Physiology Commons^™

Effects Of Antiviral Drug Compounds In Blocking Influenza Virus M2 Channels In Xenopus Laevis Ooctyes, Timothy Mcclain, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to research and test various drug compounds to prevent influenza virus infection. A specific target of my research is M2 protein channels that aid in the uncoating of the viral coat. Recent mutations have rendered formerly effective drugs almost completely useless. With recent outbreaks and mutations of the virus, the demand for antiviral drugs has never been greater. The goal of the project was to test several different compounds that had been selected based on unique characteristics, designed to adjust to the mutation, and prevent further infection.

The Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita Homozygous Mutant: A Model For The Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, David Macdonald, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Articular cartilage is a hard-wearing and specialized form of hyaline cartilage which allows for an almost frictionless surface during joint movement (Ofek et al. 2008). These unique characteristics are primarily due to chondrocyte secretions, and the composition and properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) (Buckwalter and Mankin 1998). Chondrocytes play a crucial role in cartilage durability because of their extracellular secretions (Knudson and Knudson 2001). Being immotile, chondrocytes depend greatly upon the equilibrium of the ECM for protection, integrity, and regulation (Aszodi et al. 2003). The ECM is composed primarily of type II collagen, glycoproteins, water and aggrecan proteoglycan (Hollander …

Effects Of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation On Ampk-Activity And Mitochondrial Biogenesis In Lkb1 Knockout Mice, Lisa Mccoy, Dr. David Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the medical school interview of the school I will be attending next Fall, my interviewer asked me to speak of a time in which I had failed or suffered an obstacle in my academic career. He laughed and said that I probably hadn’t even had one because of the numbers he had observed in my application. I rebutted and told him I very recently had faced difficulty. I spoke of this experience. Throughout my entire academic career, I have never really had to face failure. I was blessed with motivation and the capacity to excel and my grades consistently …

Mdck Gene Expression During Emt, Jason Burton, Marc Hansen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is mostly due to a lack of understanding into the function of cancer and the different mechanisms it uses to spread. The process by which cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and spread to form metastases is known as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is a process whereby specialized epithelial cells undergo a transformation back to primitive, mobile cells (see figure 1). These cells can travel through the basement membranes and enter the nervous and vascular systems and spread throughout the body. This process has …

Rho Kinase Pathway Inhibition And Its Effect On Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Jacob Hoj, Dr. Marc Hansen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Rho Kinase Pathway is a cellular pathway that is thought to be involved in cancer metastasis, as previous research has indicated¹. As indicated by the name, the Rho group of proteins are central to this pathway. Over the past year, we set out to analyze this pathway and to further our understanding of its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biological process common in many metastatic cancers. Through experimental analysis, we were able to look at this pathway in ways that no one else has been able to. While our results were very intriguing, obtaining the data …

A Novel Role For Amp-Activated Protein Kinase As A Selective Inhibitor Of De Novo Ceramide Biosynthesis, Kate Erickson, Dr. Benjamin Bikman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to determine the cellular mechanisms that mediate AMPK-induced reductions in lipotoxicity. We predicted that AMPK activation inhibits lipotoxic ceramide biosynthesis via targeted reduction in transcription of a critical, rate-limiting enzyme involved in de novo ceramide synthesis.

Cellular Mechanisms Behind Memory Formation In The Developing Brain, Spencer Bell, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Carrying out my research project with my mentor’s assistance has provided valuable experiences and important lessons. At the present time, however, my research has not produced the results we had anticipated. We had hoped to demonstrate that a certain receptor in the brain called transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) modulated memory formation in the developing brain by influencing a process known as long-term depression, or the weakening of a chemical connection between two brain cells. Although we have not yet produced statistically significant results, our observations indicate that we may simply need to conduct more experiments to acquire enough …

Comparisons Of Amantadine Analogues Against The Dominant Influenza A Virus M2 Proton Channel Mutant Via Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy And Tryptophan Fluorescence Anisotropy, Trevor Anderson, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The influenza A virus is a severe ongoing threat to public health, accounting for over 250,000 fatalities worldwide each year. In order to actuate the virus, it is necessary for the M2 proton channel to be activated upon fusion with an endosome.

The Neuroprotective Effects Of Exercise On Ltd In The Hippocampus, Adam Field, Dr. Jeff Edwards

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In April of 2012, IACUC committee approved the methods which we had set forth for the carrying out of the experiment. At this point we began gathering the tools and materials needed for the performing of the experiment. Mice were obtained, and the electrophysiological research begun.

Premature Osteoarthritis In The Temporomandibular Joint Of Heterozygous Disporportionate Micromelia Mice, Jason Farrell, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study, as also summarized in the proposal for this research grant, was to analyze the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of mice with a specific collagen defect, Disproportionate Micromelia. Examining these joints was done to provide an animal model to be used in Osteoarthritis research, and to propose a potential mechanism for osteoarthritis in this joint in humans. Better understanding of Osteoarthritis in this joint using an animal model can help lead to potential future treatments for a wide variety of TMJ disorders.

Modeling The Influence Of Vitamin D Deficiency On Cigarette Smoke-Induced Emphysema, Mardi A. Crane-Godreau, Candice C. Black, Andrew J. Giustini, Tenzin Dechen, Jihan Ryu, James A. Jukosky, Hong-Kee Lee, Katherine Bessette, Nora R. Ratcliffe, P. Jack Hoopes, Steven Fiering, John A. Kelly, J. C. Leiter

Dartmouth Scholarship

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the primary risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoke exposure, vitamin D deficiency has been epidemiologically implicated as a factor in the progressive development of COPD-associated emphysema. Because of difficulties inherent to studies involving multiple risk factors in the progression of COPD in humans, we developed a murine model in which to study the separate and combined effects of vitamin D deficiency and cigarette smoke exposure. During a 16-week period, mice were exposed to one of four conditions, control diet breathing room air (CD-NS), control …

Scfkmd Controls Cytokinin Signaling By Regulating The Degradation Of Type-B Response Regulators, Hyo Jung Kim, Yi-Hsuan Chiang, Joseph J. Kieber, G. Eric Schaller

Dartmouth Scholarship

Cytokinins are plant hormones that play critical roles in growth and development. In Arabidopsis, the transcriptional response to cytokinin is regulated by action of type-B Arabidopsis response regulators (ARRs). Although central elements in the cytokinin signal transduction pathway have been identified, mechanisms controlling output remain to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that a family of F-box proteins, called the kiss me deadly (KMD) family, targets type-B ARR proteins for degradation. KMD proteins form an S-phase kinase-associated PROTEIN1 (SKP1)/Cullin/F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and directly interact with type-B ARR proteins. Loss-of-function KMD mutants stabilize type-B ARRs and exhibit an …

Molecular Remodeling Of Tip Links Underlies Mechanosensory Regeneration In Auditory Hair Cells, Artur A. Indzhykulian, Ruben Stepanyan, Anastasiia Nelina, Kateri J. Spinelli, Zubair M. Ahmed, Inna A. Belyantseva, Thomas B. Friedman, Peter G. Barr-Gillespie, Gregory I. Frolenkov

Physiology Faculty Publications

Sound detection by inner ear hair cells requires tip links that interconnect mechanosensory stereocilia and convey force to yet unidentified transduction channels. Current models postulate a static composition of the tip link, with protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) at the lower and cadherin 23 (CDH23) at the upper end of the link. In terminally differentiated mammalian auditory hair cells, tip links are subjected to sound-induced forces throughout an organism's life. Although hair cells can regenerate disrupted tip links and restore hearing, the molecular details of this process are unknown. We developed a novel implementation of backscatter electron scanning microscopy to visualize simultaneously …

Associations Between Alcohol Consumption And Fasting Blood Glucose In Young Adults, Julie Ann Lucca

Master's Theses

Current research shows moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of diabetes and excessive consumption or binge drinking can cause insulin resistance and diabetes. In 2010, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United Statesand was responsible for significant health complications: blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations, and is a large national economic burden. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) is a tool used to help diagnose diabetes. Abnormally high FBG, ≥100 mg/dl, is indicative of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Few studies have observed diabetic prevalence among young adults or college students. Studying young adults can help provide added …

Does Naloxone Reinstate Secondary Hyperalgesia In Humans After Resolution Of A Burn Injury? A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized, Cross-Over Study, Manuel P. Pereira, Mads U. Werner, Thomas K. Ringsted, Michael C. Rowbotham, Bradley K. Taylor, Joergen B. Dahl

Physiology Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Development of secondary hyperalgesia following a cutaneous injury is a centrally mediated, robust phenomenon. The pathophysiological role of endogenous opioid signalling to the development of hyperalgesia is unclear. Recent animal studies, carried out after the resolution of inflammatory pain, have demonstrated reinstatement of tactile hypersensitivity following administration of μ-opioid-receptor-antagonists. In the present study in humans, we analyzed the effect of naloxone when given after the resolution of secondary hyperalgesia following a first-degree burn injury.

METHODS: Twenty-two healthy volunteers were included in this placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Following baseline assessment of thermal and mechanical thresholds, a first-degree burn injury …

Intra-Mitochondrial Injury During Ischemia-Reperfusion, Hema Aluri

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiac injury is increased following ischemia-reperfusion. Mitochondria are the “effector organelles” that are damaged during ischemia (ISC) when there is no blood flow. Resumption of metabolism by damaged mitochondria during reperfusion (REP) results in increased cell injury. Current therapeutic interventions to pre-condition and post-condition the heart during ISC are ineffective during certain conditions like aging and diabetes due to defects in the signaling cascades. In contrast, mitochondrial-based strategies are effective in protecting the heart during ISC-REP. Hence direct therapeutic targeting of dysfunctional mitochondria will provide the potential to bypass the upstream signaling defects and intervene directly upon the effector organelle. …

Validation Of Antibodies Used To Study Hypoxia Inducible Factors In Two Species Of Fundulus, Jenna D. Hill

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors and the master regulators of oxygen-dependent gene expression in animals. The focus of this thesis is the distribution of HIF protein in tissues of the fish Fundulus heteroclitus and F. grandis, two widespread species that occur in naturally hypoxic waters. Polyclonal antibodies against HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-3α were tested on proteins made in vitro and on extracts made from several tissues of normoxic and hypoxic fish. Antibodies against HIF-1α and 3α bound specifically to full length protein made in vitro, and produced bands on western blots of nuclear extracts of near …

Unhealthy Behaviors And The Relationship To Body Mass Index (Bmi) In College Students, J. Popivchak, B. Larouere, Carena S. Winters

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Comparing Physiological Responses While Walking On A Standard Motorized Treadmill And Curve Treadmill, J. Phipps, S. Miller, S. Voran, M. Lister, Harold S. Kieffer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Relationships Between Peak Oxygen Uptake And Arterial Function: A Preliminary Study, M. Pearman, E. Devallance, S. Fournier, D. Bonner, B. E. Warden, W. Gharib, D. Donley, P. Chantler

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Cardiovascular Responses To High Intensity Aerobic And Anaerobic Exercises, A. Parker, P. Messersmith, K. Beil, K. Mahoney, K. Jones, J. A. Mckenzie, S. D. Mccole

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

The Effects Of Caffeine On Maximal Anaerobic Exercise, K. Ogden, J. Haak, Harold S. Kieffer, N. Marlowe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Effects Of Creatine Monohydrate Vs. Creatine Hydrochloride On Muscle Endurance Performance, K. Naylor, C. Albright, C. Liggitt, A. Kolenc, R. Robinson, W. Braun, J. Sanders

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Gender-Specific Equations For Predicting Maximal Heart Rate In Exercise Stress Testing, T. Nagle, E. Godlasky, S. Weber-Peters, R. Bradford, N. Miller, M. Lott

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

The Relationship Between Body Composition And Baseball Performance In Division Ii Baseball Players, B. Muth, C. A. Witmer, S. E. Davis, J. Guers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Body Image And Associated Behaviors Among College-Aged Students, E. Miller, B. Larouere, Carena S. Winters

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Validity Of Using Functional Threshold Power And Intermittent Power To Predict Mountain Bike Race Outcome, M. Miller, G. Moir

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Can Standing Long Jump Distance Be Predicted From Standing Vertical Jump Distance?, L. Merk, C. Michael, Ben Meyer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Effects Of A Two Week College Weight Training Course On Body Weight, Power, And Strength, J. Mcnamara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.

Relationship Of Mechanomyographic Amplitude To Torque Using A New Accelerometer Based Device, M. J. Mcmahon, S. Mookerjee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Please view abstract in the attached PDF file.