Investigating Why Luminescence Genes Have Been Evolutionarily Preserved In Photorhabdus Luminescens,
2013
Brigham Young University
Investigating Why Luminescence Genes Have Been Evolutionarily Preserved In Photorhabdus Luminescens, Dana Blackburn, Dr. Byron J. Adams
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Photorhabdus luminescens is a gram-negative bacterial endosymbiont of the insect pathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophera. After the nematode infects an insect it releases bacteria from its gut into the insect. The bacteria then produce a toxin that kills the insect providing a nutrient rich environment for the nematode to grow and reproduce. When all of the nutrients are gone the nematode reassociates itself with the bacteria and moves on to the next insect.
Characterization Of A Dna Helicase Gene That Targets Sub-Cellular Organelles In Arabidopsis Thaliana,
2013
Brigham Young University
Characterization Of A Dna Helicase Gene That Targets Sub-Cellular Organelles In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Logan Hazard, Dr. Brent Nielsen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
DNA helicases are essential to the development of all living organisms. The function of these proteins is to temporarily separate duplex DNA, allowing for transcription, replication, recombination, and repair to take place. The Pif1p subfamily of helicases found in yeast specifically targets sub-cellular organelles, notably the mitochondria.
Nuclear Localization Of Gdf5 Is Mediated By A Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal,
2013
Brigham Young University
Nuclear Localization Of Gdf5 Is Mediated By A Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal, J. Daniel Jensen, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
GDF5, also known as cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-1 (CDMP1), is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) protein superfamily. TGFβ proteins play an integral role in cell proliferation and differentiation, matrix synthesis, and apoptosis. First identified in 1981, highly-conserved TGFβ protein homologues have since been identified in a wide range of animal species, a compelling indication of their importance in biological function.
Hormonal Effects On Antibody-Secreting Cell Migration,
2013
Brigham Young University
Hormonal Effects On Antibody-Secreting Cell Migration, Brad Hyatt, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
I started by following the injection protocol established by Weisz-Carrington , et al., administering 5 mg of progesterone and 4 µg of estrogen daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of 2 mg of prolactin. Since progesterone and estrogen are lipid-soluble, olive oil was used as a solvent; unfortunately, even with heat and time, the lipid solvent never fully dissolved the hormones that we bought in powder form. Consequently, I was injecting more of a suspension than a solution, and I was never sure that all the hormone was delivered, or how much had been delivered in a form …
Characterizing The Receptor Profile Of Distinct Migrating Iga Antibody Secreting Cell Populations,
2013
Brigham Young University
Characterizing The Receptor Profile Of Distinct Migrating Iga Antibody Secreting Cell Populations, Erick Christensen, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cells of the immune system must be precisely positioned to facilitate appropriate lymphocyte function. Immune system cells use a multi-step process, which allows them to home to specific areas of the body and perform different tasks. Cells traveling through the blood stream will bind to specific vascular adhesion molecules and begin to slow down and roll along the blood vessel. Circulating white blood cells express chemokine receptors that bind chemokines floating in the blood and chemokines expressed on the membrane of other cells. When the proper chemokine is bound it triggers the white blood cell to firmly adhere to the …
Experiment Three,
2013
Brigham Young University
Experiment Three, - -
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In order to demonstrate the presence of hydrocarbon biodegradation in a hypersaline aqueous environment an isotopic method of analysis was employed. The relative 13C abundance of Great Salt Lake’s HCO3- in equilibrium with atmosphere and fossil hydrocarbon are quite different. By creating microcosms using the sediment of Rozel Point and allowing the microbial activity to occur over a 12 week timeframe, data were collected regarding the change of CO2 concentration and the isotopic signature of the 13C in HCO3- of the microcosm water. A shift in the isotopic signature from the 13C levels of the HCO3- in equilibrium with atmosphere …
Microbial Diversity Associated With Different Sediment Types At Rozel Point,
2013
Brigham Young University
Microbial Diversity Associated With Different Sediment Types At Rozel Point, Sheena Deus, Dr. Donald Breakwell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The initial focus of this project was to examine possible differences in microbial populations between clay and sand sediments at Rozel Point in Great Salt Lake by comparing 16S ribosomal RNA sequences obtained from each sediment type.
Preparation For Sequencing The Plasmid Pjp4, In Alcaligenes Eutrophus Jmp134,
2013
Brigham Young University
Preparation For Sequencing The Plasmid Pjp4, In Alcaligenes Eutrophus Jmp134, Nadine R. Wing, Dr. Alan R. Harker
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Within the last fifty years a new herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was introduced into the environment. Despite the novelty of the compound, several bacteria have the ability to degrade 2,4-D. In the bacteria there is a plasmid, pJP4, that contains genes, in the tfd region, which code for proteins that degrade 2,4-D. More information on this new metabolic pathway can be found once the tfd region is completely sequenced. Through sequencing and analysis, information concerning the evolution of the tfd pathway, the use of transposons or recombination for gene insertion, and the presence of repeated genes will be found.
Chemical Analysis Of Synthetic Dimerizer Ap20187,
2013
Brigham Young University
Chemical Analysis Of Synthetic Dimerizer Ap20187, Jad Mills, Dr. Sandra Burnett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The synthetic dimerizer AP20187 initiates targeted dimerization of mutant FK506 binding proteins (FKBP) to study cell functions, cell signaling pathways, and protein functions. In Macrophage Fas-Induced Apoptosis (Mafia) transgenic mice, AP20187 is used to initiate Macrophage apoptosis . To determine the mechanism behind some depletion variability in Mafia mice, AP20187 was characterized and degradation was monitored using hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- and 13C-NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electro spray mass spectrometry (ESMS), polarimetry, and spectrophotometry.
Cloning Bovine Ccl28,
2013
Brigham Young University
Cloning Bovine Ccl28, Melissa Hughes, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
I have successfully completed my project of cloning CCL28. CCL28 (MEC) is a protein that acts as a chemical signal in the body to attract antibody-secreting IgA cells that expresses a receptor called CCR10 to the mucosal tissue and to the mammary gland (1). CCL28 plays a vital role in allowing the maternal antibody secreting cells to home to the mammary gland and to pass antibodies to the breast-feeding infant, giving the infant passive immunity. This provides the infant with antibodies to antigens found in the mother’s environment (which is consequently the infant’s environment as well) and decreases mortality rates. …
Thymidine Kinase 1 Immunostaining For Marking The Progression Of Skin Cancer,
2013
Brigham Young University
Thymidine Kinase 1 Immunostaining For Marking The Progression Of Skin Cancer, Kendal Jensen, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Each year in the United States there are over one million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Detection of metastatic skin cancer requires skill and careful consideration of clinical and histologic features. An accurate and specific stain for early, definitive diagnosis of metastatic skin cancer would be a useful tool for clinicians. Investigations using antibodies against tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) as prognostic indicators in cancer are ongoing. A novel TSA, Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) has been discovered for a variety of solid tumors. This last year in Kim O’Neill’s lab I investigated the use of an antibody against TK1 for use in …
Feup Importance In The Symbiotic Infection In Sinorhizobium Melliloti,
2013
Brigham Young University
Feup Importance In The Symbiotic Infection In Sinorhizobium Melliloti, Rebecca Carlyon, Dr. Joel Griffitts
Journal of Undergraduate Research
How does infection work? How do bacteria know where they are to function within a host? These processes are vital for understanding both disease-causing and beneficial bacteria. For example, infection in alfalfa by a bacterium called Sinorhizobium meliloti is advantageous for the legume. Rhizobia infects special plant organs called root nodules where they function to fix nitrogen—a vital mechanism for the plants’ survival. This is a crucial agricultural process, yet remains a under researched subject. An important aspect of infection is that in order for it to occur, there must exist communication between the bacteria and the plant.
The Role Of Specific Estrogen-Responsive Genes In Breast Cancer Development,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Role Of Specific Estrogen-Responsive Genes In Breast Cancer Development, Laura Castillo, Dr. Chin-Yo Lin
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Estrogen plays a role in the reproductive maturation of females, including breast development. It is also known that estrogen affects the development of malignant breast tumors. Estrogen works by binding to specific estrogen receptors found in the cytoplasm or near the nuclear membrane. Once bound to estrogen, these receptors diffuse into the nucleus where they bind to specific DNA sequences called estrogen-response elements. They then regulate the expression of specific genes. There are two types of estrogen receptors (ER): ERα and ERβ. Only ERα has been observed to play a role in breast cancer development. Dr. Chin-Yo Lin and associates …
Molecular Mechanism Of Host Specificity In A Permissive Infectious Process,
2013
Brigham Young University
Molecular Mechanism Of Host Specificity In A Permissive Infectious Process, Joshua Sterling Bently, Dr. Joel S. Griffitts
Journal of Undergraduate Research
vUnderstanding the molecular mechanism permitting symbiosis is not completely understood. A more confounding question is why do closely related bacteria demonstrate variable specificity? In my project we attempted to answer this very question by attempting to identify the gene or genes responsible for the variability.
The Role Of Ypo 2169 In Flea Transmission Of Plague,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Role Of Ypo 2169 In Flea Transmission Of Plague, Paul Henry Beeston, Dr. David Erickson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Yersinia pestis is the gram negative bacteria responsible for the disease known as the plague. It is transmitted to hosts primarily through fleas such as the Oriental rat flea North American ground squirrel flea. Y. pestis is mainly a disease that affects small mammal populations such as rats and squirrels. The environment of the rat flea and other fleas, however, is very different from small mammal hosts or human hosts. Fleas maintain a body temperature considerably lower than mammals. Fleas also have unique physiologies that greatly differ from mammals.
Finding A Correlation Between Aggressivity Of Cancer And Dna Repair Capacity,
2013
Brigham Young University
Finding A Correlation Between Aggressivity Of Cancer And Dna Repair Capacity, Kristie I. Aamodt, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The initial proposal for this project outlined the study of the link between DNA damage and aggressiveness of cancer cells. A major portion of the project involved developing a more time-efficient method of measuring DNA repair using a fluorescent staining technique that quantifies the amount of DNA that is damaged in each sample. The staining process involves using terminal deoxytransferase (tDt), an enzyme which adds nucleotides to DNA at the 3′ end of single-strand breaks. By incubating the samples with fluorescein-conjugated dUTP in addition to the enzyme, one fluorescent molecule is incorporated for each single-strand break. The amount of fluorescence …
Estrogen And Breast Cancer: Understanding The Complex Interaction One Gene At A Time,
2013
Brigham Young University
Estrogen And Breast Cancer: Understanding The Complex Interaction One Gene At A Time, Victoria Harris, Dr. Chin-Yo Lin
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Estrogen is a steroid hormone that acts in the body in both beneficial and detrimental ways. It plays a crucial role in many human processes including coagulation, bone formation, and development of sexual organs. However, estrogen is also associated with the proliferation of breast cancer. Estrogen activates the estrogen receptor (ER), a ligand-dependent transcription factor that regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA elements and promoting or repressing transcription.
Identifying The Mechanisms Of Estrogen Receptors In Human Breast Cancer Cells Through Study Of Direct Target Gene Expression,
2013
Brigham Young University
Identifying The Mechanisms Of Estrogen Receptors In Human Breast Cancer Cells Through Study Of Direct Target Gene Expression, Megan Lundell, Dr. Chin-Yo Lin
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Estrogens, including estrodial (E2), are known to play a significant role in a number of developmental and physiological processes including the genesis and progression of breast cancer. The action of estrogens is mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs), which function as ligand-dependent transcription factors. Upon ligand binding, ERs interact with cis-regulatory elements of target genes either directly by binding to estrogen response elements or indirectly through interaction with transcription factor complexes and their respective binding sites.1 The primary objective of this project involved the knockdown, or reduction, of NCor, a co-repressor protein known to associate with ER in the presence of …
Melanoma And Metastasis In A Mafia Mouse Model,
2013
Brigham Young University
Melanoma And Metastasis In A Mafia Mouse Model, Keith Wells, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
It has been estimated that over 560, 000 Americans will die of cancer this year, over 1,500 a day. Currently, there is much research performed to understand how cancer works, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. Cancer encompasses a multitude of diseases coming from nearly all tissue types in the body and from all age groups. It is a problem which plagues all countries and cultures.
Culture And Identification Of Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Culture And Identification Of Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Cells, Joshua Hauser, Dr. Sandra Burnett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Successfully culturing and identifying bone marrow cells is a critical skill when doing stem cell, or hematopoietic research. This skill was especially important in Dr. Sandra Burnett’s research lab, with whom I conducted this research. Since the proper culture and identification of the cells was a vital part of any results or conclusions that were made in the lab, we deemed it imperative to determine whether or not we would be able to develop training protocols that would result in better and more consistent results. I strongly believed that this project would immediately impact our current and future research using …
