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- Sinorhizobium meliloti (4)
- Staphylococcus aureus (4)
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Articles 91 - 120 of 318
Full-Text Articles in Microbiology
The Wall-E Effect: Testing How Long-Term Growth Under Ideal Conditions Affects Bacterial Traits, Kevin Johnson, Dr. Joel Griffitts
The Wall-E Effect: Testing How Long-Term Growth Under Ideal Conditions Affects Bacterial Traits, Kevin Johnson, Dr. Joel Griffitts
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Organisms removed from their wild environment that are subjected to long term laboratory conditions can experience drastic change. We have specifically used Sinorhizobium meliloti as a model bacterium to address this topic. If soil bacteria containing large genomes necessary to survive in nutrient deficient and stressful conditions were suddenly subjected to nutrient rich and luxurious conditions for 2,500 generations, would they lose some survival based function? We hypothesize that without natural environmental stress, these bacteria would lose the metabolic flexibility previously required for survival resulting in large scale genome reduction.
Engineering Pathogen Specific High Affinity T-Cell Receptors Linked To Cytokines For Targeting Of Antigen Presenting Cells, Bryce Anderson, Dr. Scott Weber
Engineering Pathogen Specific High Affinity T-Cell Receptors Linked To Cytokines For Targeting Of Antigen Presenting Cells, Bryce Anderson, Dr. Scott Weber
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In February last year I was awarded an ORCA grant which turned out to be the starting of one of my biggest learning experiences here at BYU. My research mentor, Dr. Weber, and I work with the immune system. This semester I have been able to see firsthand exactly how things in my field are moved forward. Along with that I have learned many numerous, invaluable techniques that I will no doubt continue to use for many years to come through post undergraduate school along with my career. Also, I was able to work one on one with my research …
Irf7 Expression In B Cells Infected With Ebv, Michael Ahlborn, Dr. Brian Poole
Irf7 Expression In B Cells Infected With Ebv, Michael Ahlborn, Dr. Brian Poole
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly known simply as lupus, is an incurable autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and tissue damage in virtually any part of the body. Many studies have shown a correlation between lupus diagnosis and positive infection with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Scientists currently estimate that greater than 90% of the adult US population is infected with this human herpesvirus, probably because it is easily transferred through saliva. Although we do not entirely understand how it contributes to lupus it is apparent there is a link between the two. Other research has shown that EBV may also play a …
Recombination And Evolution Of Hiv In Vivo, Sterling Adams, Dr. Bradford Berges
Recombination And Evolution Of Hiv In Vivo, Sterling Adams, Dr. Bradford Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Worldwide we have known about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus since the early 80’s, and since that time there has been research to find different “cures” for the disease that the virus causes called: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Since the epidemic has started nearly 30 million people have died from AIDS related causes, and there are nearly 34 million people worldwide that are HIV positive. One of the striking features of the virus that makes it so difficult to treat is its rapid ability to evolve. When looking at an HIV positive patient, statistically speaking, if you were to take every …
Understanding Chemokine Binding And Bacterial Response, Brittany Kartchner, Dr. Eric Wilson
Understanding Chemokine Binding And Bacterial Response, Brittany Kartchner, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
For this project, I hypothesized that the amino acid composition of the C terminus of chemokine proteins allows some chemokines to bind to specific proteins on the cell membrane of bacteria. Previous research has shown that the C terminal region of the chemokine CCL28 is largely responsible for the antimicrobial activity (Liu, 2010). However, it has not been shown what the C terminus region of the chemokine binds to. The C terminus region could bind to the negatively charged LPS on the bacterial membrane, or have a specific protein target on the cell membrane. Polymyxin B, another antimicrobial protein that …
Characterizing The Role Of Hspb2, Whitney Hoopes, Dr. Julianne Grose
Characterizing The Role Of Hspb2, Whitney Hoopes, Dr. Julianne Grose
Journal of Undergraduate Research
HSPB2 is one of ten known small Heat Shock Proteins (sHSP) that share a conserved structural element called the alpha-crystallin domain. Extreme heat or cold, oxidative & reductive stress, and heavy metal exposure can induce the expression of these sHSP. HSPB2 is located on Chromosome 11, only 958 base pairs upstream of CYRAB. The protein homology and proximity of these two genes suggests they share structural and regulatory elements and serve as a model of inverted gene duplication. Both CRYAB and HSPB2 act as molecular chaperones to form complexes around denatured proteins and help them to refold into their normal …
Use Of Humanized Mice To Study The Production Of Human B Cell Lineage, German Cuadra, Dr. Bradford Berges
Use Of Humanized Mice To Study The Production Of Human B Cell Lineage, German Cuadra, Dr. Bradford Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Our study focuses on the development of an animal model capable of reproduce cellular responses as in humans. For years humanized mice have been used in the study of infectious diseases. The goal of this research was to document, characterize and record the existence of human B cell lineage and penetration into different tissues of humanized mice.
Orca Undergraduate Research Award – Final Report, Michael Daetwyler
Orca Undergraduate Research Award – Final Report, Michael Daetwyler
Journal of Undergraduate Research
While working on my undergraduate degree, I studied an interesting strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This particular strain produced an unidentified substance, which was lethal to other Gram-positive bacteria. I immediately thought that this substance might prove advantageous in treating infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. To begin investigating that possibility, I grew the strain of S. epidermidis near clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycinresistant Enterococcus (VRE), antibiotic resistant bacteria that plague hospital patients around the world. Amazingly, the strain of S. epidermidis was lethal to all of the isolates that it was tested against.
Mucosal Vaccines And The Ability To Produce Immune Responses In Select Mucosal Tissues, Kaitlyn Vance, Dr. Eric Wilson
Mucosal Vaccines And The Ability To Produce Immune Responses In Select Mucosal Tissues, Kaitlyn Vance, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Mucosal surfaces are the main portals through which pathogens enter the body of an organism. Previous research has shown that mucosal immunity effectively prevents the entry of pathogens at these surfaces, thus disrupting an infection before it begins; this immunity can be achieved by mucosal vaccination (1). The homing mechanisms of lymphocytes in the mucosal immune system, however, are not yet fully understood. This mentored research project was designed to deepen the understanding of how the mucosal immune system operates. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of mucosal vaccination in producing localized immune responses by attempting to reproducibly create a …
Pas Kinase: A Target For Metabolic Disease, Jordan Mackay, Dr. Julianne Grose
Pas Kinase: A Target For Metabolic Disease, Jordan Mackay, Dr. Julianne Grose
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Many diseases that affect humankind are poorly understood. The medical and scientific communities alike rely heavily on basic scientific research to fuel dissemination of knowledge to said communities for further applied research, including clinical and pharmaceutical efforts. Diabetes is still poorly understood despite its prevalence in today’s society. In lieu of the research that has been done so far, PAS kinase is becoming an increasingly promising subject for research as a possible therapeutic target for diabetes. Studies have shown that PAS kinase is involved in metabolic regulation and mouse experiments have been done which show these results.1 As we learn …
Characterization Of The Role Of A Dna-Binding Protein On Regulation Of Dna Replication In Plant Organelles, Cynthia Perry, Dr. Brent Nielsen
Characterization Of The Role Of A Dna-Binding Protein On Regulation Of Dna Replication In Plant Organelles, Cynthia Perry, Dr. Brent Nielsen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
DNA replication is essential to all life on earth. Not only does replication occur in the nucleus, it also happens in organelles of the cell: the mitochondria and chloroplasts. In higher plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, the genomes in mitochondria encode proteins which are responsible for DNA replication. These proteins also assist with DNA repair and recombination (Edmondson, AC et. al). One protein from the Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondrial genome is particularly of interest in our research: the single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB). The major function of this protein is to keep the two DNA strands separated while they are being replicated. …
Diagnostic And Therapeutic Potential Of The Over-Expression Of Nucleotide Salvage Pathway Enzymes To The Plasma Membrane Of Solid, Cancerous Tumors, Daniel Sharp, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Diagnostic And Therapeutic Potential Of The Over-Expression Of Nucleotide Salvage Pathway Enzymes To The Plasma Membrane Of Solid, Cancerous Tumors, Daniel Sharp, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Immunotherapy is a developing field in cancer treatment that relies upon the bodies natural defenses to target and eliminate cancerous cells. In order for the immune system to differentiate cancerous tissue from normal tissue there must be some mechanism for targeting only cancerous cells. Without a targeting mechanism, stimulation of the immune system can lead to attack of normal tissue. The use of antibodies to cancer-specific antigens is a viable option to solve this targeting issue. If a cancerous cell specifically expresses a protein on its surface, an antibody to that protein could direct immune cells to the cancerous cell, …
Osteoarthritis And Cartilage, David Holt, Dr. L. C. Bridgewater, Dr. R. E. Seegmiller
Osteoarthritis And Cartilage, David Holt, Dr. L. C. Bridgewater, Dr. R. E. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Objective: To test the hypothesis that the spondyloepiphesial dysplasia congenita (sedc) heterozygous (sedc/þ) mouse, a COL2A1 mutant, is a model for the study of osteoarthritis (OA) in the absence of dwarfism and to investigate the presence of HtrA1, Ddr2, and Mmp-13 and their possible involvement in a universal mechanism leading to OA.
Orca Project By Danny Catts And Dr. Johnson, Danny Catts, Dr. Johnson
Orca Project By Danny Catts And Dr. Johnson, Danny Catts, Dr. Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
After we successfully characterized our virus, we proceeded to investigate the variant’s viral behavior in hopes of finding a difference in comparison to that of the standard. After preliminary steps showed little variation, we took a different direction with the project.
Discovering Protein Interactions Of Hr120gcryab, Kent Jarvis, Dr. Julianne Grose
Discovering Protein Interactions Of Hr120gcryab, Kent Jarvis, Dr. Julianne Grose
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The original goal of my project was to find substrates of hR120GCryAB using a yeast two-hybrid model. Over the past few months I was able to achieve this goal. I was able to find over 11 novel substrates that bind with hR120GCryAB. This is new knowledge that had not ever been known before and will hopefully help aid in future treatments of cardiomyopathy.
Novel Nanoinjection Of Yeast Artificial Chromosomes In Mouse Zygotes, Jordan Kitchen, Dr. Sandra Burnett
Novel Nanoinjection Of Yeast Artificial Chromosomes In Mouse Zygotes, Jordan Kitchen, Dr. Sandra Burnett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Transgenic mice are used to create animal models and are typically generated by the addition of transgenes (4-14 Kb pairs) or artificial chromosomes (150-300 Kb) to the pronucleus of a fertilized mouse egg [1][2]. Because of the size of chromosomes, using them to produce transgenic mice can be very problematic. Current methods for inserting transgenes include delivery through a microinjection device into the pronucleus. Transgenic mice are then created by transplantation of injected eggs into a surrogate female [3]. Larger DNA or yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC) due to the increased amount of genetic material could be used to express an …
Identification Of A Consensus Dna Binding Sequence For Nuclear Gdf5, Michael Baldwin, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Identification Of A Consensus Dna Binding Sequence For Nuclear Gdf5, Michael Baldwin, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nuclear Gdf5 (nGdf5) and nuclear Bmp2 (nBmp2) are newly discovered proteins (1); however, their function has not been determined. They were first found while studying enhancer elements of the Col11a2 gene, and a yeast-one hybrid screen suggested that they could bind to the D/E enhancer of this gene. Further experiments confirmed the presence of these proteins in the nuclei of cells and determined the specific mechanism by which they were translocated to the nucleus (1). This work led to the hypotheses that they function as transcription factors, binding to regulatory regions of target genes to modulate transcription. Two years ago, …
The Unfolded Protein Response Is It The Real Culprit In Osteoarthritis?, Benjamin Fisher, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
The Unfolded Protein Response Is It The Real Culprit In Osteoarthritis?, Benjamin Fisher, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that affects 26 million of Americans, yet its cause it not understood.1 It is a degenerative disease that affects cartilage at joints, and there are several risk factors that give people a higher probability of developing OA; these risk factors include acute joint injury, obesity, and family history of OA. Scientists are still trying to discover the genetic cause of OA, but no one has been successful at finding the link. In our research, we attempted to use 2 mouse models with genetic mutations to study the proteins involved in OA. Dmm (Disproportionate Micromelia) and …
Humanized Mouse Model For The Study Of Human Herpesvirus 6 Infections, Stephanie Carlson, Dr. Bradford Berges
Humanized Mouse Model For The Study Of Human Herpesvirus 6 Infections, Stephanie Carlson, Dr. Bradford Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
While working on this project, we had several unforeseen setbacks. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV- 6) proved much more difficult to work with than we had supposed. It was tricky to propagate (make it replicate) and hard to quantify. It does not behave like other viruses we have worked with and had a few tricks up its sleeve. We were expecting a dormant virus but were surprised to see a lytic strain. The cells we used to propagate HHV-6 kept dying, so we spent time looking for protocols and reading up on what others have done to maintain the virus. I …
Determining Nucleosome Positioning In Varying Developmental Stages Of Caenorhabditis Elegans, Kellie Bollenbach, Dr. Steve Johnson
Determining Nucleosome Positioning In Varying Developmental Stages Of Caenorhabditis Elegans, Kellie Bollenbach, Dr. Steve Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
This project consisted of four main parts. The first was to isolate mononucleosome cores from C. elegans that had been pelleted and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen using micrococcal nuclease. The second part was to use an antibody specific to GFP, which was expressed in the germline of the strain of C. elegans we are using and selectively pull out the nucleosomes bound to the GFP using immunoprecipitation, namely those germline cells. From there, we were to sequence the DNA wrapped around those nucleosomes in order to determine where on the DNA those nucleosomes lie and compare it to the …
Molecular Characterization Of Pathways Involved In Pas Kinase Regulation And Function, Julianne H. Grose
Molecular Characterization Of Pathways Involved In Pas Kinase Regulation And Function, Julianne H. Grose
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The academic objectives of this MEG were to provide novel findings in the field of metabolic regulation while training both graduate and undergraduate students. We were able to meet these objectives as evidenced by one published scientific article, one article accepted upon minor revision, and one in preparation. In addition, fifteen oral presentations or posters were presented at scientific meetings on findings directly obtained from this MEG. Furthermore, these findings helped obtain NIH funding in 2012 that will continue through 2015, allowing for further scientific advance and training of students.
The Role Of The Kshv Lana Protein In Development Of Persistent Infections In Vivo, Bradford Berges
The Role Of The Kshv Lana Protein In Development Of Persistent Infections In Vivo, Bradford Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Several of my students have moved on to future positions, as follows: Medical school: Marshall Sheide, Stanton Nielsen, German Cuadra Graduate school: Jamie Gardiner, Steve Hallam (still interviewing) Currently employed: Joel Gardner, Wittnee Estes
Effect Of Epigenetic Modification Of Dna On Nucleosome Formation, Steven M. Johnson
Effect Of Epigenetic Modification Of Dna On Nucleosome Formation, Steven M. Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The following two specific Aims are from my 2011 MEG. We made great progress and completed Aim 1 and modified our Aim 2. Below I will give a status report for each Aim.
Targeting Iga Antibody Responses To Mucosal Tissues Through Chemokine Receptor Manipulation, Eric Wilson
Targeting Iga Antibody Responses To Mucosal Tissues Through Chemokine Receptor Manipulation, Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Proper functioning of cells of the immune system is highly dependent on their efficient accumulation to tissues where infection may occur. These cells migrate throughout the body to sites of possible infection via arteries and blood vessels, much like commuters travel to their places of employment via highways and city streets. Just as commuters must take the appropriate off-ramps to get to their desired destination and then enter their work place, white blood cells must also exit the blood vessels of the body at appropriate locations and enter their destination tissues to effectively protect the host from infection.
Bax Induced Apoptosis Under Control Of The Tk1 Promoter, Scott A. Witt, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Bax Induced Apoptosis Under Control Of The Tk1 Promoter, Scott A. Witt, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The human body has an automatic system for eliminating unwanted cells. When it is time for a cell to be removed, it is given a signal to divide up its parts into discrete packages and send them to other cells to be recycled. The cell eventually disintegrates. This process is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Every cell in the body has the mechanism, but only the ones receiving the signal will die. Sometimes, certain cells lose the ability to undergo programmed cell death. The result is a group of unwanted cells that refuse to die properly-cancer.
Conservation Of The Che And Pho Systems In Escherichia Coli, Kimberly B. Zumbrennen, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Conservation Of The Che And Pho Systems In Escherichia Coli, Kimberly B. Zumbrennen, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bacteria live in a continuously changing environment. In order to survive, bacteria must monitor nutrients, acidity, temperature, osmolarity, etc. The use of two-component systems to sense and respond to these environmental changes is a common motif observed in a wide variety of organisms. A two-component system consists of two main proteins, a sensor and a response regulator(2). The sensor protein is a trans-membrane protein which monitors environmental fluctuations and activates the response regulator through phosphorylation. The response regulator contains two domains, the receiver module and the output domain. The receiver module is phosphorylated and dephosphorylated by the sensor protein. Communication …
Determining The Mechanism Of How The 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Pathway Of Plasmid Pjp4 In Ralstonia Eutropha Evolves To Degrade Phenoxyacetic Acid As A Sole Carbon Source, David Schlesinger, Dr. Alan R. Harker
Determining The Mechanism Of How The 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Pathway Of Plasmid Pjp4 In Ralstonia Eutropha Evolves To Degrade Phenoxyacetic Acid As A Sole Carbon Source, David Schlesinger, Dr. Alan R. Harker
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Being that the scope of this project was much larger than anticipated I was unable to complete my research in its entirety. However I did make substantial progress and was able to answer many of my original questions.
Bacterial Fingerprints, Kristilyn Rogers, Dr. Ron W. Leavitt
Bacterial Fingerprints, Kristilyn Rogers, Dr. Ron W. Leavitt
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bordetellosis, or turkey coryza, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in poultry caused by Bordetella avium. Turkey growers worldwide are concerned with this disease which results in millions of dollars in losses annually to the turkey industry. Bordetellosis is readily transmitted through close contact with those already infected, or by exposure to contaminated litter or water. Infected turkeys experience, among other things, stunted growth and a predisposition for other infectious diseases. The mortality rate for bordetellosis is less than 10%. However, morbidity rates can reach 80-100% in young poults. Moreover, with concurrent infection of B. avium and Escherichia coli …
Random Mutagenesis In Phob: A Proposed Study Of The Effects Of Mutations In Phosphate Regulation, Chad C. Lowe, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Random Mutagenesis In Phob: A Proposed Study Of The Effects Of Mutations In Phosphate Regulation, Chad C. Lowe, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Within the prokaryotic cell, the intake of essential nutrients is continuously regulated by intracellular mechanisms. When fundamental nutrients become scarce, cellular stress responses are activated to enable the cell to survive in a harsh environment. Recent studies have shown a two-component regulatory mechanism which enhances Escherichia coli intracellular phosphate uptake in a phosphatepoor environment (5). This system, called the Pho system, consists of a sensor (PhoR) and an activator (PhoB). When environmental phosphate is limited, PhoR becomes autophosphorylated and in turn phosphorylates PhoB (4). The phosphorylated PhoB recognizes and binds to a consensus sequence called the “pho box” and …
Effects Of Reverse Transcriptase And Protease Inhibitors On Lymphoid Tissue Viral Load In Murine Retrovirus Infection, Eric R. Griffiths, Dr. Greg Burton
Effects Of Reverse Transcriptase And Protease Inhibitors On Lymphoid Tissue Viral Load In Murine Retrovirus Infection, Eric R. Griffiths, Dr. Greg Burton
Journal of Undergraduate Research
During HIV infection, blocking viral replication has drastic effects on HIV immune complexes maintained on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs): HIV immune complexes quickly drop off FDCs to undetectable levels (1). This was a remarkable and unexpected finding since FDCs typically preserve trapped antigen for months to years. Furthermore, mice have been shown to carry infectious viral immune complexes on FDCs for periods of over nine months in the total absence of viral replication (2).