carries a high mortality rate of 90% without treatment …

Epigenetic Mechanisms And Senescence In Aging And Cancer, Alla Karpova

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Aging is marked by the progressive decline of cellular and organ function. This process often manifests through DNA damage, epigenomic alterations, telomere shortening, and metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction. As DNA damage and other stressors accumulate, cells take measures to prevent malignant transformation. One such measure is cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that halts the growth of pre-malignant cells. When cells are unable to enter senescence due to high levels of genomic alterations, they typically undergo apoptosis or necrosis. However, if mutations affect key driver genes, allowing cells to evade death, they may become malignant, continuing to …

Examination Of Oncogenic Effects Of Environmental Pollutants, Andrew Ackerman, Matthew Behling, Brock Earley, Janay Vacharasin

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Chemical byproducts produced by surrounding industrial complexes have polluted the local estuaries of Georgetown, South Carolina for several decades¹. Previous studies completed by the EPA and SCDNR showed that the estuaries contained carcinogenic pollutants released from the local manufacturing plants¹. One of the mentioned pollutants was dioxins which are produced during the paper bleaching process². Dioxins are highly toxic compounds that have various carcinogenic effects on the organisms that inhabit the area. These previous studies were conducted over thirty years ago. Therefore, a current study to determine if chemical byproducts are contaminating local estuaries …

Germline Genetic Determinates Of Cancer And Pre-Malignant Conditions, Jie Liu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is a genetic disease stemming from a combination of inherited and acquired mutations. In my thesis, we sought to characterize how germline genetic variation affects acquired clonal expansions in normal tissues and its progression to malignancy. In Chapter 2, we studied the impact of germline genetic variation on clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in 731,835 individuals. We identified 22 novel CH predisposition genes, most of which predispose to CH driven by specific mutational events. CH predisposition genes contribute to unique somatic landscapes reflecting the influence of germline genetic backdrop on gene-specific CH fitness. Correspondingly, somatic-germline interactions influence the risk of CH …

Development Of A Simple And Accurate Polymerase Chain Reaction Screen For Human Papillomavirus In College Students, Emily Bishop, Owen Smith, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is, according to the CDC, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with many infections developing in a person's late teens or early 20’s. HPV is a nonenveloped, relatively small, icosahedral DNA virus that infects squamous epithelial cells. This infection can happen in genital, anal, and oral cavities. 90% of these infections will self-clear in two years according to the CDC. Of the 10% of infections that do not clear in two years, they could develop into carcinomas later in life. The goal of this developmental research is to create a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can …

The Apoptotic Effect Of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Derived Sevs On Different Types Of Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro, Naz Ünsal, Polen Koçak Deni̇zci̇, Hazal Yilmaz, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n, Merve Yildirim Canpolat

Turkish Journal of Biology

Small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) are known to have an impact on the physiological circumstances of the target cells, are a critical component of cell-to-cell communication and have been implicated in a variety of diseases. Although it has been proposed that edible plant-derived nanoparticles have effect on communication with mammalian cells, the influence of these nanoparticles on cancer cell development has yet to be explored. In order to characterize small extracellular vesicles obtained from garlic, specific SEV surface markers and antibodies and size detections were performed by using scanning electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Human hepatoma, Hep3B, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y, …

Using Rapid Protein Degradation To Determine The Effect Of Runx1 Loss-Of- Function On Dna Damage Accumulation And Repair., Jackriel Pina Morales

Theses and Dissertations

Germline mutations in RUNX1 are associated with familial platelet disorder with a predisposition to myeloid malignancy (RUNX1-FPDMM), in which patients present with low platelet counts,excessive bleeding and bruising, and an increased risk of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)/Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) development throughout their lifetime. To understand how these loss-of-function mutations in RUNX1 drive predispose to malignancy, it is important to develop a detailed understanding of the molecular basis of RUNX1 function. While RUNX1 is a transcription factor, preliminary data from our group and work from others suggests that RUNX1 also interacts with proteins that are critical for DNA damage …

Bcl2 Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery For The Treatment Of Kidney Fibrosis And Stomach Cancer, Humayra Afrin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Apoptosis, the programmed death of cells, is primarily regulated by a delicate balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals. The Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family of proteins acts as anti-apoptotic agents, promoting cell survival. Dysregulation of these proteins is a common occurrence in conditions such as cancer and fibrosis, where overexpression of anti-apoptotic members can foster tumor cell survival and fibroblast activation. In this study, our aim was to explore the therapeutic potential of Bcl-2 inhibitors, both as a small molecule (specifically Navitoclax (Navi)), inhibitor and as Bcl-2 siRNA, for targeted treatment. Intravenous administration of Navi often leads to thrombocytopenia, necessitating …