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Articles 31 - 60 of 244
Full-Text Articles in Physiology
Neofunctionalization Of Dual-Targeted Plant Organelle Dna Replication Proteins
Neofunctionalization Of Dual-Targeted Plant Organelle Dna Replication Proteins
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Neofunctionalization is the process by which genes gain a new or modified function as a result of gene duplication and modification of one or more of the new genes. This exciting area of research helps explain the diversification of protein functions in cells. The number of documented examples has increased in recent years in all classes of organisms (Deng et al., 2010; Han et al. 2011; Cannela et al. 2014; Sakuma et al. 2013; Zhang et al. 2014). In some cases a protein that was previously thought to function in only one cellular compartment has been shown to also function …
Structural Variations In Articular Cartilage Associated With Osteoarthritis., David Kooyman
Structural Variations In Articular Cartilage Associated With Osteoarthritis., David Kooyman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thank you for this MEG award. It led to important research performed primarily by undergraduate students in my laboratory. Our work resulted in some molecular pathways leading to OA that can be exploited by pharmacologic intervention. We exceeded our stated goals for the project. Work from this MEG has already resulted in 2 publications (see below; undergraduate students are in yellow). In addition, we have another paper in review at this time and three others that will be submitted within the next 3-4 months. Besides those students listed as co-authors below, other students that participated in the project are Joshua …
The Neuroprotective Effect Of Exercise On Memory Impairment Induced By Stress, Jeff Edwards
The Neuroprotective Effect Of Exercise On Memory Impairment Induced By Stress, Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The objectives of this award were met, especially in regard to the mentoring focus of the award. The students have been mentored and trained in an effective manner as outlined in my Mentoring Plan (abbreviated below). This includes mentoring students in research, writing, publishing, presenting at conferences, etc. Indeed, one measure of the success of mentoring is demonstrated by the fact that all the students graduating from my lab during this time were accepted to the professional school of their choice (see students listed below). Research, especially where the students are actually involved in all aspects of it including data …
Anatomical Variation Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament And Implications For Joing Stability And Surgical Rehabilitation, Jakob Gamboa, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Anatomical Variation Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament And Implications For Joing Stability And Surgical Rehabilitation, Jakob Gamboa, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In 1974, the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstructive surgery was performed on Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher, Tommy John. The damaged ligament of the medial elbow was repaired with tendons from the pitcher’s body. Since then, the surgery has been colloquially termed “Tommy John’s Surgery”, and the alarming increase of the rates of the procedure has now become a concern, being recently called an “epidemic” by the American Sports Medicine Institute1. The procedure possesses risk of complications, and can lead to shortened careers, decreased performance over time2, and can carry a heavy financial toll on individuals and …
Testing The Effect Of Antioxidants On The Pathogenesis Of Alzheimer’S Disease Through The Rage/Nf-Kb Inflammatory Pathway, Harrison Snyder, Jonathan Wisco
Testing The Effect Of Antioxidants On The Pathogenesis Of Alzheimer’S Disease Through The Rage/Nf-Kb Inflammatory Pathway, Harrison Snyder, Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) is known to have a role in inflammatory processes. When produced in excess it induces oxidative stress by activating a number of ligand enzymes, resulting in the generation of excessive cytosolic reactive oxidant species. This oxidative stress then stimulates Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-kB), which regulates immune response and inflammation. When RAGE is incorrectly regulated, inflammation occurs in otherwise healthy tissue, a process implicated in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. RAGE is found throughout the body and is seen in greater concentration in inflamed tissues; it has also been found in the brain tissue …
Alzheimer’S Disease And The P.V236e Variant In The Apoe Gene, Alton Chad Sorensen, John Kauwe
Alzheimer’S Disease And The P.V236e Variant In The Apoe Gene, Alton Chad Sorensen, John Kauwe
Journal of Undergraduate Research
I was interested in trying to validate the findings of the publication by Medway et al. concerning the SNP rs199768005 using data from the Cache Country data set. Unfortunately, of the 4703 people from our data set, only 10 were carriers. Using R statistical analysis, I found that the p-value for this SNP with an association to protect for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) was not significant. It was similarly not significant in its association with Any AD. I also ran other models to include for factors such as education or age in conjunction with this SNP and its association with AD …
Ligament Microstructure Analysis, Michael Gillespie, Jonathan Wisco
Ligament Microstructure Analysis, Michael Gillespie, Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Due to the relatively poor fiber contrast of tendons in comparison with muscles, the anatomical, and therefore, functional relationship of muscle attachments to bones via tendons has not been well mapped. We were interested in mapping the 3D gross anatomical structure of tendons using a MicroScribe 3D digitizer (GoMeasure3D, Amherst, VA), with the goal to compare fibrous architecture between tendons of various types of muscles and muscle classes. We developed a stain made of blue dye and powdered sugar to increase fiber visibility, thus allowing for 3D digitization. This technique was applied to human cadaveric calcaneal tendon and quadriceps tendon.
Analyzing Structural Differences In Quadriceps Femoris Tendon Fibers Using Microscribe Technology, Nathaniel Hainsworth, Jon Wisco
Analyzing Structural Differences In Quadriceps Femoris Tendon Fibers Using Microscribe Technology, Nathaniel Hainsworth, Jon Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Not all tendons and ligaments are created equally. Many have different structural characteristics based on functionality or need for stability. This turns out to be true even between different portions of the same tendon. This project’s purpose was to analyze and compare structural differences between tendon fibers of the patellar portion and quadriceps portion of the quadriceps femoris tendon. We hypothesized that there are significant structural differences between these two portions because they act very different biomechanically, as well as different in the amount of tension/strain put on each portion. We mapped individual tendon fibers of both portions using MicroScribe …
Three-Dimensional Model Of Undocumented Lingual Nerve Branches For The Education Of The International Anatomy, Medical, And Dental Population, Craig D. Clayton, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Three-Dimensional Model Of Undocumented Lingual Nerve Branches For The Education Of The International Anatomy, Medical, And Dental Population, Craig D. Clayton, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The floor of the oral cavity is covered by a mucosal layer to protect underlying structures against the digestive events of the mouth. Ducts of the salivary glands open into this mucosa along the lingual frenulum. The lingual nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve immediately begins to branch after passing through the foramen ovale, and continues its descent medial to the inferior alveolar nerve. Just superior to the angle of the mandible, the nerve turns anteriorly 90 degrees and continues a lateral to medial path to the anterior of the mouth. It crosses the submandibular salivary duct …
The Role Of Wnt Secretion From Neural Crest Cells In Proper Craniofacial Development, Bradley Haynes, Stark Michael
The Role Of Wnt Secretion From Neural Crest Cells In Proper Craniofacial Development, Bradley Haynes, Stark Michael
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Both Wnt signaling and neural crest cells (NCCs) have a well-established role in the development of facial bones and cartilage. Wnt signaling is known to be required for neural crest cell formation; however, Wnt expression originating from the neural crest after their specification by Wnt1 has not been carefully explored. The purpose of our study is to investigate the role of Wnt secretion from NCCs in craniofacial development. Our hypothesis is that loss of Wnt secretion from NCCs will lead to improper craniofacial development and contribute to facial structure abnormalities.
Application Of Sihler’S Stain To Expose Cardiac Conduction Nerve Fibers, Adam Jorgensen, Jonathan J. Wisco
Application Of Sihler’S Stain To Expose Cardiac Conduction Nerve Fibers, Adam Jorgensen, Jonathan J. Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Arrhythmia is a serious heart condition that affects 14 million people in the United Statesi, and is characterized by irregular frequency of atrial and ventricular beats.ii The most serious effects of arrhythmia include sudden cardiac arrest and stroke.iii About 383,000 cases of cardiac arrest are recorded annually in the United States alone.iv In a report complied in 2011 by the World Health Organization, stroke has the second highest death rate of any disease worldwide, ending the lives of 6.1 million people annually.v Recent developments in cardiac ablation have helped in the treatment of arrhythmia …
Novel G-Protein Coupled Receptor Expression And Modulation Of Synaptic Plasticity, Michael Thayer Christensen, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Novel G-Protein Coupled Receptor Expression And Modulation Of Synaptic Plasticity, Michael Thayer Christensen, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s disease – infamously known for its patients’ loss of memory and other intellectual abilities – is the sixth most common cause of death in the United States. Sadly this is just one of many ailments people experience that result in learning and memory loss. Why do so many suffer from these neurodegenerative states? One fundamental problem is that the complex learning and remembering process is not well understood. A specific brain region called the hippocampus is involved in short-term declarative memory; however, many of its intricate signaling pathways that mediate …
Confirming The Spatial Relationship Between Iron, Tau Protein, And Amyloid Beta Within The Subiculum As A Means To Better Detect Alzheimer’S Disease With Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Brandon Herrington, Jonathan Wisco
Confirming The Spatial Relationship Between Iron, Tau Protein, And Amyloid Beta Within The Subiculum As A Means To Better Detect Alzheimer’S Disease With Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Brandon Herrington, Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As the 6th leading cause of death in the United States1, and because of the significant deterioration it causes in the quality of life of its victims, Alzheimer’s disease is an area where research to improve its early diagnosis is paramount to establishing new treatments. Alzheimer’s disease appears to show its effects at a particularly early stage within the hippocampus2. More specifically, the subicular area of the hippocampus is noted as a region that is subjected to more severe pathological changes due to the disease3. Braak staging is a method used to classify, …
Sensory Integration In Zebrafish Larvae, Hannah Waddel, Dr. Arminda Suli
Sensory Integration In Zebrafish Larvae, Hannah Waddel, Dr. Arminda Suli
Journal of Undergraduate Research
A major task of the central nervous system is to make sense of the environment and mount an appropriate reaction. The ability to organize and integrate inputs from different sensory systems is critical for survival in animals. Sensory integration dysfunction is implicated in human disorders such as autism and dyslexia. Swimming behaviors such as rheotaxis, defined as swimming against a current, require the integration of different sensory systems such as mechanosensory hair cells, the visual system, and the vestibular system. In this project, we attempted to create an assay to measure the rheotaxis behavior of Danio rerio (zebrafish) larvae, in …
The Role Of Subtelomeric Silencing In Aging, Mark Roth, Jonathan Alder, Phd
The Role Of Subtelomeric Silencing In Aging, Mark Roth, Jonathan Alder, Phd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Telomeres, located at the ends of chromosomes, are repetitive DNA sequences composed of TTAGGG repeated thousands of times. Each time a cell copies its DNA a small amount of telomeric DNA is lost due to the end replication problem. Because of this, telomeres are eventually lost. New telomeres are synthesized by telomerase. Telomerase has both a protein reverse transcriptase component (TERT) and an RNA template (TERC) that it uses to synthesize new telomeres; however, expression is tightly controlled and is not expressed in most cells in our bodies. This limits the number of times that most of our cells can …
Exercising To Stay Mentally Fit, Tyler Hammond, Dr. Jerffrey Edwards
Exercising To Stay Mentally Fit, Tyler Hammond, Dr. Jerffrey Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Both exercise and stress have an impact on learning and memory. Exercise appears to have positive effects on learning and memory while stress appears to have negative effects on learning and memory. Previous work in our lab has demonstrated that exercise enhances long-term potentiation mediated by electrical stimulus in the hippocampus and that stress decreases long-term potentiation mediated by electrical stimulus in the hippocampus. Long-term potentiation is a measure of the strengthening of the synapses following an electrical stimulus intended to model learning and memory. The hippocampus is the area of the brain commonly deemed responsible for long-term declarative memories.
Iron As A Biomarker For Alzheimer’S Disease, Samual Barlow, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Iron As A Biomarker For Alzheimer’S Disease, Samual Barlow, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the highest causes of death in the United States. After the age of 65, the chance of getting Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. As the average lifespan of Americans increases, the importance of understanding AD and finding more efficient ways to treat it increases as well. The earlier AD is treated, the more effectively we are able to treat it. Non-heme iron (Fe) has been shown to spatially correlate with Abeta. Since Fe causes a signal dropout in susceptibility-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), this imaging modality could possibly be used as a way to …
Anatomical Variation Of The Porcine Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, Marc Christensen, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Anatomical Variation Of The Porcine Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, Marc Christensen, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Selective reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA), accomplished by anastomosis of a transected recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with the phrenic nerve, is the best treatment for vocal cord paralysis and RLN compromise. However, anatomical variation of the RLN in human patients contributes to the likelihood of post-operative complications such as laryngeal synkinesis. The purpose of this study, Anatomical Variation of the Porcine Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, is to establish a clear and detailed understanding of RLN branching patterns in pigs, the animal model most similar to humans in regards to laryngeal anatomy, to determine nerve branches that are best …
Mapping The Trigeminal Nerve, Kinnison Edmunds, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Mapping The Trigeminal Nerve, Kinnison Edmunds, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The goal of my project was to create a data-driven, three-dimensional map of the human trigeminal nerve from the trigeminal ganglion to the ends of its major pathways throughout the face and head. The purpose was to test conventional wisdom regarding the pathways of the trigeminal nerve and expose any inconsistencies between artistic representations and a data-driven mapping of the nerve. It was my hypothesis that by comparing my completed nerve map to the currently accepted anatomy literature, I will be able to challenge existing discrepancies and improve the validity of current anatomical representations.
Microarchitectural Analysis Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament To Inform Its Reconstruction, Jakob Gamboa, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Microarchitectural Analysis Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament To Inform Its Reconstruction, Jakob Gamboa, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Ligaments are specialized connective tissues that stabilize the different synovial joints found in the body. Ligaments consist of fibroblast cells surrounded by a framework of dense fibrous bands of collagen, which anchor to bones to provide support and elasticity. Their varying biomechanical functions in different locations of the body require diversity in matrix composition, shape, density, and arrangement to adapt to the complex functions they perform. These characteristics may even vary within different regions of the same ligament. Damage to ligaments compromises integrity and movement of the joint and can lead to serious complications.
Customizing 3d Models From Mri Data: Creating Educational Anatomy Models Of Neurologic Disease, Brett Gardiner, Dr. Jon Wisco
Customizing 3d Models From Mri Data: Creating Educational Anatomy Models Of Neurologic Disease, Brett Gardiner, Dr. Jon Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Neuroanatomy lab specimens are limited to cadaver availability and inconsistently demonstrate variations confronted in pathology. Using rapid prototyping (RP) technology to create 3D models from segmented MRI data offers distinct benefits to medical education. An efficient and replicable procedure for customizing these models can be developed to provide unique visual experiences for students and offer additional perspectives of brain models from real data.
Investigating The Effect Of Ethanol On Exocytosis In Vitro, Brady Hunt, Dixon Woodbury
Investigating The Effect Of Ethanol On Exocytosis In Vitro, Brady Hunt, Dixon Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research focus has been to investigate how ethanol’s pharmacological effects could be tied to it’s interactions with a key component of all cellular membranes, lipid bilayers.
Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine And Gaba Neurons: Physiological Properties And Expression Of Mrna For Endocannabinoid Biosynthetic Enzymes And Type I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, Zachary Hopkins, Jeffrey G. Edwards
Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine And Gaba Neurons: Physiological Properties And Expression Of Mrna For Endocannabinoid Biosynthetic Enzymes And Type I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, Zachary Hopkins, Jeffrey G. Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The ventral tegmental area or VTA is considered to be one of the foremost centers involved in motivation and reward processing in the brain [1]. This area is also heavily implicated in addiction. However, little is known in regards to the exact cell types and subtypes found there, or the types of signaling that occur. We were interested in investigating the possibility of retrograde signaling among the two predominant cell groups in the VTA: GABA and dopamine neurons. Both cell types can be acted on by drugs of abuse, either to directly affect DA release or indirectly through GABA cells …
Novel Comet Assay Identifies Preliminary Dna Damage Prior To Cell Apoptosis In Mouse Model Of Rage Over-Expression, Steven Knapp, Paul Reynolds
Novel Comet Assay Identifies Preliminary Dna Damage Prior To Cell Apoptosis In Mouse Model Of Rage Over-Expression, Steven Knapp, Paul Reynolds
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The goal of this project was to characterize the predisposing susceptibility of mice that overexpress receptors for advanced gylcation end products (RAGE) to apoptosis (cell death) and autophagy. Work has already been done to characterize this mouse model as pro-apoptotic; this new project will allow us to identify powerful markers that track DNA damage prior to cell death. RAGE is found in the lungs and aids in the transitioning of cell types (Reynolds P et Al., 2011). The expression of RAGE increases during instances of disease including COPD, diabetes, and lung cancer (Celli BR et Al., 2004, Wu L et …
3d Mapping Of Cardiac Nerves For Improved Cardiac Ablation Procedures In The Treatment Of Cardiac Arrhythmia, Adam Jorgensen, Jonathan J. Wisco
3d Mapping Of Cardiac Nerves For Improved Cardiac Ablation Procedures In The Treatment Of Cardiac Arrhythmia, Adam Jorgensen, Jonathan J. Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Arrhythmia is a serious heart condition that affects 14 million people in the United Statesi, and is characterized by irregular frequency of atrial and ventricular beats.ii The most serious effects of arrhythmia include sudden cardiac arrest and stroke.iii About 383,000 cases of cardiac arrest are recorded annually in the United States alone.iv In a report complied in 2011 by the World Health Organization, stroke has the second highest death rate of any disease worldwide, ending the lives of 6.1 million people annually.v
Effects Of Blocking Tlr 4 And Rage On The Progression Of Oa In The Tmj, David Mecham, David Kooyman
Effects Of Blocking Tlr 4 And Rage On The Progression Of Oa In The Tmj, David Mecham, David Kooyman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the cartilage that affects more than 80% of Americans above the age of 65 (1). Many adults also suffer from Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), and 80% of such individuals eventually develop Temporomandibular joint associated Osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) (2). Current pharmaceutical options target symptoms of OA, but there are no known treatments available. Research is being undertaken to elucidate the root causes of the disease at a cellular level. Our lab has previously shown that mice lacking the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products are protected from OA (3). Other researchers have shown that blocking …
Hyperosmolarity And Trophoblast Behavior In Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia, And Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Camilo Mejia, Juan Arroyo
Hyperosmolarity And Trophoblast Behavior In Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia, And Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Camilo Mejia, Juan Arroyo
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Pregnancy necessitates interactions between the mother and the fetus, and the placenta is the medium through which this is accomplished. Many complications during pregnancy, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) arise from abnormalities in trophoblast cells of the human placenta. Trophoblast cells form the connection between the fetus and the uterine wall. We see placental hyperosmolarity in pregnant patients with diabetes, and there are some reports of aberrant trophoblast functioning during IUGR and PE at term, but more needs to be studied regarding the hyperosmolar stress associated with these pathologies and its role in embryo development. Deviation …
Three-Dimensional Modeling Of Facial Nerve Vii, Dani Peterson, Jonathan Wisco
Three-Dimensional Modeling Of Facial Nerve Vii, Dani Peterson, Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Due to its long and complicated trajectory through the cranium, facial nerve VII (CN VII) (see figure 1) can be damaged in surgeries, sometimes resulting in facial muscle paralysis. Surgical removal of acoustic neuromas and parotid tumors, in addition to surgical repair of the temporomandibular joint disorder are associated with a risk of damage to CN VII. In addition, insertion of auditory implants can damage the nerve, as can improper stimulation to the nerve after the implantation has occurred. This study’s focus was the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) model based off of data from dissection of the nerve in …
The Role Of Endocannabinoid Receptor Gpr55 On Learning And Memory, Bradley Prince, Jeffery Edwards
The Role Of Endocannabinoid Receptor Gpr55 On Learning And Memory, Bradley Prince, Jeffery Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Each year millions of people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common forms of dementia. Extensive research has shown that Alzheimer’s affects the hippocampus, the part of the brain principally responsible for learning and memory. The mechanisms responsible for learning and memory are just beginning to be elucidated, and a more comprehensive knowledge of them will be essential in order to understand the brain under normal situations as well as in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies in this area have sought to understand the causes and treatments of disease, but so far both the underlying physiology …
Utilization Of The Tgf-Β Signaling Pathway And Cell-Substrate Interaction In A Novel Anti-Cancer Drug Screen, Nicholas Saguibo, Dr. Marc Hansen
Utilization Of The Tgf-Β Signaling Pathway And Cell-Substrate Interaction In A Novel Anti-Cancer Drug Screen, Nicholas Saguibo, Dr. Marc Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The TGF-β signaling pathway has been researched extensively over the past few years, and has been shown to be active in the majority of metastatic tumors. Interestingly, tumors expressing TGF-β activity are positively correlated with poorer prognosis in patients, making it a logical target for cancer therapeutics. Furthermore, research conducted in our lab in recent years has demonstrated that the stiffness of the substrate upon which metastatic cancer cells are adhered plays a significant role in the rate of metastasis. To summarize: the harder the substrate, the higher the rate of metastasis. This same research has also demonstrated that softer, …