High-Throughput Nanoliter Dispensing Device For Biological Applications,
2018
Purdue University
High-Throughput Nanoliter Dispensing Device For Biological Applications, Cole Reynolds, Euiwon Bae Dr., J Paul Robinson Dr.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Pathogen identification is a field that can contribute largely to the prevention of the spreading of illness and disease. In the past, pathogen identification has been a long and arduous process due to the time-consuming processes and steps that requires technician’s time and effort. With new technologies emerging however, screening of bacteria colonies can be done in a quick and high-throughput way. The problem is that using the current methods, bacteria cannot be transferred to petri dishes fast enough to keep up with the new screening methods. The current study focuses on exploring different methods to create an ergonomic device …
Genomic Analysis Of 48 Paenibacillus Larvae Bacteriophages,
2018
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Genomic Analysis Of 48 Paenibacillus Larvae Bacteriophages, Casey Stamereilers, Christopher P. Fajardo, Jamison K. Walker, Katterinne N. Mendez, Eduardo Castro-Nallar, Julianne H. Grose, Sandra Hope, Philippos K. Tsourkas
Life Sciences Faculty Research
The antibiotic-resistant bacterium Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB), currently the most destructive bacterial disease in honeybees. Phages that infect P. larvae were isolated as early as the 1950s, but it is only in recent years that P. larvae phage genomes have been sequenced and annotated. In this study we analyze the genomes of all 48 currently sequenced P. larvae phage genomes and classify them into four clusters and a singleton. The majority of P. larvaephage genomes are in the 38–45 kbp range and use the cohesive ends (cos) DNA-packaging strategy, while a minority have genomes …
Arthropod Transcriptional Activator Protein-1 (Ap-1) Aids Tick-Rickettsial Pathogen Survival In The Cold,
2018
Old Dominion University
Arthropod Transcriptional Activator Protein-1 (Ap-1) Aids Tick-Rickettsial Pathogen Survival In The Cold, Supreet Khanal, Vikas Taank, John F. Anderson, Hameeda Sultana, Girish Neelakanta
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Ixodes scapularis ticks transmit several pathogens to humans including rickettsial bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Here, we report that A. phagocytophilum uses tick transcriptional activator protein-1 (AP-1) as a molecular switch in the regulation of arthropod antifreeze gene, iafgp. RNAi-mediated silencing of ap-1 expression significantly affected iafgp gene expression and A. phagocytophilum burden in ticks upon acquisition from the murine host. Gel shift assays provide evidence that both the bacterium and AP-1 influences iafgp promoter and expression. The luciferase assays revealed that a region of approximately 700 bp upstream of the antifreeze gene is sufficient for AP-1 binding to promote …
A Broad Spectrum Racemase In Pseudomonas Putida Kt2440 Plays A Key Role In Amino Acid Catabolism,
2018
University of California - San Francisco
A Broad Spectrum Racemase In Pseudomonas Putida Kt2440 Plays A Key Role In Amino Acid Catabolism, Atanas D. Radkov, Luke A. Moe
Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications
The broad-spectrum amino acid racemase (Alr) of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 preferentially interconverts the L- and D-stereoisomers of Lys and Arg. Despite conservation of broad-spectrum racemases among bacteria, little is known regarding their physiological role. Here we explore potential functional roles for Alr in P. putida KT2440. We demonstrate through cellular fractionation that Alr enzymatic activity is found in the periplasm, consistent with its putative periplasm targeting sequence. Specific activity of Alr is highest during exponential growth, and this activity corresponds with an increased accumulation of D-Lys in the growth medium. An alr gene knockout strain (Δalr) was generated …
Pseudomonas Pb1-Like Phages: Whole Genomes From Metagenomes Offer Insight Into An Abundant Group Of Bacteriophages,
2018
Loyola University Chicago
Pseudomonas Pb1-Like Phages: Whole Genomes From Metagenomes Offer Insight Into An Abundant Group Of Bacteriophages, Siobhan C. Watkins, Emily Sible, Catherine Putonti
Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works
Despite the abundance, ubiquity and impact of environmental viruses, their inherent genomic plasticity and extreme diversity pose significant challenges for the examination of bacteriophages on Earth. Viral metagenomic studies have offered insight into broader aspects of phage ecology and repeatedly uncover genes to which we are currently unable to assign function. A combined effort of phage isolation and metagenomic survey of Chicago’s nearshore waters of Lake Michigan revealed the presence of Pbunaviruses, relatives of the Pseudomonas phage PB1. This prompted our expansive investigation of PB1-like phages. Genomic signatures of PB1-like phages and Pbunaviruses were identified, permitting the unambiguous distinction between …
Inhibition Of Listeria Monocytogenes By Human Gut Bacteria,
2018
Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology
Inhibition Of Listeria Monocytogenes By Human Gut Bacteria, Patrycja Sylvia Olesky
Masters
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen, which continues to be problematic to the food industry due to its ability survive within food products and persist within food processing environments. The growing trend towards natural food preservatives and antimicrobial agents increases the need for the development of novel, natural anti-Listeria agents. Evidence presented in the literature suggests that the human gut microbiota is a reservoir of novel antimicrobial agents. It was therefore hypothesized that novel anti-Listeria agents are produced by human gut-derived bacteria. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize gut bacteria with anti-Listeria monocytogenes activity. A total …
Ms Analysis Of A Dilution Series Of Bacteria: Phytoplankton To Improve Detection Of Low Abundance Bacterial Peptides,
2018
Old Dominion University
Ms Analysis Of A Dilution Series Of Bacteria: Phytoplankton To Improve Detection Of Low Abundance Bacterial Peptides, Emma Timmins-Schiffman, Molly P. Mikan, Ying Sonia Ting, H. Rodger Harvey, Brook L. Nunn
OES Faculty Publications
Assigning links between microbial activity and biogeochemical cycles in the ocean is a primary objective for ecologists and oceanographers. Bacteria represent a small ecosystem component by mass, but act as the nexus for both nutrient transformation and organic matter recycling. There are limited methods to explore the full suite of active bacterial proteins largely responsible for degradation. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics now has the potential to document bacterial physiology within these complex systems. Global proteome profiling using MS, known as data dependent acquisition (DDA), is limited by the stochastic nature of ion selection, decreasing the detection of low abundance peptides. …
Identification Of A Tola Protein Binding Site For Bacterial Toxins,
2018
Bowling Green State University
Identification Of A Tola Protein Binding Site For Bacterial Toxins, Monica Ferrante
Honors Projects
Group A colicins are proteinaceous bacteriocins encoded by plasmids that exploit the cellular envelope protein TolA to translocate the cell wall barrier and cellular envelope of the bacterium Escherichia coli. These colicins offer protocols for studying certain protein-protein interactions involved in such membrane transport functions. Previous experimentations suggest the carboxyl-terminal domain of TolA protein contains specific amino acid binding regions required for the translocation of group A colicins into E. coli. The amino acid sequence of this domain varies between E. coli and other gram-negative bacterial species. It has been suggested that this diversity could be utilized to …
The Evolution Of Molecular Compatibility Between Bacteriophage Φx174 And Its Host,
2018
Loyola University Chicago
The Evolution Of Molecular Compatibility Between Bacteriophage Φx174 And Its Host, Alexander Kula, Joseph Saelens, Jennifer Cox, Alyxandria M. Schubert, Michael Travisano, Catherine Putonti
Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works
Viruses rely upon their hosts for biosynthesis of viral RNA, DNA and protein. This dependency frequently engenders strong selection for virus genome compatibility with potential hosts, appropriate gene regulation and expression necessary for a successful infection. While bioinformatic studies have shown strong correlations between codon usage in viral and host genomes, the selective factors by which this compatibility evolves remain a matter of conjecture. Engineered to include codons with a lesser usage and/or tRNA abundance within the host, three different attenuated strains of the bacterial virus ФX174 were created and propagated via serial transfers. Molecular sequence data indicate that biosynthetic …
Evolution Of Bordetella Pertussis Genome May Play A Role In The Increased Rate Of Whooping Cough Cases In The United States,
2018
James Madison University
Evolution Of Bordetella Pertussis Genome May Play A Role In The Increased Rate Of Whooping Cough Cases In The United States, Kevin Loftus
Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Bordetella pertussis is the bacterium responsible for pertussis, a disease commonly referred to as whooping cough. Recently, pertussis has made a resurgence in the U.S. despite high-vaccination coverage. Possible causes of the increased number of pertussis cases include genetic evolution of B. pertussis, increased awareness of the disease, better laboratory diagnostics, and the switch from a whole-cellular (wP) vaccine to an acellular vaccine (aP) in the 1990s. Fortunately, just as B. pertussis is evolving, so is the arsenal of technologies used to understand and combat this pathogenic bacterium. Whole genome sequencing is one technology that helps researchers better understand …
Functional Studies Of The E. Coli Proc And A Putative Ortholog Mrub_1345,
2018
Augustana College, Rock Island Illinois
Functional Studies Of The E. Coli Proc And A Putative Ortholog Mrub_1345, Maureen Azar, Dr. Lori Scott
Meiothermus ruber Genome Analysis Project
This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tools associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation –Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict gene function. We investigated the biological function of Escherichia coli and Meiothermus ruber proC genes using the complementation assay. In this research project, mutants of varying severity to the functional state of the protein were developed. The results showed that two or more amino acid deletions reduced or eliminated ProC function. Amino acid substitutions, on the other hand, were not severe enough to impact ProC function. Double and triple mutants …
Specimen Accountability Process Change In A Non-Automated Consolidated Microbiology Laboratory,
2018
Dominican University of California
Specimen Accountability Process Change In A Non-Automated Consolidated Microbiology Laboratory, Michael Monh
Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects
The pre-analytical phase contributes 60-70% of total error of the total testing process (TTP) (Plebani 2006). The pre-analytical phase can be further divided into two phases; the ‘pre-preanalytical’ and ‘preanalytical’ phases, which commonly includes tasks performed outside of the laboratory walls, and tasks perform within the laboratory’s walls and control, respectively. Additionally, medical care reimbursement policies in the U.S. along with the need to efficiently produce quality results and reduce the costs to clients, has caused the microbiology lab to move from on-site to more resourcefully abundant consolidate labs (Sautter 2014). Serving many satellite facilities, it is of interest to …
Analysis Of Gut Microbiota From Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes Collected In Central Illinois,
2018
Eastern Illinois University
Analysis Of Gut Microbiota From Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes Collected In Central Illinois, Megan E. Cooper
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Aedes albopictus, Asian tiger mosquitoes, are vectors of a wide number of human viral diseases including, West Nile virus, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus and (recently) Zika virus. A large body of evidence has suggested that microbiomes of mosquito midguts are closely associated with specific mosquito life processes such as nutrition, reproduction, aggregation and defense against toxins. In this study we characterize the bacterial flora of the midguts of adult female Ae. albopictus collected from woodlots and residential areas in Champaign and Coles Counties of Central Illinois (40 samples in each category). After extraction of DNA from dissected midguts, we …
The Characterization Of The Transcription Factor Msab And Its Role In Staphylococcal Virulence,
2018
University of Southern Mississippi
The Characterization Of The Transcription Factor Msab And Its Role In Staphylococcal Virulence, Justin Batte
Dissertations
Staphylococcus aureus is a common human pathogen that is responsible for a wide range of infections, ranging from relative minor skin infections to life-threatening disease such as bacteremia, septicemia, and endocarditis. S. aureus possesses many different virulent factors that aid in its ability to cause this wide array of infections. One major virulence factor includes the production of capsular polysaccharide (CP). The production of CP plays a major role in the virulence response during infection specifically by providing S. aureus an antiphagocytic mechanism that allows the pathogen to evade phagocytosis during an infection. S. aureus has developed complex genetic regulatory …
Regulation Of The Tubulin Homolog Ftsz In Escherichia Coli,
2018
CUNY Graduate Center
Regulation Of The Tubulin Homolog Ftsz In Escherichia Coli, Monika S. Buczek
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Escherichia coli is a well-known pathogen, and importantly, a widely used model organism in all fields of biological sciences for cloning, protein purification, and as a model for Gram-negative bacterial species. And yet, researchers do not fully understand how this bacterium replicates and divides. Every year additional division proteins are discovered, which adds complexity to how we understand E. coli undergoes cell division. Due to their specific roles in cytokinesis, some of these proteins may be potential targets for development of antibacterials or bacteriostatics, which are much needed for fighting the current global antibacterial deficit. My thesis work focuses on …
Characterization Of Type Ii Toxin Anti-Toxin Systems In Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans.,
2018
University of Louisville
Characterization Of Type Ii Toxin Anti-Toxin Systems In Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans., Blair W. Schneider
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Microbes express many protective mechanisms in response to environmental stress. Toxin/anti-toxin systems encode a biologically active toxin and a labile anti-toxin that inhibits the toxin’s activity. These systems are known to contribute to persister cell and biofilm formation. A. actinomycetemcomitans thrives in the complex oral microbial community and is subjected to continual environmental flux. Little is known regarding the presence and function of TA systems in this organism or their contribution survival in the oral environment. Using BLAST searches and other informatics tools, we identified 11 intact TA systems that are conserved across all seven serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans and …
Microbiome Of Commercial Broilers Through Evisceration And Immersion Chilling,
2018
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Microbiome Of Commercial Broilers Through Evisceration And Immersion Chilling, John A. Handley
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The United States poultry industry generated 38.6 billion pounds (17,500 metric ton) of meat in 2014 which averaged to 121 pounds (55 kg) per individual of the U.S that same year. Of that meat generated by the poultry industry, an estimated 1 million cases of Salmonellosis will occur. Out of the 1 million cases approximately 40, 000 to 50,000 will be confirmed cases by the CDC. Recently, the USDA has requested changes in the inspection process and are currently allowing processors more freedom to utilize innovation to drive the increase in safer and more desirable foods. The new standards set …
Functional Similarity Of Prd-Containing Virulence Regulators In Bacillus Anthracis,
2018
The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Functional Similarity Of Prd-Containing Virulence Regulators In Bacillus Anthracis, Malik Raynor
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
Bacillus anthracis produces three regulators, AtxA, AcpA, and AcpB, that control virulence gene expression and are members of an emerging class of regulators termed “PCVRs” (Phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase regulation Domain-Containing Virulence Regulators). AtxA controls expression of the toxin genes; lef, cya, and pag, and is the master virulence regulator and archetype PCVR. AcpA and AcpB are less well studied. AcpA and AcpB independently positively control transcription of the capsule biosynthetic operon capBCADE, and culture conditions that enhance AtxA activity result in capBCADE transcription in strains lacking acpA and acpB. RNA-Seq was used to assess the regulons of the …
Bioprospecting Deep-Sea Actinobacteria For Novel Anti-Infective Natural Products,
2018
Florida Atlantic University
Bioprospecting Deep-Sea Actinobacteria For Novel Anti-Infective Natural Products, Dongbo Xu, Linna Han, Chunhui Li, Qi Cao, Duolong Zhu, Nolan H. Barrett, Dedra Harmody, Jing Chen, Haining Zhu, Peter J. Mccarthy, Xingmin Sun, Guojun Wang
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications
The global prevalence of drug resistance has created an urgent need for the discovery of novel anti-infective drugs. The major source of antibiotics in current clinical practice is terrestrial actinobacteria; the less-exploited deep-sea actinobacteria may serve as an unprecedented source of novel natural products. In this study, we evaluated 50 actinobacteria strains derived from diverse deep water sponges and environmental niches for their anti-microbial activities against a panel of pathogens including Candida albicans, Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More than half of the tested strains (27) were identified as …
2018 3rd Place: The Growth And Characterization Of Psychromonas Aquimarina, A New Model Organism For Climate Change,
2018
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
2018 3rd Place: The Growth And Characterization Of Psychromonas Aquimarina, A New Model Organism For Climate Change, Carrie Carpenter, Catherine Santai
Harrisburg University Research Symposium (2018 & 2019)
Climate change is currently affecting the Earth and will only increase with time1. A change to the environment means that wildlife will need to adapt. Adaptation occurs when an organism changes physiologically or otherwise to permit continued growth in the environment in which it resides. Scientists do not completely understand adaptation mechanisms. Psychromonas aquimarinais a novel bacterium, with little known. This bacteria will first be characterized and studied before conducting temperature studies. Psychromonas aquimarina is a psychrophile, a bacterium able to survive in colder regions where most bacteria would not. P. aquimarinais an ideal bacterium to study because climate change …
