Category: Biological Sciences
-
Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation does not induce pro-inflammatory macrophage function
By Max De La Cruz Morrobel, Katriana Meiman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract After infection, SARS-CoV-2 can leave patients with long-term inflammatory cytokine release and connective tissue damage. Studies suggest that this is due to viral infection inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation in macrophages, polarizing them into the inflammatory M1 phenotype and releasing an extracellular-matrix cleaving…
-
Effects of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) in Vascular Degeneration
By Jessica Bronski, Madison Bauserman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1) is a genetic disease that affects multiple organ systems including skeletal musculature, in which it causes muscle wasting. DM1 is caused by expanded CTG repeats in the 3’ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Capillaries are…
-
Restricting Methionine Decreases Cancer Cell Proliferation, In Part Due to Its Role in DNA Methylation and Tumor Suppressor Gene Expression
By Loren N. Delgadillo Llano, Carolina Brooks, Ella Schmidt Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with a 66% five-year survival rate when it spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes, emphasizing the need for better treatments. One strategy involves depriving TNBC cells of methionine, an essential amino…
-
A novel Social Stress Choice Model to Explore the Neurobiology of Stress
By Caroline Turner, Gabby Valle Faculty Mentor: Parrish Waters Abstract Social stressors compromise the most intense stressors that animals face. We have developed a novel model called the ‘social stress choice paradigm’ that allows us to better explore social stress in laboratory mice. In this study, we will assess the effects of this paradigm on…
-
Effect of Sodium Benzoate on Pancreatic Function in Zebrafish
By Josiah Arnold Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dianne Baker Abstract The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is growing globally, and its onset is influenced by factors beyond genetic heritability. One possible factor is sodium benzoate, a common preservative found in many foods and cosmetic products. Its use is widely controversial, and it has recently been linked…
-
Role of Semaglutide in the Pro-Cognitive Effects of Environmental Enrichment
By Christopher Anderson, Alexis Miller Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, et al.) is an agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R) that enjoys a high use rate for both its on-label (therapy for diabetes mellitus) and off-label (appetite quenching) effects. Semaglutide also has positive effects on cognitive performance, although…
-
The Influence of Anthocyanin Extracts on Lactobacillus plantarum Growth: Assessing Prebiotic Potential
By Bridget Zagrobelny, Andrew Eigenfeld Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lynn Lewis Abstract The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse microbial ecosystem essential for regulating digestion, immune response, metabolism, and neurological function. Recent research has identified polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins found in dark red and purple fruits, as potential dietary compounds capable of supporting beneficial gut bacteria. This…
