Biology Commons^™

Variability In Associations Among Seabirds And Marine Mammals: Causes And Consequences, Samantha A. Monier

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Marine predators today face multifaceted stressors from changing climate to changing prey availability, and these changes are occurring at unprecedented speeds. Any alteration to a species’ environment has the potential to disrupt social networks and thus, how animals obtain and transfer information. Interspecific social interactions in the form of local enhancement and facilitation are a critical, but not yet well-understood, component of seabird foraging; of immediate concern is that anthropogenic changes may be altering the quantity and quality of positive species interactions, with consequences for the species involved.

While we know these interactions are not immutable, less is known about …

Establishing A Murine Model Of Malaria-Associated Acute Kidney Injury And Demonstrating The Contribution Of Extrinsic Apoptosis To Tubular Necrosis, Johanna Bensalel-Lyampe

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) is a form of severe malaria (SM), which is usually caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection. Until recently, the impact of this particular complication of SM was severely underestimated and research in this area has been neglected. There is in fact a high prevalence (40-60%) of MAKI in SM patients and the associated risk of mortality and development of comorbidities is high. Furthermore, pediatric patients that recover often develop long-term complications such as chronic kidney disease or neurocognitive defects. The need for adjunctive therapies and early diagnostic biomarkers specific to this SM complication is critical but …

Effects Of Brca1-Mediated Ubiquitination Of Hur On Rna Metabolism In Breast Cancer, Devorah Mincha Natelson

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

BRCA1, a gene encoding for the tumor suppressor protein BRCA1, is involved in DNA repair as well as many other important cellular processes. BRCA1, together with BARD1 (BRCA1 Associated RING Domain 1) also functions as an E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase. BRCA1 mutation in the RING domain, which is responsible for E3 ligase activity, is associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer. Despite extensive research on the activities of BRCA1, the E3 ligase activity and implications of this activity in cancer are not well understood. This dissertation examines the ubiquitination of the RNA binding protein Human antigen R (HuR) by …

Consequences Of Local Conspecific Density Effects For Plant Diversity And Community Dynamics, Joseph A. Lamanna, Stefan A. Schnitzer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Conspecific density dependence (CDD) in plant populations is widespread, most likely caused by local-scale biotic interactions, and has potentially important implications for biodiversity, community composition, and ecosystem processes. However, progress in this important area of ecology has been hindered by differing viewpoints on CDD across subfields in ecology, lack of synthesis across CDD-related frameworks, and misunderstandings about how empirical measurements of local CDD fit within the context of broader ecological theories on community assembly and diversity maintenance. Here, we propose a conceptual synthesis of local-scale CDD and its causes, including species-specific antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. First, we compare and clarify …

The Seat Of Singular Gene Choice: Dissecting The Role Of Odorant Receptor Enhancer Elements That Lead To Mammalian Olfactory System Expression, Alessandro M. Rosa

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Odorant receptors (ORs) were first identified in 1991 and the initial data strongly suggested that ORs were part of a large superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. Within a few years of the discovery of the OR superfamily, it became clear that each OR allele was exclusively expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSN), and that this singular expression leads to cellular identity. Many studies over the past thirty years have sought to unlock the mysteries of the mechanism for monoallelic and monogenic OR gene activation and expression in OSNs, however no definitive model for singular gene expression has emerged.

Using a series …

Autophagy And Meiotic Fidelity In C. Elegans, Kaitlin E. Kosinski

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved multi-step recycling process in which cellular material is enclosed in the double membrane-bound autophagosome, which fuses with the lysosome to degrade its contents. Autophagy is essential for development and cellular adaptation to environmental or intracellular stress and is an important regulator of germline stem cell homeostasis in the model nematode C. elegans. We sought to determine if autophagy is important for genome stability during meiosis and found that the core adult C. elegans autophagy genes bec-1, atg-7, unc-51, and atg-18 were all required for proper meiotic development of oocytes. Loss of these …

Individual-Based Modelling Of Adaptive Physiological Traits Of Cyanobacteria: Responses To Light History, Mohammad Hassan Ranjbar, David P. Hamilton, Michael L. Pace, Amir Etemad-Shahidi, Cayelan C. Carey, Fernanda Helfer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Adaptive physiological traits of cyanobacteria allow plasticity of responses to environmental change at multiple time scales. Most conventional phytoplankton models only simulate responses to current conditions without incorporating antecedent environmental history and adaptive physiological traits, thereby potentially missing mechanisms that influence dynamics. We developed an individual-based model (IBM) that incorporates information on light exposure history and cell physiology coupled with a hydrodynamic model that simulates mixing and transport. The combined model successfully simulated cyanobacterial growth and respiration in a whole-lake nutrient enrichment experiment in a temperate lake (Peter Lake, Michigan, USA). The model also incorporates non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) to improve …

Antioxidant, Photoprotective, And Cytotoxic Activities Of Tristaniopsis Merguensis Leaf Fractions With Molecular Docking Study Of Potential Fraction, Boima Situmeang, Respati Tri Swasono, Tri Joko Raharjo

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Through experimental along with molecular docking techniques of potential fraction, this study intended to evaluate the essential phytochemical elements of Tristaniopsis merguensis leaflets as well as potential antioxidant, photoprotective, along with cytotoxic activities. The DPPH and ABTS tests were used to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of the n-hexane (HPF), ethyl acetate (EPF), and methanol (MPF) fractions. Using an in-vitro solar protection factor (SPF) assessment, the photoprotective ability of T. merguensis components against UV damage was examined. Subsequently, invitro cytotoxic research were carried out against MCF-7 cell line (breast cancer line) assay. This was followed by molecular docking stimulation testing against …

Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In A Local Wastewater Treatment Plant In North Georgia, Nou Moua, Lindsay Mccuen, Sarah White, Swapna Bhat, Margi Flood, Jeanelle Morgan

Georgia Journal of Science

Antibiotics are some of the most essential lifesaving drugs currently available to us against infectious diseases. Several pathogens are developing resistance to these drugs and many have become resistant to multiple antibiotics. Such multi-drug resistance is becoming a global issue and has been found in many environments including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, we sampled a local WWTP for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This WWTP is in North Georgia and runs directly into Lake Lanier, which is the main source of drinking water for the Atlanta area as well as a popular spot for water recreation. We obtained treated and …

Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Behavioral Phenotypes Are Not Underscored By Different Gut Microbiomes, Paul A. Ayayee, Ryan Y. Wong

Biology Faculty Publications

Although bold and shy behavioral phenotypes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been selectively bred and maintained over multiple generations, it is unclear if they are underscored by different gut microbiota. Using the microbiota–gut–brain concept, we examined the relationship between gut microbiota and the behavioral phenotypes within this model animal system to assess possible gut microbe-mediated effects on host behavior. To this end, we amplified and sequenced 16S rRNA gene amplicons from the guts of bold and shy zebrafish individuals using the Illumina Miseq platform. We did not record any significant differences in within-group microbial diversity nor between-group community …

Using Origami And Shrinky Dinks To Create Active Learning Activities To Tackle Two Microbiology Concepts: Cell Structure Differences And Operon Regulation, Manuela Tripepi, Hannah M. Schapiro

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

This paper presents two low-cost hands-on activities designed to enhance student understanding and address the pedagogical challenges faced by microbiology professors in teaching concepts related to cell structure and gene regulation. In the first activity, we used Shrinky Dinks and Jeopardy-style game questions to explore the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students have to collect pieces and physically build their cell models. The second activity uses origami organelles sets from Edvotek to illustrate the regulation of gene expression in the lac and trp operons, incorporating mutation scenarios for analysis. The intended audience comprises undergraduate students in microbiology, including biology, …

Application Of The Method Cell Biology, Terry Shackleford

San Jose - Lonergan Chair in Catholic Philosophy

Summer 2024, Application of the Method Cell Biology

Students in the Fall 2023 semester "Mechanisms of Disease Course" were given a practical assignment that in turn allowed for discussion on gathering data on orphan diseases and covering what the disease is, how the disease progresses, who is affected by the disease, and what is the effect of the disease on their life.

Overcoming Microenvironmentally Mediated Resistance In Targetable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Bina Desai

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of targeted therapies has resulted in immense success in treating lung cancer patients, where many patients experience long-term remission. Yet, the tumors relapse into an advanced state of disease, and ultimately, treatment failure. This can be ascribed to incomplete eradication of tumor cells by targeted therapies, which enables the residual tumor cells to propagate resistant tumors and cause subsequent relapse in patients. Therapy sensitivity is influenced not only by cell-intrinsic mechanisms but also by inputs from the stromal microenvironment. Despite widespread recognition of the stromal microenvironment's role in modulating therapy sensitivity, its contribution to therapeutic responses in vivo …

Neuronal Injury Model Divulges Differences In Dendrite And Axonal Function And Regeneration In Adults, Lauren S. Vaughn, Jinyoung Lee

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Terrestrial Salinization Impacts On Growth And Behavior Of A Common Detritivore Armadillidium Vulgare (Isopoda), Danielle Harmoney Orcutt

Master's Theses

Climate change and human activities are changing the nutritional landscape by increasing the availability of some essential elements and decreasing others. Sodium (Na) is an essential element in heterotrophs, which is required for water regulation, nerve function, and muscle function. Heterotrophs can acquire Na through diet and environment, often experiencing limited availability of Na due to plants concentrating Na 10-100 times less than heterotrophs need. The Sodium Subsidy-Stress (SSS) hypothesis posits that organismal performance follows a hump-shaped curve of a physiological response, where Na acts as a subsidy, increasing organismal performance such as growth until an optimal threshold is reached, …

Unraveling The Role Of Hid-1: Insights Into Sgii Regulation, Breanna L. Sellers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The regulated secretory pathway is important for the secretion of hormones and neuropeptides from large dense core vesicles (LDCVs). Dysregulation of the biogenesis of LDCVs can result in metabolic and neurological diseases. Recent studies have suggested that the peripheral membrane protein HID-1 plays a role in the sorting and storage of granins which contribute to LDCV biogenesis. To further understand how HID-1 influences the regulation of granins, we investigated potential HID-1 interactors. We determined that while HID-1 is likely functioning in the same pathway as USP25, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), the cause of reduced cellular SgII levels is likely not …

Population Genetic Diversity In Two Biological Systems, Alyson Emery

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Population genetic analysis can be used to answer questions about population structure and composition in many biological systems. Recent improvements to sequencing technologies have made population genetic studies more accessible than ever before. Many of the same techniques can be applied to different biological systems, but some analyses may differ depending on how genetically divergent the populations in question are. Here, we describe two unique projects using next-generation genome sequencing, each looking at population structure at different levels of genetic divergence: the first involved determining interspecific population structure between two species of hybridizing field cricket using a novel sequencing method, …

Akt Disruption Leads To Non-Canonical Apical Constriction In Drosophila Embryos, Vincent Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Akt/mTOR pathway (Akt pathway) has largely been examined in terms of its role as the primary nutrient sensing pathway due to its ability to recognize nutrient availability within a cell, particularly amino acids and glucose. Among its nutrient sensing characteristics, this pathway also contributes to a large variety of other cell functions such as cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, and cell survival via anti-apoptotic signaling. Although many aspects of this pathway have been carefully studied, the extent to which it regulates embryonic development remains unclear. Here, I examine Akt function in the early Drosophila embryo and demonstrate that Akt …

Division I Collegiate Baseball Pitching Performance In Relation To Forearm Kinematics And Kinetics, Christopher W. Watson

Master's Theses

This thesis investigates physical and anthropometric factors influenced by forearm rotation biases associated with supination and pronation on pitch characteristics among Division I college baseball pitchers. The study involved twenty-two participants who underwent comprehensive physical assessments, including measures of forearm strength, range of motion, and grip strength, as well as finger and hand length measurements. Ball flight metrics were collected during intrasquad scrimmages using advanced radar tracking technology. Results revealed significant relationships between distinct physical biases of strength in pronation and supination, pinch strength, anthropometrics such as middle finger length, and specific pitch characteristics. This study lays the groundwork for …

Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes Versicolor): An Edible Macrofungi With Immense Medicinal Properties, Olaide Olaide Ajibola, Cirilo Nolasco-Hipolito, Octavio Carvajal-Zarrabal, Shanti F. Salleh, Gbadebo C. Adeyinka, Stephen A. Adefegha, Mirja K. Ahmmed, Kazi Sumaiya, Raymond Thomas

Biology Publications

Macrofungi, commonly known as mushrooms, are not only considered functional foods for supplying essential nutritional ingredients but also a good source of physiologically beneficial medicines. Trametes versicolor, referred to as turkey tail’s Mushroom or Yun Zhi in China, is an edible mushroom that has extensive historical usage in conventional and traditional Chinese medicine. This mushroom contains an abundance of physiologically bioactive compounds, most notably β-glucan polysaccharides, which are responsible for antioxidant, neuroprotection, hypolipidemic effects, immune-modulating effects, and anticancer effects. Trametes versicolor has also been revealed to have wound healing, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antifibrotic, neurotrophic, and …

Poly(U) Polymerases Have Complex Roles In Modulating The Small Rnaome And Transcriptome Of C. Elegans, Leanne Helen Kelley

Dissertations - ALL

A continuously growing body of work has shown that RNA regulation is an essential aspect of germline development across metazoans. However, another layer of regulation exists “above” this: post-transcriptional modifications to RNAs can alter their function and affect biological activity. Poly(U) polymerases (PUPs) add uridines to the 3’ end of RNA molecules, a process called uridylation, or U-tailing. Previous research has identified the importance of PUPs in C. elegans development, and this work here aims to elucidate the function of PUPs at the molecular level. Using pup-1, pup-2, pup-3, and pup-4 deletion mutants in small RNA-seq, long-read …

Anatolian Medicinal Plants As Potential Antiviral Agents: Bridging Traditional Knowledge And Modern Science In The Fight Against Covid-19 And Related Viral Infections, Engi̇n Ti̇lkat, Israt Jahan, Ayşe Hoşer, Alevcan Kaplan, Oğuzhan Özdemi̇r, Ahmet Onay

Turkish Journal of Biology

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the worldwide coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19), often known as the coronavirus pandemic. Since December 2020 however, COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively administered in numerous countries. In addition to new antiviral medications, the treatment regimen also encompasses symptom management. In spite of sustained research efforts, the outbreak remains uncontrolled, with affected patients still lacking proper treatment. Consequently, this review serves as a valuable asset for researchers and practitioners aiming to delve into the yet unexplored potential of Anatolian flora in the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Numerous …

Expressions Of The Satellite Repeat Hsat5 And Transposable Elements Are Implicated In Disease Progression And Survival In Glioma, Sila Naz Köse, Tutku Yaraş, Ahmet Bursali, Yavuz Oktay, Ci̇hangi̇r Yandim, Gökhan Karakülah

Turkish Journal of Biology

The glioma genome encompasses a complex array of dysregulatory events, presenting a formidable challenge in managing this devastating disease. Despite the widespread distribution of repeat and transposable elements across the human genome, their involvement in glioma's molecular pathology and patient survival remains largely unexplored. In this study, we analysed the expression levels of satellite repeats and transposons along with genes in low-grade glioma (LGG) and high-grade glioma (HGG). Endogenous transposable elements LTR5 and HERV_a-int exhibited higher expression in HGG patients, along with immune response-related genes. Altogether, 16 transposable elements were associated with slower progression of disease in LGG patients. Conversely, …

Exploring The Impact Of Diabetes On Aging: Insights From Tert And Col1a1 Methylation, Jessica Nathania Liamry, Farizky Martriano Humardani, Giovani Chandra, Lisa Thalia Mulyanata, Tjie Kok, Fenny Irawati, Hikmawan Wahyu Sulistomo, Christoph Reichetzeder, Sulistyo Emantoko Dwi Putra

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Aging, a multifaceted biological process, leading to diminished physical performance, especially in older adults with diabetes, where a mismatch between biological and chronological age is noticeable. Numerous studies have demonstrated that diabetes accelerates aging at both cellular and organ levels. Notable aging markers are TERT, related to telomere length, and COL1A1, a key component of skin collagen. Additionally, age-related methylation increases, as revealed through methylation analysis, illuminate aspects of aging. However, the detailed interplay between aging and diabetes, particularly regarding methylation, remains underexplored and warrants further study to elucidate their biological links.Materials and methods: In this research, we elucidate …

Bud14 Function Is Crucial For Spindle Pole Body Size Maintenance, Sevi̇lay Müni̇re Gi̇rgi̇n, Ayşe Koca Çaydaşi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aimSpindle Pole Bodies (SPB), functional equivalent of centrosomes in yeast, duplicate through generation of a new SPB next to the old one. Yet, SPBs are dynamic structures that can grow and exchange, and mechanisms that regulate SPB size remain largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the role of Bud14 in SPB size maintenance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.Materials and methodsWe employed quantitative fluorescence microscopy to assess the relative and absolute amounts of SPB structural proteins at SPBs of wildtype cells and in cells lacking BUD14 (bud14∆). Quantifications were performed using asynchronous cell cultures as well as cultures synchronously progressing through the …

Defining Evolution: Exploring Students’ Conceptions Of Evolution In Introductory Biology Courses, Jeremy L. Hsu, Meredith A. Dorner, Kate M. Hill

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Understanding evolution is an important part of undergraduate biology education. Despite its importance, however, students often struggle to understand evolution, often holding preconceived notions of what evolution is. Here, we investigate how students in both majors and non-majors introductory biology define and conceive of evolution at the start of the semester for a two-year college and a four-year university near each other. We analyze open-ended responses to an in-class activity on the first day of the semester that asked students to define evolution, generating insight into how students are thinking of evolution prior to any formal instruction on evolution …

Molecular Docking, Pharmacological Profiling, And Molecular Dynamics Simulation Of Potential Antihyperuricemic Agent From Secondary Metabolites Of Dillenia Philippinensis Rolfe (Dilleniaceae), Louie Rince C. Suyo, John P. Paulin, Nicole Clarence Louise L. Gapaz, Markus Brent S. Arevalo, Vince Tyrell P. Yongco, Librado A. Santiago

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Crystal accumulation in the joints due to increased serum uric acid (sUA) may lead to an inflammatory condition called gout. Increased sUA is caused by the excessive reabsorption of the urate anion transporter-1 (URAT-1). Therefore, URAT-1 inhibition will promote uric acid excretion and reduce the risk of having gout. Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe, often known as katmon, is an endemic plant in the Philippines with bioactive compounds associated with several therapeutic benefits. The present study represents the first scientific inquiry into the antihyperuricemic potential of compounds isolated from D. philippinensis. This study aimed to assess the interaction of URAT-1 with …

Two Draft Genome Assemblies Of Staphylococcus Aureus Strains Isolated From A Cheek Swab Of A Healthy Female Participant, Alex Kula, Sandra Jablonska, Lexi Avalos, Tyler Jensen, Helen Appleberry, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen often commensal within the nasal and oral cavities. Here we present the genomes of S. aureus O139-S and O139-NS, both isolated from the cheek swab of a healthy female participant. While found in the same sample, the two strains displayed distinct colony morphologies.

Draft Genomes Of Klebsiella Aerogenes, Klebsiella Huaxiensis, And Klebsiella Michiganensis Isolates From The Urinary Tract, Alex Kula, Muna Arman, Helen Appleberry, Alan J. Wolfe, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Several Klebsiella spp. can be the cause of urinary tract infections. Here we present the draft genome assemblies for four urinary isolates of three Klebsiella spp.: Klebsiella aerogenes UMB7541, Klebsiella michiganensis UMB11142 and UMB11423, and Klebsiella huaxiensis UMB11391 to further explore the genetic diversity of Klebsiella in the urinary tract.

Evolutionary Patterns Of Anolis Lizard Skulls: An Investigation In Geometric Morphometrics And An Educational Exploration Of Structure And Function, Katherine Beyer Starr

Master's Theses

This study explores the evolutionary patterns of Anolis lizard skulls and integrates findings into a curriculum focused on elucidating the structure and function of a lizard's head. The first objective was to develop an understanding of how the evolutionary patterns, of an extraordinary group of lizards (Anolis) compares to their relatives. Most of the prior research on Anolis morphology has focused on the post-cranium because of its significance towards subdivision of the arboreal habitat. But the group’s remarkable diversity in head shape has been seriously under-investigated. By performing geometric morphometric analysis of skull shape across a large sample of anoles …