2024 Undergraduate Exhibition

 Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element, functioning within a distinctive set of proteins in the form of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec). Se deficiency leads to decreased incorporation of Sec into selenoproteins, often culminating in pathological conditions. Se supplementation has demonstrated positive health outcomes, underscoring the health benefits of Se. There are twenty-four selenoproteins in mice (25 in human). Selenoprotein W (selenoW) is the smallest selenoprotein that is expressed in various tissues and is highly sensitive to dietary Se intake. SelenoW is reported to regulate cell cycle progression, cellular protection against redox stress, and regulation of immune cell functions although the mechanistic details are unknown. Previous research in our lab has shown whole body selenoW knock out (KO) mice have increased disease severeness upon 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, with increased inflammation and colonic tissue damage. SelenoW KO mice colon had reduced Yap1 and Egfr expression indicating impairment of epithelial cell regeneration. To study the specific role of selenoW in epithelial cells upon DSS administration, we generated epithelial-specific SelenoW KO mice (SelenoWfl/fl villin cre+/-) that were subjected to 4% DSS water for 5 days followed by 4 days recovery phase with regular drinking water. SelenoWfl/fl villin cre+/- mice showed increased colitis severity, with increased weight loss and reduced colon length. qPCR analysis with colon samples showed upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine Il1 and Tnf expression, while decreased anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving cytokine Il10 expression in the SelenoWfl/fl villin cre+/- mice, compared to WT. These results together with our previous finding suggest that the lack of selenoW expression in epithelial cells results in increased inflammation, impaired epithelial regeneration, delayed recovery, and increased disease severity. The protective role of SelenoW in colitis provides a new therapeutic target for treating inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis.

Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) are one of the most common salamander species in Pennsylvania. Passive Integrative Transponders (PIT) tags are a promising way to individually mark animals for long-term studies. This research estimates body condition between PIT tagged and untagged populations of P. cinereus. We did not find any negative effects from the presence of a PIT tag on individual body condition; this relationship was true for both males and females. 

Neurons depend on microtubules (MTs) for intracellular transport, signaling, and structure. Spindle matrix (SM) proteins work closely with spindle MTs during mitosis, and we suspect they may also regulate MTs in neurons. After axon injury, we have documented an increase in MTs, and I have observed a subsequent decrease in the SM protein Chromator. Using RNAi, mutant genotypes, and fluorescence microscopy, I am investigating this relationship and possible communication pathways between SM proteins and MTs.

Streptococcus mitis is an opportunistic pathogen that is resistant to common antibiotics. The Keiler Lab has identified 46 small molecule inhibitors that block the trans-translation pathway in bacteria. KKL-35, a small molecule inhibitor, was found to be active at 2.5 µM in a S. mitis culture. An in vitro trans-translation assay would be able to confirm if MBX-4204 inhibits trans-translation in S. mitis, and therefore would be a good antibiotic candidate.

Kinetochore connects centromeric chromatin to microtubules during mitosis. Surprisingly, kinetochore proteins were found in postmitotic Drosophila neurons. When these proteins were knocked down, the number of growing plus ends in the dendrites of uninjured neurons increased, leading to the conclusion that kinetochore suppresses microtubule dynamics in dendrites by regulating nucleation. Overexpression and RNAi knockdown of various kinetochore proteins will determine whether any genes in centromeric DNA participate in the regulation of microtubule dynamics.

Globin-coupled sensor proteins are a family of multidomain proteins which link sensory input to a diverse array of downstream effectors. The extremophile Thermus aquaticus encodes a GCS protein (TaqGCS) with putative diguanylate cyclase activity, which has not been isolated or characterized to date. AfGcHk was also purified to compare the mechanism of signal transduction between GCS proteins. Discovering unique proteins across the GCS family can further elucidate their role in sensory perception and signal transduction.

This performance is an excerpt from Leontes and Paulina Are Very Much Not Dead, a one-act play adapting Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. This new work imagines the titular characters stuck in the unending middle of their story, during their sixteen years of mourning, as they meet at the graves of their loved ones. Each morning, the grieving Leontes and Paulina bicker, reminisce, and find acceptance, slowly becoming unlikely friends—a ritual of grief they undertake daily. 

Our work explores the functional connection between inhibition of NAD kinase (NADK) expression and congenital malformations using the nematode model C. elegans. We will use RNAi to knock down NADK to test the hypothesis that inhibition of this gene results in congenital malformations and changes the trajectory of aging in this model. These studies will provide insight into the association between NADK inhibition and congenital malformations as well as the impact of malformations on aging.

As we age, decreasing levels of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) can lead to age-related complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Onset of AKI can lead to chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and death. To tackle this relationship, we induced AKI in mouse models to investigate NAD+ biology. We quantified metabolic shifts using LCMS and mapped the expression of genes using qRT-PCR. Investigating AKI and dysregulation of NAD+ provided valuable insights into disease susceptibility. 

Examined metabolic effects of a vegan diet (VD) on pregnant mice.Female-wild-type mice were fed a control diet (CD) or a VD (reduced-B12-content) for 18 weeks and bred twice. Body weights, glucose tolerance, and a marker of B12-insufficiency were measured.VD-mothers only displayed B12 insufficiency, while their female offspring sustained B12-insufficiency, glucose intolerance, and higher body weights. Greater impacts were observed in the second breeding attempt.B12-deficiency induced significant metabolic disturbances in the first generation.

The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment uses a 10-tonnes liquid xenon detector at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota to discover dark matter. Detector sensitivity can be improved by limiting background signals. I used Geant4 which is a particle simulation package to model potential sources of backgrounds. I found that small pockets of liquid xenon within the PTFE walls of the detector could generate enough light to be a meaningful background.

This project explores the relationship between self-injurious thoughts and behaviors and the traditional Section II criteria BPD in comparison to the more recent levels of personality-functioning (LPFS) found in Section III. Individuals with personality disorders have higher prevalence rates for self-injurous thoughts and behaviors. However, the literature has sparse information on the relationship between levels of personality-functioning and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. So, this study aimed to assess if the levels of personality-functioning predict self-injurious thoughts and behaviors over and above the categorical BPD criteria B. To do this, a binary logistic regression and linear regression were run to analyze the BPD and levels of personality-functioning in how they predict self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. The results showed the BPD criteria B and certain LPFS domain scores were significant predictors of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors.   

A study was done to characterize both the phenotype and genotype of 36 Bacillus isolates. These isolates were obtained from mixed culture samples of clinical Bovine mastitis milk. Next-generation sequencing revealed that B.licheniformis encoded for the lipopeptide lichenysin A and the synthetase genes lchAA, lchAB, and lchAC for lichenysin. Preliminary observations suggest that B. licheniformis is an environmental mastitis pathogen, warranting further investigation into its potential to cause intramammary infections.

The present study analyzes the neural overlaps of successful memory in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) for single items and associative pairs oriented proximally and distally. Results showed an increase in neural activity from the single, proximal, and distal conditions, reflecting the increasing difficulty of the respective tasks. There was more neural overlap in the proximal and distal conditions than in the proximal and single conditions. 

This research poster investigates changes in the structural ensemble of FoxO1, a crucial transcription factor implicated in various cellular processes. Utilizing novel carbon direct-detect NMR techniques, we analyze how the post-translational modification of acetylation influences FoxO1's conformational dynamics. Our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between FoxO1's structure and function, providing valuable insights into its regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.

Algal symbionts are critical for the well-being of coral reefs. Dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae establish a nutritional photosymbiosis with corals. Unfortunately, increasing marine heat waves break down symbioses between corals and Symbiodiniaceae. Therefore, surveys of Symbiodiniaceae diversity and evolutionary history are crucial to understand coral reef resilience. Traditional genetic markers uncovered the vast genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae but have limitations. We aim to establish novel genomic markers (UCEs) to study symbiont diversity and evolution.  

From the expanse of the universe to the cell that brings all life to earth, oneness is what we come together for. We sow the seeds of solidarity for a world we imagine and propagate the change, within and beyond us. We stand tall as a kindled conscience that aches at the sound of violence and pushes us in being kindred spirits in practicing radical empathy. Here's celebrating our togetherness- One World.

The widening gap between managers and employees results from the absence of strategies for adapting to evolving workplace values and lack of emphasis on managerial neuroplasticity. This study introduces plasticity, which aids managers with navigating contemporary work environments and enhancing internal branding. This study culminated in the original Plasticity Model, which measures managerial plasticity, and the Internal Branding Plasticity Model (IBPM), which tests relationships between internal branding, plasticity, employee engagement, job satisfaction, and employee loyalty.

The Theobroma cacao tree, used to make chocolate, struggles with diseases: a problem that could be alleviated through breeding for new varieties. As a tropical tree crop, its long time to maturity and limited geographic range restrict breeding efforts. Genetic engineering could be a faster approach, although current protocols using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method have low efficiencies. This project aims to optimize the existing protocol by comparing ptxD and SulR to nptII as selectable marker genes for transformed cells.

As a leader in the supply chain, Panama is a melting pot where numerous cultures coexist, trade, and conduct business. Panama is a key player in the global supply chain because of its diversity, which improves trade connectivity in the Panama Canal and on a worldwide scale. During a week-long embedded travel abroad program, we immersed ourselves in the culture and visited multiple logistics companies to gain valuable insight into Panamanian supply chain operations.

Per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals that have produced since the late 1930's. that have been used in various household and industrial products. The PFAS molecules have a fluorinated carbon chain with various functional groups that give them unique properties well-suited for use in non-stick, stain resistant, and waterproof materials. Additionally, they have been granted the nickname name 'forever' and 'legacy' chemicals due to their slow degradability and persistence in the environment. Despite several of the PFAS compounds being discounted and removed from products in the early 2000's, they are still found in the environment, as well as in the blood of wildlife and humans. Exposure to PFAS may vary depending on occupation and use of items known to contain PFAS. Multiple studies have emphasized the dangers of PFAS exposure, as they bioaccumulate in the environment, animals, and humans. Current research shows increased risk of cancers, infertility, reduced fetal growth, and decreased immune response, prompting a need for further public education and awareness. Because it can be difficult to know how best to reduce exposure to PFAS, we are developing a PFAS Footprint Calculator took that will help families and individuals to understand their exposure to PFAS-containing household and consumer products. Users will enter the number and type of products, such as textiles, cosmetics, and food packing into the footprint tool, and based on a literature review on the amount of PFAS in each product type, the tool will estimate a user’s PFAS footprint. Results of the literature review show that PFAS concentrations vary amongst different companies, states, and products; with production and manufacturing contributing to the variation from item to item. The results of the tool will help the user to identify ways to limit their exposure to PFAS, thereby reducing exposure risk to themselves and their families. Preliminary data collection indicates that textiles and cookware could be major contributors to PFAS exposure. The tool will also serve to educate and raise awareness regarding PFAS-containing products, thereby serving to help improve public health.

The ability of fish fins to display plastic responses has only been reported in the internal skeleton, or endoskeleton, and it is unclear whether the other half of the fin skeleton, the dermal skeleton, can respond in a plastic manner. Here, we test whether plasticity in the dermal fin skeleton can be induced in zebrafish through feeding trials that required altered movement in the water column. We find that the dermal skeleton is capable of plastic response. This shows that swimming in juveniles can affect the patterning of fins and might contribute to the evolution of fin skeletal diversity.in a plastic manner. Here, we test whether plasticity in the dermal fin skeleton can be induced in zebrafish through feeding trials that required altered movement in the water column. We find that the dermal skeleton is capable of plastic response. This shows that swimming in juveniles can affect the patterning offins and might contribute to the evolution of fin skeleal diversity.

Insight into the kinetics of RNA folding can facilitate an understanding of the differences between thermodynamically predicted structures and those formed within the cell. Consequently, a fluorescence-detected stopped-flow instrument was used to record fluorescence of RNA duplex formation over millisecond intervals of time as a function of RNA concentration and sequence in different solutions. Analysis of kobs revealed that the kinetics of duplex formation are altered under in vivo-like conditions.

Vitamin D deficiency, a global health issue, may impact lactation by modulating mammary inflammation and lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on exclusive breastfeeding prevalence during early infancy. We found that the relative prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding was lower in early infancy among mothers receiving vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and lactation compared to placebo, but results were inconsistent across supplementation dosage groups.