Microbiology Commons^™

Greening The Edge: Investigating Riparian Buffer Restorations In A Pastoral Setting And Their Effects On Soil Carbon And Microbial Community Composition., Seth Mccullough

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Riparian buffer restoration represents a critical strategy for enhancing ecosystem health and resilience in agricultural landscapes. This study investigates the effects of riparian buffer restoration on soil properties, microbial communities, and carbon dynamics in Rockingham County, VA. Through a comprehensive field study, we assessed the physicochemical properties of soil, microbial biomass, community composition, and soil carbon storage in restored and unrestored riparian buffers. Our findings reveal significant improvements in soil physical properties in restored buffers, including increased soil moisture (p < 0.05) and decreased bulk density (p < 0.01), indicating enhanced soil structure and water retention capacity. While no significant differences were detected in soil pH or cation exchange capacity, restored buffers exhibited higher soil carbon stocks (p < 0.05) and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, suggesting potential differences in nutrient cycling processes and organic matter decomposition rates. Moreover, restored buffers showed increased microbial biomass (p < 0.01), potentially driven by improved habitat conditions and shifts towards a fungal-dominated microbial community.

Although no significant differences were found in overall microbial community composition between restored and unrestored sites, specific shifts in bacterial …

The Influence Of A Ubiquitous Filter Feeder On Coastal Microbial Communities., Melissa Steinman, Moritz S. Schmid, Robert K. Cowen, Su Sponaugle, Kelly R. Sutherland, Anne W. Thompson

Student Research Symposium

Doliolids have a unique ability to impact the marine microbial community through bloom events and high filtration rates. Their predation on large eukaryotic microorganisms is established and evidence of predation on smaller prokaryotic microorganisms is beginning to emerge. We studied the retention of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial taxa by wild-caught doliolids in the northern California Current system. We use qPCR to quantify the impact of doliolids on three important and globally abundant taxa: Synechococcus, SAR11 and diatoms. Doliolids were collected during bloom events identified at three different shelf locations with variable upwelling intensities. We discovered that in addition …

Role Of Integrase-Pp2a Interaction In Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type-1 Replication And Pathogenesis, Shayna Turbin

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is an oncogenic retrovirus that causes multiple disorders, including adult T-cell leukemia and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. HTLV-1 retroviral integrase binds to the regulatory B’56γ subunit of the host cell Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Integrase contains a highly conserved LxxIxE motif that is essential for binding, which increases integration efficiency and facilitates HTLV-1 hijack of host cell machinery. We aim to understand how mutations introduced in the highly conserved binding site can affect viral particle production and infectivity. We transfected 729B human lymphoblastoid cells and 293T cells with mutant and wildtype virus. Mutations L213A, …

Progress Toward A Vaccine For Extraintestinal Pathogenic Coli (Expec) Ii: Efficacy Of A Toxin-Autotransporter Dual Antigen Approach, Yikun Xing, Justin R Clark, James D Chang, Jacob J Zulk, Dylan M Chirman, Felipe-Andres Piedra, Ellen E Vaughan, Haroldo J Hernandez Santos, Kathryn A Patras, Anthony W Maresso

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, the top cause of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections, and the most frequent cause of life-threatening sepsis and urinary tract infections (UTI) in adults. The development of an effective and universal vaccine is complicated by this pathogen’s pan-genome, its ability to mix and match virulence factors and AMR genes via horizontal gene transfer, an inability to decipher commensal from pathogens, and its intimate association and co-evolution with mammals. Using a pan virulome analysis of >20,000 sequenced E. coli strains, we identified the secreted cytolysin α-hemolysin (HlyA) as a …

Lmpact Of Salmonella Enterica Effector Proteins On Plant Physiology And Immunity, Sara Qader

Honors Theses

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are primarily recognized as pathogens associated with foodborne illnesses in humans. Salmonella also can colonize plant tissue effectively. The pathogen relies on type III secretion systems (T3SS) to infect mammals and plants successfully and counteract the immune response. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Salmonella’s interactions with plants is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impact on human health and agriculture. Effector proteins, known for their role in modulating host-pathogen interactions, have been implicated in the virulence and pathogenicity of Salmonella. However, their specific functions and contributions to Salmonella’s interactions with plants remain largely unknown. …

Metaplastic Regeneration In The Mouse Stomach Requires A Reactive Oxygen Species Pathway, Zhi-Feng Miao, Jing-Xu Sun, Xuan-Zhang Huang, Shi Bai, Min-Jiao Pang, Jia-Yi Li, Han-Yu Chen, Qi-Yue Tong, Shi-Yu Ye, Xin-Yu Wang, Xiao-Hai Hu, Jing-Ying Li, Jin-Wei Zou, Wen Xu, Jun-Hao Yang, Xi Lu, Jason C Mills, Zhen-Ning Wang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In pyloric metaplasia, mature gastric chief cells reprogram via an evolutionarily conserved process termed paligenosis to re-enter the cell cycle and become spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) cells. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) following injury to the murine stomach to analyze mechanisms governing paligenosis at high resolution. Injury causes induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) with coordinated changes in mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism, requiring the transcriptional mitochondrial regulator Ppargc1a (Pgc1α) and ROS regulator Nf2el2 (Nrf2). Loss of the ROS and mitochondrial control in Ppargc1a-/- mice causes the death of paligenotic cells through ferroptosis. Blocking the cystine transporter SLC7A11(xCT), which …

Impact Of Salmonella Enterica On Plant Physiology And Immunity, Sara Qader

Poster Presentations

Salmonella can colonize plant tissue effectively. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Salmonella’s interactions with plants is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impact on human health and agriculture. Effector proteins, known for their role in modulating host-pathogen interactions, have been implicated in the virulence and pathogenicity of Salmonella. However, their specific functions and contributions to Salmonella’s interactions with plants remain largely unknown. Here, we aim to investigate the functions of Salmonella effector proteins during the colonization of plants.

The Physiological Significance Of Nitric Oxide Synthase In Staphylococci, Ryan M. Singh

Theses & Dissertations

Staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis, are common causes of implant-associated infections that may result in notable morbidity and mortality. One of the ways the innate immune system attempts to combat these invading pathogens is via the respiratory burst, in which free radical species such as nitric oxide (NO^•), toxic to bacterial respiration, are released in large quantities. Despite the toxicity of NO^•, some bacteria, including staphylococci, encode an endogenous bacterial nitric oxide synthase (bNOS), whose physiological role has been unclear until now. In this dissertation, we demonstrate that S. epidermidis is able to overcome the toxicity …

Understanding The Non-Canonical Regulation Of Srebp In Aspergillus Fumigatus, Muhammad Abubakar Khan

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), with high mortality rates in immunocompromised individuals. Adaptation to the hypoxic microenvironment of IPA is crucial for fungal virulence. The transcription factor SrbA, a Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein (SREBP) homolog, plays a key role in this hypoxic response and regulates genes involved in hypoxic growth, sterol biosynthesis, and azole resistance, making it an attractive therapeutic target.

However, SrbA activation in A. fumigatus lacks critical components of the canonical SREBP pathway, such as SCAP, Site-1 protease (S1P), and Site-2 protease (S2P). Instead, the rhomboid protease RbdB, signal peptide peptidase …

Efficacy Of Mcl-1 Inhibitors In Multiple Myeloma Cells Resistant To Bortezomib, Emily Nelson, Omar S. Al-Odat, Sabrina M. Paparo, Daniel A. Guirguis, Gabriella Yao, Manoj Pandey, Subash Jonnalagadda, Tulin Budak-Alpdogan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of cancer that affects plasma B cells. Patients with MM often experience frequent relapses and can develop resistance to drugs. As a medical researcher, it is important to understand the role of Mcl-1 in preventing intrinsic apoptosis and drug resistance. Mcl-1 belongs to the anti-apoptotic subgroup of Bcl-2 family proteins and plays a crucial role in these processes. Mcl-1 plays a crucial role in driving disease progression and contributing to drug resistance in MM. It has been observed that there is an increased expression of Mcl-1 in 52% of patients with MM during diagnosis, …

Fiddler Crab Gut Microbiomes As An Indicator For Eutrophication Due To Waste-Water Contamination In Estuaries, Madison L. Geraci

Honors Theses

Estuaries are unique biogeochemical zones in coastal systems that provide a myriad of ecological functions: providing habitat for critically important fishery species, diverse species of plants and animals, and contributing to nutrient cycling. Estuaries are vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors as they are intersections between marine and terrestrial communities and are often the hotspot of coastal development and activity. Estuarine sediments act as repositories for anthropogenic contaminants, including excess nutrient runoffs and waste-water pollution that can cause states of eutrophication. Microorganisms are sensitive to these environmental changes, presenting a unique opportunity of being useful bioindicators of environmental stress. Isolating microorganisms from …

Biosorption Of Lithium Using Microbes, Adebola Daisy Olade

Theses (2016-Present)

Lithium (Li) is a very valuable metal that is used across several industries including ceramics, glass, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. However, in recent years, the global demand for Li and its market price have increased considerably, due to its application as a critical component in the production of rechargeable Li-ion batteries and energy storage systems that are used in electric vehicles and a variety of electronic devices. Although Li occurs as a mineral in hard rocks and salt brines, substantial amounts are found in our environment as part of industrial wastes and oil-field wastewaters. Despite its importance, Li is also …

A Precious Gift: A Reflection And Resource On Water Quality And Sustainability, Mark Potosnak, Andrew Panelli, Adrienne Kalmes, Antonio Quintanilla, Dr. George Nassos, Michael Terrien, Obl. Osb

College of Science and Health Faculty and Staff Works

This reflection, prepared by Illinois Catholics concerned with the intersection of faith, environmental stewardship, and social justice, explores the theological, moral, and practical dimensions of water quality and sustainability in the state. Rooted in Scripture, and Catholic liturgy and tradition, it affirms water as a sacred gift, essential for life and a universal human right. Drawing on Catholic social teaching and Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, it examines pressing water challenges in Illinois, including contamination from coal ash, nitrates, PFAS, and lead, as well as infrastructure, affordability, and sustainability concerns. The document offers an …

From Cells To Clinics- The Role Of College Biology Education In Shaping Future Physician Assistants, Monica Manley

Honors Theses

This thesis provides a personal reflection on translating concepts and techniques learned in multiple biology courses (i.e. microbiology, neuroscience, comparative physiology, and genetics) in to clinical practice as an intern in the emergency room of a hospital. Each selected concept contains a description followed by an example of how this knowledge relates to a specified duty of a physician assistant with in an emergency medical setting.

Survival Of Methanogens Desiccated On Mars Soil Simulants: Implications For Life On Mars, Lanee Knight

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Because of Mars’s chemical features, it can be studied in the search for life and is a significant figure in the study of astrobiology (McKay, 2010). Dr. Kral’s laboratory studies methanogens, microorganisms in the domain Archaea, as possible life forms on Mars. Since some methanogens can withstand harsh environmental conditions and emit methane as a waste product, the growth of these microorganisms can be used as an indicator of potential life in the Mars subsurface (Kral et al., 1998). In this research, four methanogens, Methanothermobacter wolfeii, Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanosarcina barkeri, and Methanococcus maripaludi were desiccated in the …

The Implementation And Effect Of An Guided Inquiry Based Lab Within An Introductory Lab, Gwendelyn Tran

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Microbiology lab is a foundational course within microbiology, biology, and nursing students’ education at many colleges. Overall, while microbiology lab pedagogy within upper level courses has shifted from a cookbook style lab to favor more inquiry based labs, there is a lack of introductory level microbiology inquiry based labs. This study aims to both introduce an easily adaptable one week guided inquiry based lab to an introductory microbiology lab curriculum and assess the effects of this pedagogy change on the students. To analyze the impact of this shift, student attitude and success within UT Arlington’s undergraduate microbiology labs were assessed …

Exploring Novel Nutrient Acquisition Mechanisms For Maintaining Energy Metabolism In Toxoplasma Gondii, Melanie Key

All Dissertations

Toxoplasma gondii is an infectious intracellular parasite that establishes infection within various mammalian hosts, including humans. Toxoplasma infects approximately one-third of the global population, making it an impactful pathogen of study. T. gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an opportunistic infection that causes severe illness or fatality in immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women. The parasite possesses a very effective invasion strategy, allowing it to cross different tissue types to disseminate infection across the placental and blood-brain barrier. Although there are a few treatments for acute toxoplasmosis, these drugs can produce adverse side effects. These options are not effective against …

Growth Of Methanogens On Kaolinite, A Clay That Has Been Identified On Mars, Hailey Littrell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Methanogens have been studied as a model for life on Mars for 28 years now in the Kral lab. The discovery of methane in the Martian atmosphere by ground-based and orbital observations as well as Curiosity Rover (Formisano, V. et al., Krasnopolsky, V.A. et al., Mumma, M.J. et al.) has added relevance to these types of studies. Methanogens were chosen due to their ability to live in harsh environments, very similar to the Martian terrain. In addition to methane in the atmosphere, phyllosilicate clays have also been identified. One of those clays is kaolinite. Kaolinite has been found to not …

Characterization Of Ato Family Transporters In The Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus Neoformans, Will Betsill

All Theses

Fungal pathogens are a significant threat to public health as they are becoming increasingly common and more resistant to treatment. Cryptococcus neoformans contributes greatly to this threat annually by causing an estimated 278,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis resulting in approximately 181,000 deaths globally according to the CDC. C. neoformans is ubiquitous across most of the globe and can be found in such places as in trees or soil. Exposure to this fungus is especially dangerous to individuals who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed. In these cases, inhalation of spores can lead to infection in the lungs. Once in the lungs, C. …

Implicating North American Lizards In The Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Stricto Sylvatic Cycle, Tristan Anthony Nowak

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) spirochetes are the causative agents of Lyme disease (LD, Lyme borreliosis), the leading cause of tick-borne illness in North America (NA), Europe, and throughout temperate zones of the Holarctic region. Ixodes ticks are the only competent genus that permit acquisition, maintenance, and successful transmission of LD bacteria to subsequent hosts. LD spirochetes are unable to effectively pass through transovarial barriers, from adults to eggs, and therefore, next generation larvae are Lyme borreliae-free. Instead, B. burgdorferi s.l. are reliant on maintenance in both vertebrate and arthropod hosts to perpetuate high prevalence in nature. Of …