The Role Of Wnt Ligands In The Development Of Limb Musculature,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Role Of Wnt Ligands In The Development Of Limb Musculature, Jordan Huber, Dr. Jeffery Barrow
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Wnt family of secreted proteins consists of 19 family members (in the mouse) and is known to signal through multiple pathways that regulate crucial processes in the development of almost all tissues. Dissecting the roles of individual Wnts has been hampered due to functional redundancy that exists between family members. By making a conditional allele of the O-acyltransferase, Porcupine (Porcn), that is required for the secretion of all Wnt ligands, and a tissue specific enhancer to drive Cre expression, we are able to eliminate the secretion of all Wnt ligands in tissues of interest. We eliminated the secretion of …
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying The Operations Of The Brain’S Memory Center,
2013
Brigham Young University
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying The Operations Of The Brain’S Memory Center, Spencer Bella, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Participating in mentored research funded by ORCA has again provided me with valuable research experience and taught me valuable lessons about the research process. Although due to certain setbacks my project was not able to progress to the point of conclusive results, the results we have at this point may show support of our hypothesis. Other members of Dr. Edwards’ lab will continue the project as I have graduated and am pursuing further education elsewhere.
Inhibition Of Nek2 And Proteasome Activity,
2013
Brigham Young University
Inhibition Of Nek2 And Proteasome Activity, Jessica Flory, David Bearss
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nek2 is a kinase that promotes centrosome separation during the cell cycle. Our lab has shown that Nek2 over-‐expression is the best predictor of a poor outcome in multiple myeloma therapy, but the mechanism is unknown. The standard therapy for treating multiple myeloma is use of Bortezomib, an inhibitor of the proteasome (which degrades proteins). Mitosis is often triggered by the degradation of proteins that are unnecessary for the cell to divide. The evidence that Nek2 over-‐expression can predict the outcome of multiple myeloma therapy leads us to the hypothesis that Nek2 affects proteasome activity in multiple myeloma cells. The …
Endocannabinoid Biosynthetic Enzymes In Hippocampal Stratum Oriens Interneurons,
2013
Brigham Young University
Endocannabinoid Biosynthetic Enzymes In Hippocampal Stratum Oriens Interneurons, Ryan Williamson, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The hippocampus is thought to mediate learning and memory by altering the strength of synapses within its circuitry [1]. The plastic nature of these synapses allows the brain to alter the sensitivity of neurons to excitatory input. Improper regulation of synaptic plasticity may cause memory loss associated with neurodegenerative disease [2].
Effects Of Tlr-4 Blockers On The Severity Of Oa In Rage Knockout Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Effects Of Tlr-4 Blockers On The Severity Of Oa In Rage Knockout Mice, Jeffrey Kartchner, Dr. David Kooyman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As the population in the US continues to age, osteoarthritis (OA) is becoming a larger issue, currently effecting over 27 million people1. Presently, pharmaceutical options aim to lessen the effects of the disease, while no preventative treatment is currently available. Much of the current arthritis research is targeted at the effects of inflammation on the progression of OA. Our lab has shown in previous research that mice lacking the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) are protected from OA2. Other labs have shown the possibility of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) involvement in the progression of the disease as well3. …
Genetic Comparison Of Bear Lake Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah), Yellowstone Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Bouveri), And Bonneville Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah),
2013
Brigham Young University
Genetic Comparison Of Bear Lake Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah), Yellowstone Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Bouveri), And Bonneville Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah), Jared Tadje, R. Paul Evans
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Geologic evidence indicates that there was a volcano about 30,000 years ago in Southern Idaho. Before the volcano, Bear Lake was connected to the Snake River, but lava flow from this volcano separated them. Currently, a river connects Bear Lake to the Lake Bonneville region surrounding the Great Salt Lake (Fig. 1). Many people believe that the Bear Lake cutthroat trout evolved from other cutthroat subspecies in the Lake Bonneville Region. My hypothesis is that they are more closely related to the cutthroat subspecies in the Snake River system, and that they evolved together before the volcano separated them. I …
Analyzation Of The Cellular Mrna Content For 6 And Cyclooxygenase In Rat Adrenal Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Analyzation Of The Cellular Mrna Content For 6 And Cyclooxygenase In Rat Adrenal Cells, Sean David Paulsen, Dr. Allen M. Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recent neuroimmunoendocrine research has focused on points of convergence between what have traditionally been labeled the “nervous,” “immune,” and “endocrine” systems. We are beginning to realize that the walls marking the boundaries of these systems are not as exclusive as once thought. Certain commonalities or areas of overlap exist. One such point of convergence between the endocrine and immune systems is the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics, Nicholas Bishop, Dr. Marc D. Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research aims to elucidate the protein interactions at cell-cell contacts (adherens junctions or AJ’s) by studying the fluorescence recovery of three known AJ proteins (zyxin, VASP, and actin) after photobleaching. At AJ’s, zyxin interacts with VASP (Vasioukhin et al., 2000) which in turn encourages the polymerization of actin (Vasioukhin et al., 2000). Mutation of certain regions of zyxin may reveal their role in zyxin-VASP binding and regulation. The effects of altering VASP activity should be evident in actin turnover rate. In Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), regions of cell-cell adhesions with fluorescently labeled zyxin, VASP, or actin are bleached …
Averting Uncertainty: A Practical Guide To Physical Activity Research In Australian Schools,
2013
Queensland University of Technology
Averting Uncertainty: A Practical Guide To Physical Activity Research In Australian Schools, Jerome N. Rachele, Thomas F. Cuddihy, Tracy L. Washington, Steven M. Mcphail
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Preventative health has become central to contemporary health care, identifying youth physical activity as a key factor in determining health and functioning. Schools offer a unique research setting due to distinctive methodological circumstances. However, school-based researchers face several obstacles in their endeavour to complete successful research investigations; often confronted with complex research designs and methodological procedures that are not easily amenable to school contexts. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical guide for teachers (both teacher educators and teaching practitioners) seeking to conduct physical activity-based research in Australian school settings, as well as discuss research practices. The …
Molecular Modeling And Dynamics: Development Of A Model For The Glcosphingolipid Gt1b,
2013
Brigham Young University
Molecular Modeling And Dynamics: Development Of A Model For The Glcosphingolipid Gt1b, Dustin Danowski, David Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) is currently being widely researched a a possible treatment for many medical conditions, as well as for cosmetic purposes. However, the mechanism describing how this family of toxins interact with their receptors to cause endocytosis is not well understood. We have developed a model of the GT1b ganglioside receptor of BoNT that may be used for Molecular Modeling and Dynamics simulations. The development of such a model is necessary to understand the mechanism of BoNT endocytosis, which then helps us determine possible uses and dangers of the toxin as a medical treatment. We had planned to complete …
Does Snap-25 Act As A V-Snare?,
2013
Brigham Young University
Does Snap-25 Act As A V-Snare?, Nathan La Monica, Dr. Dixon Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
SNAP-25, a protein that is found abundantly in the brain, is a key player in the process of releasing neurotransmitters. Vesicles, or small spheres of lipid membranes, contain neurotransmitters and have numerous proteins that extend outward from the vesicle. To release the neurotransmitters proteins on the vesicle bind with proteins on the pre-synaptic membrane causing the fusion of the two membranes. SNAP-25 along with Syntaxin (membrane bound protein) and Synaptobrevin (vesicle bound protein) work together to form a complex called the SNARE complex (Bowen, 2004). The current theory on how this complex works is that SNAP-25 has to be bound …
Modifying The Apical Ectodermal Ridge In Embryological Development Of Vertebrates,
2013
Brigham Young University
Modifying The Apical Ectodermal Ridge In Embryological Development Of Vertebrates, Lauren Clough, Dr. Jeffery R. Barrow
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Vertebrate embryonic limb development is a complex process that involves many genes and processes. Patterning takes place along three axes, including the proximal-distal axis of the limb. The Apical Ectodermal Ridge (AER) helps to guide development along the proximal-distal axis, but the genetic and cellular mechanisms whereby it performs its roles are not well understood. This study attempted to discover whether the AER is able to recruit limb cells through oriented cell division through experiments with surgical manipulation of the AER in chicks and genetic manipulation in mice. By using cellular markers to determine apoptotic and mitotic indices, we have …
An In Vitro Examination Of The Effect Of Cholesterol On Vesicle Exocytosis,
2013
Brigham Young University
An In Vitro Examination Of The Effect Of Cholesterol On Vesicle Exocytosis, Brandon Forbes
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Neurons communicate to other cells by releasing neurotransmitter through a process called exocytosis. Exocytosis of neurotransmitter containing vesicles to their plasma membranes is via the SNARE protein complex. Studies that have examined the SNARE protein complex, using an in vitro lipid bilayer model, have thus far not examined the effects of cholesterol on the SNARE driven fusion. As a research hypothesis, I expect that cholesterol will have a positive effect on the rate of SNARE driven fusion events.
Correlation Between Mc540 Fluorescence And Ps Exposure In Apoptotic Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Correlation Between Mc540 Fluorescence And Ps Exposure In Apoptotic Cells, Liz Gibbons, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of my project was to further study cell membrane changes during apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This was an extension of the research being done by Dr. Bell and my fellow students on the susceptibility of cells to the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This enzyme hydrolyzes cell membranes, but only those with certain lipid properties. In general, only cells that are dead, injured, or dying display significant susceptibility to sPLA2 while healthy cells resist hydrolysis (Nielson, 2000). We use fluorescent probes to study these membrane lipid properties and how they change as the cells undergo apoptosis. These …
The Relationship Between High-Salt And Estrogen On Blood Pressure Under Basal And Stressed Conditions In The Female Offspring Of Sprague Dawley Rats That Were Subjected To High Or Normal Salt Diets During Pregnancy,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Relationship Between High-Salt And Estrogen On Blood Pressure Under Basal And Stressed Conditions In The Female Offspring Of Sprague Dawley Rats That Were Subjected To High Or Normal Salt Diets During Pregnancy, Brandon G. Wilkinson, Dr. James Porter
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one leading cause of death in the United States. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a form of CVD and affects nearly 1 in 3 American adults. Men are more likely than women to develop hypertension until 45 years of age. However, percentages of women diagnosed with hypertension rise to exceed that of men around 45-54 years of age.1 This trend in hypertension is a clear age-related sex dimorphism. The trend suggests that following the onset of menopause, women have a higher risk of hypertension, a risk that continues to rise with age.2-3 Current research …
The Relationship Between Zyxin And Rac1 In Cell Junction Formation,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Relationship Between Zyxin And Rac1 In Cell Junction Formation, Dan Brereton, Ryan Vellinga, Craig Barnette, Dr. Marc Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In order to better understand how cancer metastasizes we must discover how cancer cells are able to break down their cell-cell junctions.
Characterization Of Osteoarthritic Degeneration In Sedc Mutant Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Characterization Of Osteoarthritic Degeneration In Sedc Mutant Mice, David Holt, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is a recessive human genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities and early onset osteoarthritis (OA).1 Type II and the alpha 3 chain of type XI collagen together are integral in the development of normal articular cartilage (AC) and are both encoded by the Col2a1 gene.2 Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (sedc) mice have a missense mutation of the Col2a1 gene within the triple helical region of type II collagen, affecting its production, leading to development of abnormal AC.
Discovering The Involvement Of Lipid-Rafts In The Interleukin-6 Pathway Of Cortisol Release From Adrenal Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Discovering The Involvement Of Lipid-Rafts In The Interleukin-6 Pathway Of Cortisol Release From Adrenal Cells, Timothy Chang, Dr. Allan M. Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and is involved in response to stress and increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels, suppresses the immune system, and may cause infertility in women. The pathway in which protein Interleukin-6, also known as IL-6, stimulates the synthesis of this steroid is not completely understood. One aspect of the pathway that has not been studied is whether or not the IL-6 pathway is dependent on cell membrane lipid-rafts for cortisol release. In discovering the involvement of lipid-rafts in the IL-6 pathway, we will not only further understand IL-6 involvement in cortisol …
Trpv1 Modulation Of Synaptic Plasticity In The Hippocampus,
2013
Brigham Young University
Trpv1 Modulation Of Synaptic Plasticity In The Hippocampus, Douglas Bennion, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Learning and memory are phenomena that are made possible via physical changes at neuronal synapses in the brain, a phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity. Because synaptic plasticity affects physical changes in the brain in response to external stimuli, it is suspected of playing an essential role in strengthening or weakening the neural pathways regulating short-term learning and memory within the hippocampus. Dysfunctions in synaptic plasticity contribute to such diseases and disorders as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and retrograde amnesia.1 By further clarifying the mechanism of synaptic plasticity, in which TRPV1 is suspected of participating, I have tried to fill a …
Actin Reorganization Events In Zyxin Mutant Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Actin Reorganization Events In Zyxin Mutant Cells, Stephen Filios, Dr. Marc Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cell migration is an important part of understanding how cancer affects the body. Benign tumors are non-migratory, and can be removed from a patient surgically. Once cancer cells start to migrate, or metastasize, the cancer is considered malignant. As a result, cancer spreads to other parts of the body. This research looked at the process by which epithelial cells become migratory, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition or EMT.
