Twinkle Primase/Helicase Protein In Arabidopsis Thaliana,
2013
Brigham Young University
Twinkle Primase/Helicase Protein In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Travis Hunt, Dr. Brent Nielsen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The overall goal of the project was to study the role of DNA recombination in maintenance of plant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Recombination is the process by which a molecule of DNA is nicked or broken and then the end is joined to a different but homologous DNA molecule.
Bmp2 Nuclear Variant And Expression Of Cancer Genes,
2013
Brigham Young University
Bmp2 Nuclear Variant And Expression Of Cancer Genes, Devin Holden, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) is a protein that is secreted outside many different types of mammalian cells and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various forms of cancer. Recently, a variant of this protein that is localized to the nucleus (nBMP2) of the cell was discovered and characterized “i”. In order to further characterize this novel variant of BMP2 a microarray analysis was performed to assess what influence nBMP2 has on the expression levels of different genes in a typical mammalian cell. This analysis revealed a list of several genes whose expression levels are potentially altered by nBMP2. …
Testing For The Mafia Mouse Suicide Gene,
2013
Brigham Young University
Testing For The Mafia Mouse Suicide Gene, Robert Kitz, Dr. Sandra Burnett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Macrophage Fas-Induced Apoptosis (Mafia) mouse is a transgenic mouse model designed by Dr. Sandra Burnett to study the role of macrophages in the absence of macrophages. The Mafia transgene contains the genetic code for the Green Florescent Protein, a suicide gene and a c-fms promoter that makes the gene specific to macrophages. The transgene inserted randomly in more than one place causing it to express at different levels within different mice. In order to identify the separate insertion points within the mouse genome, I used several methods of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing followed by DNA sequencing.
Identification And Characterization Of An Effective Antimicrobial Peptide Defensin And Its Effects On Transmission Efficiency,
2013
Brigham Young University
Identification And Characterization Of An Effective Antimicrobial Peptide Defensin And Its Effects On Transmission Efficiency, Kody Johnson, Dr. David Erickson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Among many transmissible infectious diseases falls the Bubonic Plague, a disease that is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium. It is still a concern because there have been human cases as recent as last year in our home state of Utah. While health care has advanced significantly since the last large plague epidemic, there are still areas of the world where health care is not as efficient or advanced and it is in these areas that this disease causes the greatest harm.
Feun As A Regulator In A Two Component System,
2013
Brigham Young University
Feun As A Regulator In A Two Component System, Rebecca Carlyon, Dr. Joel Griffitts
Journal of Undergraduate Research
How does infection work? There exists a process in which a bacterium receives a signal from the environment which starts a series of events which initiates infection. This process is vital for understanding both disease-causing and beneficial bacteria, and could prove to be vital for the agricultural process, yet remains an under-researched subject.
Lymphocyte Apoptosis In The Involuting Mammary Gland And The Application Of Qpcr In Gene Expression Profiling,
2013
Brigham Young University
Lymphocyte Apoptosis In The Involuting Mammary Gland And The Application Of Qpcr In Gene Expression Profiling, Kathryn Distelhorst, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The initial aim of this project was to discover the fate of lymphocytes in the mammary gland after lactation. I hypothesized that lymphocytes, in an analogous mechanism used by mammary gland-specific epithelial cells, undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This non-inflammatory mechanism ensures cell homeostasis, and defects in this process are implemented in certain diseases such as multiple myeloma, a severe cancer of plasma cells that is generated from an over-proliferation of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs).
Mutant Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescens’ Effect On Nematode’S Ability To Enter Endotokia Matricida,
2013
Brigham Young University
Mutant Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescens’ Effect On Nematode’S Ability To Enter Endotokia Matricida, Jared Nielsen, Dr. Byron Adams
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nematodes (roundworms), like all organisms, must develop, survive, and reproduce. For entomopathogenic nematodes (insect pathogens) such as H. bacteriophora, this is only possible when the worm can find an adequate food source (host insects). As the nematode scours the surrounding soil and finds a potential host, it will pass directly into the hemolymph of the insect. Inside its newly-found host, the nematode will then regurgitate a colony of bacteria. This particular bacteria, P. luminescens, works together with the nematode in a symbiotic relationship to kill and devour the insect (3). After the bacteria and nematodes have feasted on their host …
Pcr Genotyping And Analysis Of Bacteriocin Production By Natural Salmonella Isolates For Potential Use As Inhibitors Of Pathogenic Salmonella,
2013
Brigham Young University
Pcr Genotyping And Analysis Of Bacteriocin Production By Natural Salmonella Isolates For Potential Use As Inhibitors Of Pathogenic Salmonella, Ramesh Tiwari, Dr. Brent Nielsen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that is a major cause of food borne illness throughout the world. Species of Salmonella like S. thyphimurium and S. enteriditis still pose significant health problems. Poultry and egg products are the main food sources infected by these species (Portrait et al. 1999). The main problem with these infections is their rapid spread among the infected species (in a flock). An infected bird (which has Salmonella infection in its intestinal tract) or a flock of birds can transfer the infection to others rapidly even before the appearance of symptoms and thus the urgency of …
Binding Site Sequence Motifs Estrogen Receptor Mediation Of Transcriptional Repression By Interactions Determined By Cis-Regulatory Dna Sequences,
2013
Brigham Young University
Binding Site Sequence Motifs Estrogen Receptor Mediation Of Transcriptional Repression By Interactions Determined By Cis-Regulatory Dna Sequences, Brianna Teerlink, Dr. Chin-Yo Lin
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States and affects millions each year. Much of the current research on hormonal regulation in breast cancer systems focuses on up-regulation of genes (increased rates of transcription) by estrogen receptors (ERs); however, repression, or down-regulation, of genes can also play a significant role in estrogen-responsive expression of genes. (Lin et al., 2004) Since the mechanisms of down-regulation, or gene repression, have not been well-studied, information on repression becomes a foundation for potential future application of hormonal down-regulation to other cancer systems and biological processes.
Acetaminophen Induced Dna Damage Evaluated With The Single Cell Gel Assay,
2013
Brigham Young University
Acetaminophen Induced Dna Damage Evaluated With The Single Cell Gel Assay, Karl A. Kirby, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Acetaminophen is a popular non-prescription analgesic and antipyretic drug. Therefore, studies concerning its effects on human DNA are of great value. In this study, the single cell gel, or comet assay, was used to study the extent of Acetaminophen induced DNA damage at varying concentrations and times. The human lymphocyte Raji cell line was used for the experiments.
Inflammation And Apoptosis In Developing Dmm, Cho, And Sedc Articular Cartilage: The Role Of The Unfolded Protein Response (Upr),
2013
Brigham Young University
Inflammation And Apoptosis In Developing Dmm, Cho, And Sedc Articular Cartilage: The Role Of The Unfolded Protein Response (Upr), Caitlin Nichols, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Dmm, cho, and sedc mutations in mice collagen genes activate unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways in developing cartilage tissues. The inflammation or cell death triggered by the UPR may contribute to the weakened articular cartilage and premature osteoarthritis (OA) observed in these mouse lines.
Mscs-Like Mechanosensitive Channels In Plants And Microbes,
2013
Washington University in St Louis
Mscs-Like Mechanosensitive Channels In Plants And Microbes, Margaret E. Wilson, Grigory Maksaev, Elizabeth S. Haswell
Biology Faculty Research
The challenge of osmotic stress is something all living organisms must face as a result of environmental dynamics. Over the past three decades, innovative research and cooperation across disciplines have irrefutably established that cells utilize mechanically gated ion channels to release osmolytes and prevent cell lysis during hypoosmotic stress. Early electrophysiological analysis of the inner membrane of Escherichia coli identified the presence of three distinct mechanosensitive activities. The subsequent discoveries of the genes responsible for two of these activities, the mechanosensitive channels of large (MscL) and small (MscS) conductance, led to the identification of two diverse families of mechanosensitive channels. …
Mechanisms Of Estrogen Receptor Α Mediated Transcriptional Repression,
2013
Brigham Young University
Mechanisms Of Estrogen Receptor Α Mediated Transcriptional Repression, Joseph Sin
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In the US, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, breast cancer killed 40,930 people. Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women today and results in almost 1% of all deaths worldwide. Various types of treatment for breast cancer exist today such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. Breast cancer treatments are usually selected based on the specific character of breast cancer: estrogen receptor (ER) positive or estrogen receptor negative. Treatment of breast cancer through estrogen modulation is a common form of treatment. Predicting the overall longer cancer-free survival is best done through measuring the levels …
Mice Show Decreased Muscle Strength Bearing A Targeted Inactivation Of Nbmp2,
2013
Brigham Young University
Mice Show Decreased Muscle Strength Bearing A Targeted Inactivation Of Nbmp2, Alina Schmidt, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
An important secreted growth factor, bone morphogenic protein 2 (Bmp2), is involved in mesoderm formation, heart development, neurogenesis, skeletal development, axis formation, and muscle development 1 and is a member of the TGF-β superfamily of proteins. Members of the TGF-β superfamily are commonly known as secreted growth factors but has recently been discovered in the nucleus, known as nuclear Bmp21. nBmp2 bypasses the secretory pathway by having an alternative start codon downstream of the signal peptide.
Inflammation: A Key Component Of The Immunosuppression Observed In Aggressive Breast Cancer?,
2013
Brigham Young University
Inflammation: A Key Component Of The Immunosuppression Observed In Aggressive Breast Cancer?, Bryan Swanson, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are current treatments used to combat cancer. Future treatments may directly involve the cancer patient’s immune system. The immune system has the potential to destroy tumors. This destructive potential is orchestrated by small secreted proteins called cytokines and chemokines. These proteins control communications between immune cells, endothelial cells, and other cell types found within the body. In addition, cytokines and chemokines have growth, differentiation, and activation effects on target cells. Increasing evidence suggests the effects of these proteins may lead to tumor growth, tumor progression, and host immunosuppression in cancer patients.
Chemical Susceptibility Of High-Risk Native Human Papilloma Virus Virions,
2013
Brigham Young University
Chemical Susceptibility Of High-Risk Native Human Papilloma Virus Virions, Jordan Meyers, Dr. Richard Robison
Journal of Undergraduate Research
This project was designed to take an in-depth look into how resistant papilloma viruses are to common clinical disinfectants. This idea was investigated because there is no published data on papillomavirus.
Novel Genes Required In Gluconate Metabolism In The Symbiotic Bacterium Sinorhizobium Melitoti,
2013
Brigham Young University
Novel Genes Required In Gluconate Metabolism In The Symbiotic Bacterium Sinorhizobium Melitoti, Lejdja Beshku, Dr. Joel S. Griffitts
Journal of Undergraduate Research
S. meliloti is a nitrogen fixing bacterium, which forms a symbiosis with different plants such as Medicago, Melilotus, and Trigonella. It will be important to study the metabolism of S. meliloti since its ability to form symbiotic relationships with plants has a great impact in agriculture and ecology. Another reason why we want to study S. meliloti is to gain a better understanding of its gluconate metabolism. Gluconate is a derivative of glucose and a good carbon source for S.meliloti(1). The main purpose of my research for the last two years has been screening for novel genes that are involved …
Identification And Characterization Of An Effective Antimicrobial Peptide Defensin And Its Effects On Transmission Efficiency,
2013
Brigham Young University
Identification And Characterization Of An Effective Antimicrobial Peptide Defensin And Its Effects On Transmission Efficiency, Kody Johnson, Dr. David Erickson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Among many transmissible infectious diseases falls the Bubonic Plague, a disease that is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium. It is still a concern because there have been human cases as recent as two years ago in our home state of Utah. While health care has advanced significantly since the last large plague epidemic, there are still areas of the world where health care is not as efficient or advanced and it is in these areas that this disease causes the greatest harm.
A Functional Assay To Measure Chemokine Mediated Integrin Upregulation,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Functional Assay To Measure Chemokine Mediated Integrin Upregulation, Victoria Harris, Dr. Eric Wilson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The presence of IgA antibody secreting cells (ASCs) in mucosal tissues is a mechanism of host defense against many pathogens. For my project I investigated the molecular mechanisms of how these specialized cells arrive at their destination. I focused on designing an adhesion assay to quantitatively measure the functional qualities of cells, rather than simply measuring the presence of certain molecules. The process of leukocyte homing includes a series of steps that culminates in the cells extravasating into the surrounding tissue. The first step is the stimulation of cells with a chemokine (a molecule that “pulls” cells in a certain …
Determining Functions Of A Nuclear Variant Of The Growth Factor Bmp2,
2013
Brigham Young University
Determining Functions Of A Nuclear Variant Of The Growth Factor Bmp2, Evan D. Davis, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) is a secreted growth factor that modulates many essential physiological and developmental processes by means of extracellular signaling (1). Several of these processes include neuronal differentiation, cardiac development, and skeletal muscle development (1-5). Dr. Laura Bridgewater at Brigham Young University recently identified a novel nuclear variant of Bmp2 that challenged its sole classification as a secreted growth factor (1). Subsequently, the Bridgewater lab demonstrated the existence of nuclear Bmp2 (nBmp2) and also characterized its origins.
