Medical Cell Biology Commons^™

Effects Of Tubulin-Binding Medications On Microplastic Uptake And Cyotoskeletal Functionality Across Diverse Cell Types, Alejandra D. Favela Santos

Posters - 2026

• Microtubules are composed of of a- and b- tubulin heterodimers, vital for cell structure, shape, and intracellular transport • Microtubules are also useful as they separate chromosomes during cell division • Microplastics (< 5 mm) are considered a health threat and have been found throughout the whole body (1) o In several studies, microplastics have been correlated to higher rates cardiorespiratory issues, endocrine disruption, and cancer (1) • Tubulin-binding medications are widely used as chemotherapeutic agents as they are known for disrupting cell division and targeting tubulin (2,3) o In this study, these medications were used to determine whether microtubules play a role in microplastic uptake § Colchicine typically binds to tubulins and arrests polymerization and growth § Nocodazole disrupts polymerization and prevents spindle formation § Vinblastine inhibits microtubule assembly and disruptions miotic spindle formation.

• The purpose of this study was to determine if different concentrations of tubulin-binding medications affect microplastic uptake o C2C12, RAW 264.7, and MOVAS cell lines were used to evaluate whether these changes are cell type specific 

If microtubule dynamics are disrupted, microplastic uptake can be affect in a concentration-dependent and cell type- specific manner.

Gene Expression And Apoptotic Responses To Panobinostat Treatment And Yap Knockdown In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Luna Collazo-Garcia, Alejandra Favela Santos, Madeline Torres-Salazar, Isabella Toscano

Posters - 2026

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer driven by abnormal gene expression caused by the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein

Usually treated with intensive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation

Outcomes remain poor for metastatic disease, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation and survival through the transcriptional co-activator YAP1

Antiestrogens As Bone Protective Therapeutics For Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer In The Presence Of Osteoporosis, Faith E. Parker, Emily K. Zboril, David C. Boyd, Rachel Myrick, J. Chuck Harrell

Undergraduate Research Posters

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most significant causes of mortality among women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The estrogen receptor (ER) is a key oncogenic driver in the majority of breast cancer. ER+ BC is the most common molecular subtype of BC. Management of ER+ breast cancer varies depending on menopausal status. For premenopausal women, the goal is to suppress estradiol production from the ovaries with surgical oophorectomy and/or aromatase inhibitors. In postmenopausal women, endocrine therapy (ET) serves to suppress estradiol production from sources other than the ovaries. During the menopausal transition, estradiol …

Respons Inflamasi Pada Kasus Bedah, Yefta Moenadjat

Department of Surgery Teaching Materials and Monographs

Buku ini mengulas aspek seluler dan molekuler respons inflamasi pada beberapa kasus bedah, baik akut maupun kronis yang kerap dihadapkan pada masalah di klinik. Beberapa topik diulas antara lain kasus dengan respons inflamasi akut seperti trauma berat, luka bakar, cedera kepala dan respons inflamasi pada pediatrik serta beberapa kasus kronik seperti respons inflamasi pada diabetes mellitus dan lanjut usia

Penyembuhan Luka: Aspek Seluler Dan Biomolekuler, Yefta Moenadjat

Department of Surgery Teaching Materials and Monographs

Mengulas aspek seluler dan molekuler penyembuhan luka di setiap fase, dimulai dari hemostasis, inflamasi dan resolusi inflamasi, proliferasi, dan maturasi. Pada bagian terakhir dulas pula gangguan proses penyembuhan luka (luka kronik, non–healing wound) yang kerap dijumpai di klinik.

Examining Ndufab1 Expression In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Addison Stevens

Poster Presentations

Honors research poster.

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is approximately 4% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer associated mortality in the United States. In 2023, there will be an estimated 67,000 new cases of HNSCC, along with 15,400 deaths, in the United States. HNSCC locations include the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Major risk factors for HNSCC include tobacco use, alcohol use, and human papilloma virus (HPV). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is currently the only approved molecular targeted therapy for HNSCC. Therefore, new therapeutics and biomarkers for HNSCC are warranted. Mitochondria are …

Proposing An Rna Interference (Rnai)-Based Treatment For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) By Analyzing The Post-Transcriptional Gene Targeting Of Sars-Cov-2, Hepatitis C Virus, And A549 Lung Cancer Cells, Arjun Jagdeesh

Undergraduate Research Posters

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects CD4+ T cell lymphocytes in humans, leading to the development of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. While current treatment methods, including antiretroviral combination treatments, effectively limit HIV replication, HIV can evade these treatments due to its high mutation rate. Long-term antiretroviral treatment can also be toxic to patients, meaning patients would benefit from a new mechanism of HIV treatment. RNA interference (RNAi) is an antiviral pathway found in mammals, plants, and insects that involves a small-interfering RNA that is incorporated into a protein complex called the RNA-induced Silencing Complex …

Isoprenylation Inhibition Suppresses Fcεri-Mediated Mast Cell Function And Allergic Inflammation, Aditya Kotha, Jordan M. Dailey, Aslamuzzaman Kazi, Said Sebti, John J. Ryan

Undergraduate Research Posters

Allergic disease is driven by cell signaling cascades that activate immune cells. One key player is mast cells, which is activated by IgE antibodies signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor, FceRI. Therefore, targeting FceRI-mediated cascades can offer for novel treatments for allergic disease. Statins have been demonstrated to reduce the severity of asthma, a common allergic airway disease. Statins are an FDA approved class of drugs with the intended purpose of lowering blood cholesterol. We previously found that while statins inhibit mast cell function in allergic disease, these anti-inflammatory effects vary widely amongst differing mouse strains and human donors, …

Investigation Of The Dyrk1a Regulation By Lzts2-Sipa1l1 Complex, Rebecca Gunnin, Austin Witt B.S., Larisa Litovchick M.D.,Ph.D.

Undergraduate Research Posters

A region on chromosome 21, the Down Syndrome critical region (DSCR), is associated with major defects found in Down Syndrome, such as craniofacial malformations. DYRK1A is a gene found on chromosome 21 within the DSCR that encodes an enzyme, dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A. DYRK1A is known to phosphorylate many substrate proteins and is thought to be involved in tumor suppression, neurological development, cell cycle regulation, and aging. Recently, the Litovchick lab and others reported that DYRK1A also plays a role in the double-strand break repair of DNA, which could lead to mutations and tumorigenesis, if deregulated.

The Litovchick lab …

Applying Mci-062, A Novel Pan-Ras Inhibitor, To Treat Kras-Mutant Lung Cancer., Richard Fu

Poster Presentations

Honors thesis poster presentation.

RAS, one of the most prevalent oncogenes, is mutated in 27% of human cancers. Gainof- function RAS mutations activate multiple downstream pathways, including the RASRAF- MEK-ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, which are critical in tumorigenesis and cancer cell proliferation. The RAS proteins KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS along with their downstream effectors are attractive targets for cancer therapy since they act as frequent drivers in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. However, RAS proteins have relatively smooth surfaces that lack traditional binding pockets, making inhibitors specific to RAS difficult to create. Recently, a novel small molecule pan-RAS inhibitor named …

The Effect Of Creatine On Immortalized Schwann Cell Proliferation, Peyton Kimmel, Caitlyn Henry, Angela Asirvatham

Student Research Poster Presentations 2022

Creatine is an important component of the high-energy phosphate transfer to regulate cellular levels of ATP. The functions of creatine supplementation are well studied in the muscular and skeletal system, however the impact of creatine in the nervous system, specifically Schwann cells, is relatively unknown. Schwann cell growth in vitro is facilitated by heregulin, a neuron secreted growth factor, and forskolin, a pharmacological agent that activates cAMP. In peripheral nervous system injuries, recovery time is based around Schwann cell’s ability to proliferate and differentiate, and it is unknown what role creatine plays in this process. It was hypothesized that increasing …

Inhibiting Fatty Acid Binding Protein Family Members Decreases Multiple Myeloma Cell Proliferation Through Effecting The Myc Pathway, Mariah Farrell, Heather Fairfield, Anastasia D'Amico, Carolyne Falank, Connor Murphy, Michaela Reagan

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2021

FABP inhibition leads to increased survival of myeloma bearing mice and decreased cell growth by inhibiting MYC signaling.

The Effect Of High Fat Diet On Marrow Adipocytes From C57bl/6j (B6) Mice, Gisela Pachón-­Peña, Clifford J. Rosen, Samantha Costa

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2021

In mice models, the administration of a high fat diet (HFD) is an accelerating factor for metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, and early type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (1)

Atrx Mutation In Pineal Parenchymal Tumor Of Intermediate Differentiation, Michelle Nagurney, Md, Christopher Farrell, Md, Zi-Xuan Wang, Phd, Mark T. Curtis, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Objectives

Based on our identification of an ATRX mutation in a PPTID of a 22 year old female, we analyzed the frequency of ATRX loss in pineal parenchymal tumors using ATRX immunohistochemical staining.

Mlk Book Read 2018 (Research Materials), Holy Cross Libraries

Library Resources for Campus Events

A bibliography of resources available through the Holy Cross Libraries which provide additional information related to the MLK Winter Book Read, based on the best-seller “The Immortal LIfe of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skoot.

The Effect Of Dna Methylation On Tp73 Expression In Tumorgenesis, Nujuma A. Moussa

Undergraduate Research Posters

Abstract: The Effect of DNA Methylation on TP73 Expression in Tumorgenesis

Nujuma Moussa, Zhixing Yao, Zaki A. Sherif

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine

TP73 is a member of the TP53 family of proteins that acts as a transcription factor to help regulate cellular distress. This tumor protein may play a dual role as a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter. The TP73 gene is mapped to chromosome 1p36, a frequently deleted region in neuroblastoma and other types of tumors. While mutations in the TP53 gene are commonly known to cause noxious cancers, 30% of cancers …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Paris System And Institutional Reporting System For Urine Cytology In Upper Tract Urothelial Specimens, Kim Hookim, Md, James P. Casey, Md, Rossitza Draganova-Tacheva, Md, Marluce Bibbo, Md, Charalambos C. Solomides, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

The authors of this abstract have no conflicts of interest

Introduction

Cytology is integral in the assessment of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). However, upper urinary tract (UUT) specimens are cytologically challenging due to limited tissue and reactive atypia. At our institution UUT biopsies are processed as cell blocks (CB). We compared our institution’s reporting system (IRS) with the recently proposed Paris System for Reporting Urine Cytology (PRS) (Table 1) in UUT specimens and correlated the findings with CB and follow-up resections.

Increased Density Of Axonal Spheroids In The Nucleus Gracilis Of The Lower Brainstem In Diabetic Versus Non-Diabetic Patients, Tiffany Morrison, Msiv, Lawrence C. Kenyon, Md, Phd

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Abstract

The presence of axonal spheroids is unusual in the absence of a clinical history of CNS injury. Nevertheless, increased numbers of axonal spheroids in the lower brainstem have been consistently observed in autopsied diabetic patients. A prospective comprehensive investigation of the density, size, and distribution of axonal spheroids in the brainstem and spinal cord was undertaken in 22 patients and correlated with comorbidities, age, and gender. In most cases, an increased density of axonal spheroids was identified within the nucleus gracilis of the lower brainstem. Moreover, the highest densities (p = 0.013) and circumferences (p = 0.002) of axonal …

The Cytotoxicity Of Essential Oils On Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells, Desalyn Johnson, Shaylee Green

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Calcium Uptake Hotspots In The Mitochondria Of Cardiac Muscle At The Interface With Dyadic Sr, Sergio De La Fuente, Celia Fernandez-Sanz, Caitlin Vail, Elorm J. Agra, Kira Holmstrom, Junhui Sun, Jyotsna Mishra, Toren Finkel, Elizabeth Murphy, Suresh K. Joseph, Shey-Shing Sheu, György Csordás

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Introduction

• Control of the mitochondrial ATP production by SR-derived Ca2+ signals includes local, nanodomain Ca2+ transfer from ryanodine receptors (RyR2) to the mitochondrial matrix (excitation-bioenergetics coupling).

• Ca2+ crosses the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) via the mtCU, a low-affinity Ca2+-activated Ca2+ channel complex.

• The surface area of cardiac IMM is extensively enhanced by cristae folding; however, mitoplast patch clamp studies showed mtCU current density the lowest amongst a range of tissues (Fieni 2012. Nat Commun).

Activated Clotting Time (Act): Comparison Of The Hemochron Signature Elite And The Abbott I-Stat, Lilah Evans, Susanne Gallo, Joseph J. Leo, Barbara Goldsmith, Phd, Facb

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

BACKGROUND

ACT is commonly used for heparin anticoagulation monitoring during procedures including cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, and interventional radiology. To prevent thrombosis, moderate to high levels of heparin anticoagulation are required. The Hemochron Signature Elite (HSE, Accriva Diagnostics, formerly ITC, San Diego, CA) was implemented at TJUH as a replacement for the older model Hemochron Response (Accriva/ITC Model HRS.110, San Diego, CA). Operating room (OR) perfusionists reported irreproducible high results using HSE that could not be explained clinically. In consideration of use of i-STAT analyzers (Abbott Point of Care, Princeton, NJ) as an alternative to HSE, we performed a …

Performance Of Creatinine And Chloride On The Epoc Analyzer, Lilah Evans, Susanne Gallo, Stacey K. Mardekian, Barbara Goldsmith, Phd, Facb

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

BACKGROUND

The epoc Blood Analysis System (Alere, Orlando, FL) performs blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites using a Blood Gas Electrolyte and Metabolite (BGEM) Test Card panel on 92 uL of whole blood. The BGEM test card uses potentiometric sensors to measure sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, pH, pCO2; amperometric sensors to measure pO2, glucose, and lactate; and a conductometric sensor to measure hematocrit. Results are available in 3-10 minutes, depending upon the time between calibration and patient testing. TJUH implemented the epoc in its ICUs in 2012 to provide Point of Care (POC) results. Alere recently added creatinine and chloride sensors …

Use Of Propensity Score Matching To Identify A Strong Association Between Strategic Concentration To Mitochondria-Sr Associations Of The Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter: Ca2+ Uptake Hotspots In The Cardiac Mitochondria, Sergio De La Fuente, Caitlin Vail, Elorm J. Agra, Kira Holmstrom, Junhui Sun, Jyotsna Mishra, Toren Kinkel, Elizabeth Murphy, Suresh K. Joseph, Shey-Shing Shen, György Csordás

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Introduction:

• Control of the mitochondrial ATP production by SR-derived Ca²⁺ signals includes local, nanodomain Ca²⁺ transfer from ryanodine receptors (RyR2) to the mitochondrial matrix (excitation-bioenergetics coupling).
• Ca²⁺ crosses the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) via the mtCU, a low-affinity Ca²⁺-activated Ca²⁺ channel complex.
• The surface area of cardiac IMM is extensively enhanced by cristae folding; however, mitoplast patch clamp studies showed mtCU current density the lowest amongst a range of tissues (Fieni 2012. Nat Commun).

Gaining Competencies During Early Medical Training: Medical Students As Teaching Assistants In Dissection-Based Anatomy Course, Martin T. Brown, Bruce Fenderson, Guiyan Zhang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Introduction and Objectives

• In 2002, ACGME identified six ACGME Core Competencies: patient care; medical knowledge; practice-based learning and improvement; interpersonal and communication skills; professionalism; and systems-based practice.
• AAMC recommended lists of similar competencies for the curricula of medical schools. Competency based curricula have been widely implemented in medical schools.
• Effective shifting in the graduate medical educational programs has been reported in various clinical specialties.
• There is a lack of reported efforts and development on competency training in early preclinical years of medical education.

Objectives:

• To explore methods for strengthening medical students’ competency training during preclinical undergraduate medical education.
• To measure …

Two Separate Colorectal Granular Cell Tumors: A Case Report, Danica N. Giugliano, Md, Danielle Fortuna, Md, Scott D. Goldstein, Md, Benjamin Philllips, Md, Gerald A. Isenberg, Md

Department of Surgery Posters

Introduction, Case Report, Discussion, Conclusion and References.

In-Silico Identification Of Prognostically Inversely Correlated Mirnas And Mrnas (Pic’S) In Multiple Cancers, Chirayu Pankaj Goswami, Zi-Xuan Wang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Despite numerous methods available to identify potential mRNA targets for miRNAs, prognostic relationship of these molecules in diseases like cancers where deregulation of gene expression is a major pathogenic factor, has not yet been emphasized. We performed in-silico identification of prognostically inversely correlated miRNA - mRNA pairs (PIC’s) in multiple cancers using expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Partners in a PIC show inverse correlation of expression and opposite hazard implication. Using a three step approach, we identified a total of 1,253,443 PIC’s from 23 cancer types, several of which have previously been shown to have a predicted or …

Progtar: A Database Of Prognostically Inversely Correlated Mirnas And Genes (Pics) In Multiple Cancers, Chirayu Pankaj Goswami

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

ABSTRACT

PROGTar is a database of Prognostically Inversely Correlated miRNA-mRNA pairs (PIC’s) in 23 cancer types. Partner miRNA and mRNA in a PIC show inverse correlation of expression and opposite hazards. We analyzed miRNA and mRNA expression data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) in a 3 step approach to identify PICs in different cancer types. In first step we performed correlation analysis between miRNAs and mRNAs for each cancer type. This was followed by performing hazard analysis separately for miRNAs and mRNAs using expression data and survival related clinical variables. In the third step we merged the correlation …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Cell Membrane, Ali Naserallah, Valentinas Gruzdys, Xue-Long Sun

Undergraduate Research Posters 2014

Cell membrane plays critical cellular functions in both physiological and pathological pathways and thus is important target for both basic and applied biomedical research. The domain structure features of cell membrane strongly affect the functions of membrane embedded biomolecules such as proteins and carbohydrates. However, understanding the structural aspects of membrane effects on the embedded biomolecule’s function have not been able easily to do due to limited approaches available. We have engaged in fabrication of cell membrane mimetic systems for functional analysis of membrane proteins and cell surface carbohydrates [1,2]. Thrombomodulin (TM), an endothelial integral membrane protein, plays central roles …

The Use Of Elastin-Like Polypeptides As A Drug Carrier Material: A Compatibility Study, Michael G. Price, John P. Gavin, Eric Helm, James T. Cole, Nolan Holland

Undergraduate Research Posters 2014

Stimuli responsive self-assembling nanoparticles of elastin-like polypeptides are promising platforms for targeted drug delivery and release. These particles spontaneously assemble from elastin-like polypeptide building blocks in solution. The nanoparticles stably self-assemble under specific temperature, salt, and pH conditions and can dissociate upon changing of these conditions. With appropriate design, the surface of the particles can be decorated with labels that cause them to accumulate in specific diseased tissues. In addition, the size of the particles is appropriate to minimize undesirable rapid clearance from the body. In this study, we are testing the ability of the elastin-like polypeptide core to store …

Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection Of Neuronal Cells Induces Changes In Calcium-Associated Gene Expression Consistent With Alzheimer’S Disease, Christopher Andrew Cappellini, Ahmad B. Cader, Keith G. Williams, Juliana Zoga, Susan T. Hingley

Scholarly Posters

Background and Significance: Previous studies have shown that cells infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) exhibit altered gene expression consistent with that observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Furthermore, AD neurodegeneration has been linked to dysregulation of intracellular calcium and calcium-related processes. Therefore, we hypothesize that one mechanism by which pathogenesis evolves in AD is through infection-induced changes in expression of calcium-related genes. Objectives: To determine if infection of neuronal cells with Cpn alters expression of calciumrelated genes associated with neurodegeneration. Methods: SK-N-MC neuronal cells were infected with Cpn (AR39 strain; MOI=1) for 3 to 72 hours, then calcium-related genes were screened …