A Novel Negative Regulator Of A Symbiotic Two-Component System,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Novel Negative Regulator Of A Symbiotic Two-Component System, Rebecca Carlyon, Dr. Joel Griffitts
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Symbiosis is the process by which two different species interact in nature. Relationships can be either mutualistic, where both species benefit from the situation, or parasitic, where only one organism benefits. Shinorhizobium meliloti is a nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium which is involved in a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with alfalfa and other compatible host plants. The plant allows the bacterium to colonize the plant in forming a root nodule. This symbiosis provides the bacteria with carbon resources, and the plant with enough fixed nitrogen to flourish in the soil.
Cancer’S Red Light To The Immune System?,
2013
Brigham Young University
Cancer’S Red Light To The Immune System?, Amanda Enz, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The field of cancer research is extensive, and there are many avenues being explored into how cancer works inside the body and what we can do to prevent and cure this disease. I chose to look at the way the body’s immune system interacts with different types of cancer cells. I specifically looked at a cell in the human immune system known as a macrophage. The macrophage’s job is to attack foreign invaders by engulfing, or eating them. My question focused on how exactly cancer is sometimes able to evade these macrophages, which allows it to proliferate throughout the body. …
The Influence Of The Irf 5 Risk Haplotype On Ebv Gene Expression In B Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Influence Of The Irf 5 Risk Haplotype On Ebv Gene Expression In B Cells, Brandon Henrie, Dr. Brian Poole
Journal of Undergraduate Research
IRF5 (interferon regulatory factor 5) is an integral protein in the innate immune response to viruses in humans. Once activated, IRF5 acts as a transcription factor which facilitates the production of inflammatory cytokines, interferons, and a host of other anti-viral agents in humans. To date, there are twelve documented splice variants of IRF5 in the human population. These variants range from minor deletions to drastic changes in the protein makeup of IRF5. A risk IRF5 haplotype is a person possessing alleles coding for these radically altered IRF5 mRNA (Kozyrev). A protective IRF5 hapolotype is a person possessing alleles coding for …
Orca Final Report,
2013
Brigham Young University
Orca Final Report, Matthew Wright
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cationic Steroid Antibiotics (CSAs) are potent innovative antimicrobial agents. In particular, CSA-13 has a very low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 2 µg/mL. When dissolved in a solvent and combined with a commercial polymer, CSA-13 can be used to coat endotracheal (ET) tubes. Biofilm formation on ET tubes can cause ventilator assisted pneumonia and is potentially fatal. CSA-13-coated ET tubes are extremely effective in preventing biofilm formation. Testing in standard Mueller-Hinton broth, we have been able to prevent P. aeruginosa growth on tubes for up to 28 days. This is compared to silver-coated endotracheal tubes (which are …
Abundance Of Thymidine Kinase In Cancer Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Abundance Of Thymidine Kinase In Cancer Cells, Joshua Holm, Brady Bowen, Brady Samuel, Travis Lovell, Dr. Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) is a protein that is produced in much greater quantities by cancer cells in general than by normal cells (Abbasciano et al., 1991, p. 29; Hallek et al., 1997, p. 155; He et al., 2000, p. 139; Kuwa et al., 1996, p. 15). Such molecules are commonly referred to as cancer “biomarkers.” Such markers are commonly used to screen for and diagnose various cancers. Many of these biomarkers are often significantly elevated in the blood of cancer patients—helping to first lead to the detection of cancer.
Understanding The Phou Protein’S Part In Phosphate Import By Synthesis Of Double Mutations In Escherichia Coli.,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding The Phou Protein’S Part In Phosphate Import By Synthesis Of Double Mutations In Escherichia Coli., Geoffrey R. Johnston, Dr. William Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of our research was to gain a better understanding of what function the phoU protein serves in phosphate import by completely knocking out it’s functionality at two highly conserved and nearly identical sites on almost identical domains at a genetic level.
The Metastatic Role Of Macrophages,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Metastatic Role Of Macrophages, Ryley Enz, Dr. K. L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Macrophages perform a variety of functions from phagocytosis and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to the repair and remodeling of damaged tissues. Two phenotypically different types of macrophages have been proposed to identify their diverse roles: types M1 and M2. (Mantovani et al., 2002) The M1 macrophage refers to the cell which aggressively destroys foreign invaders and tumor cells, and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antigen presentation by the M1 links innate immunity to adaptive immunity. The M2 macrophage acts as a support cell by promoting the healing of damaged cells by angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. Macrophages have been observed to have …
In Vivo Specific Degradation Of Selected Rna Substrates By Endogenous Trna 3’ Processing Endoribonuclease,
2013
Brigham Young University
In Vivo Specific Degradation Of Selected Rna Substrates By Endogenous Trna 3’ Processing Endoribonuclease, Duane R. Wesemann
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The enzyme tRNA 3’ Processing Endoribonuclease (3’tRNase) is suspected to be an enzyme responsible for 3’ end processing of various pre-tRNAs. Our lab has demonstrated that RNAs containing a hairpin structure can be manipulated to appear as a “pre-tRNA” molecule and be recognized and cleaved by 3’tRNase. This is accomplished by the introduction of an RNA molecule that is complementary to an area of the target RNA that has a stable hairpin structure. The hairpin of a target RNA may mimic the T-stem loop of tRNA and the hybridizing RNA molecule may act as an acceptor-like stem, thereby fooling 3’tRNase …
The Main Electron Source For Electron Transport In Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Falciparum,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Main Electron Source For Electron Transport In Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Falciparum, Amy Sorensen, Dr. James B. Jensen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The protozoa, Plasmodium falciparum, causes malaria, a disease that rivals tuberculosis in being the world’s largest killer. In order to combat malaria, new methods of chemotherapy, as well as better control of its causative agent are necessary. Knowing the main source from which P. falciparum gains its electrons may provide a new method for its control.
Dna Fingerprinting Of Twelve Bordetella Avium Strains,
2013
Brigham Young University
Dna Fingerprinting Of Twelve Bordetella Avium Strains, Friederike Roloff, Dr. Ron W. Leavitt
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bordetella avium causes a respiratory disease in poultry which especially young turkeys are susceptible to. We are working with the Moroni Feed Company, who supplied us with 12 strains of Bordetella avium. Eleven of the strains are from outbreaks of the disease in the Southern Utah turkey farms. The twelfth strain is the vaccine strain V87. This vaccine was produced by chemically mutating B. avium and selecting a non-virulent temperature sensitive strain. Dr. Jensen, a former professor of Microbiology, BYU, produced this vaccine by chemically mutating B. avium and selecting a non-virulent temperature sensitive strain.
Isolation Of An Escherichia Coli High-Adherence Plasmid For Use In A Bacterial Interfering Agent,
2013
Brigham Young University
Isolation Of An Escherichia Coli High-Adherence Plasmid For Use In A Bacterial Interfering Agent, Christopher M. Runyan, Dr. Ronald Leavitt
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Colibacillosis is a disease found in poultry that results in various levels of morbidity and mortality. It is primarily caused by pathogenic strains of E. coli that inhabit the poults’ intestinal tracts. Antibiotics have frequently been used to protect the turkeys but with less and less effectiveness as the bacteria have begun to develop antibiotic resistance. Hence alternate ways are needed to combat pathogenic bacteria.
A Supramolecular Strategy To Assemble Multifunctional Viral Nanoparticles,
2013
Chinese Academy of Sciences
A Supramolecular Strategy To Assemble Multifunctional Viral Nanoparticles, Limin Chen, Xia Zhao, Yuan Lin, Yubin Huang, Qian Wang
Faculty Publications
Using a one-pot approach driven by the supramolecular interaction between β-cyclodextrin and adamantyl moieties, multifunctional viral nanoparticles can be facilely formulated for biomedical applications.
Plasmodiumfalciparum. Continuous Cultivation In Defined Culture Medium,
2013
Brigham Young University
Plasmodiumfalciparum. Continuous Cultivation In Defined Culture Medium, Yury M. Colton, Dr. James B. Jensen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Continuous cultivation of the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodiumfalciparum has greatly increased the possibilities of malaria research (Trager and Jensen 1976). However, the need for human serum in the culture medium has proved to be limiting in some situations and the necessary serum is becoming very difficult and costly to acquire. This paper describes the development of culture media in which the serum requirement is reduced by ten-fold and Plasmodiumfalciparum can be maintained indefinitely using standard culture techniques.
Engineering, Production And Optimization Of A Bench Scale Tce Bioreactor,
2013
Brigham Young University
Engineering, Production And Optimization Of A Bench Scale Tce Bioreactor, David Schlesinger, Dr. Alan R. Harker
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Trichloroethylene (better known as TCE) has been used for decades as a solvent for fats, waxes, oils, paints, varnishes, and rubber. This characteristic of TCE has made it useful in industry for cleaning and degreasing; hence, its wide use at airports, and military installations.
Follicular Dendritic Cells, Hiv And Haart Treatment,
2013
Brigham Young University
Follicular Dendritic Cells, Hiv And Haart Treatment, Jason Meyer, Dr. Gregory Burton
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV-infected patients can result in the reduction of plasma viral RNA levels to nearly undetectable levels. However, the existence of replication competent virus from chronically infected CD4+ T cells despite apparently successful HAART treatment suggests the existence of protective reservoirs in the body that protect virally infected cells from the effects of HAART treatment (1). Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are specialized cells that exist primarily in secondary lymphoid tissue. The purpose of my research was to examine my hypothesis that FDC act as such reservoirs by protecting infected cells from the …
Vitamin Enhanced Cancer Chemotherapy Using 13-Cis- Retinoic Acid, Vitamin E Succinate And 5-Fluorouracil,
2013
Brigham Young University
Vitamin Enhanced Cancer Chemotherapy Using 13-Cis- Retinoic Acid, Vitamin E Succinate And 5-Fluorouracil, Marcus C. Neuffer, Dr. Byron K. Murray
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recent studies have suggested that vitamins and vitamin derivatives can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs (2,3). In this study the combination of 13-cis-Retinoic Acid (RA), a Vitamin A derivative, and Vitamin E Succinate (VES) are used with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5FU). Previous studies have suggested that the RA and VES combination have a synergistic effect on inhibiting the growth of the HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (1). The RA and VES combination also caused the cells to go through morphological and biochemical changes indicative of apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to treat the HT-29 cell …
Analysis Of A Constitutively Active Phob Mutant Protein,
2013
Brigham Young University
Analysis Of A Constitutively Active Phob Mutant Protein, Chad C. Lowe, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Within the cellular environment, the processing of essential nutrients required for cellular growth and metabolism are tightly regulated. When these essential nutrients become limited in the cells surroundings, cellular stress responses are induced. This enables the cell to maintain life in less than ideal environmental conditions.
Transfer Of Hiv From Fdc To Macrophages,
2013
Brigham Young University
Transfer Of Hiv From Fdc To Macrophages, Michael Fuller, Dr. Gregory Burton
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Over the last semester, I have been engaged in studying the ability of macrophages to pick up HIV from follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the follicles of the lymph nodes. Research by Dr. Gregory F. Burton of Brigham Young University has shown that HIV virions held on the dendrite processes of follicular dendritic cells in immune complex form are still infectious, and can infect T cells. Research by Dr. Suzanne Gartner at Johns Hopkins University has shown homology between HIV isolated from the brain to HIV in the lymph nodes. Tying these data together, I hypothesized that macrophages are able …
Creating A Gene Deletion In Scherichia Coli,
2013
Brigham Young University
Creating A Gene Deletion In Scherichia Coli, Brian J. Beames, Dr. William R. Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Two component systems are an integral part of a bacterial cell. They consist of a histidine kinase and a response regulator. The histidine kinase is a receptor protein that signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. Once a ligand binds to the histidine kinase, it autophosphorylates on the inside of the cell and activates the response regulator by phosphorylating it. Once the response regulator is activated, it can then phosphorylate another protein of the cell and that protein can carry out its function. An example of a two component system is the Pho system. PhoB is a …
Creation Of An Artificial Microbial Consortium,
2013
Brigham Young University
Creation Of An Artificial Microbial Consortium, Sam Augustine, Dr. Alan Harker
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Ecology is the study of the interactions of living organisms with each other and their environment. In microbiology there has been relatively little done in this field compared to the macro-biological world. In traditional macro-scale ecology an environment is clearly delineated by physical boundaries, access to resources and competition.
