Category: Biology

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Role of AHR SNPs in Cholesterol Homeostasis

The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Polymorphisms in Modulating 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced HMGCR expression
Zach D’Haem, 2nd year

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have increased in the US population to epidemic proportions. NAFLD increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological and rodent studies have linked NAFLD progression and cholesterol dysregulation with exposure to environmental pollutants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). TCDD is the most potent ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR).
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Understanding Phage Defense Using Bar-Seq

Identifying Mechanisms of Phage Defense in Vibrio cholerae Using High-Throughput Barcode Sequencing
Drew Beckman, 2nd year

Abstract

Phage, viral parasites of bacteria, are primary drivers of bacterial evolution and ecology. My research centers on understanding how the bacterial pathogen Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera, defends itself against phage infection. Prior research revealed that the ability of lytic phage to infect V. cholerae was density-dependent such that phage infection did not occur at high cell densities.
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Temporal Dynamics of Investigation in Rodents

Temporal dynamics of social versus food investigation in C57BL/6 mice and Wistar rats
Valerie Khaykin, 4th year

Abstract

We recently characterized the Social versus Food Preference Test, a behavioral paradigm designed for investigating competition between the choice to seek social interaction versus food, and examined how stimulus preference was modulated by social isolation and/or food deprivation using a 2×2 within-subjects design in C57BL/6 mice and Wistar rats.
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Neural Substrates of Investigation

Neural substrates of social and food investigation in adolescent C57BL/6 mice

Navya Kalia, 2nd year
Valerie Khaykin, 4th year

Abstract

Social interaction-seeking and food-seeking behaviors are both motivated behaviors that we hypothesize are regulated by overlapping neuronal populations. To test this, we exposed male and female adolescent C57BL/6 mice to either a food stimulus (standard lab chow), a social stimulus (unfamiliar age- and sex- matched mouse), or an empty corral. Before testing, all mice were socially isolated and food-deprived to increase their motivation to investigate the stimuli.
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Ovarian Follicular Structures and Infertility

Ovarian Follicular Structures in Mexican Wolves: Clues to Infertility
Heather Sayles, 2nd year

Abstract

Mexican wolves are carefully monitored and their reproduction controlled because of their endangered status. The genetic variability in this species is low due to inbreeding, which lowers their reproductive success and overall population health. In humans and other species, premature ovarian senescence has been linked to infertility. To better understand the reproductive problems plaguing this species, ovaries are collected from Mexican wolves after death or elective sterilization and evaluated grossly and microscopically in order to identify abnormalities.
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Septics and Microbial Communities

Identifying Signals of Septic Contamination in Groundwater Microbial Communities of the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed
Maria Berry, 3rd year

Abstract

Microbial communities in groundwater adapt to their local physical and chemical environment. When this environment contains contaminants, it may be reflected in the genetic content of resident microbial communities. This project explores the utilization of environmental DNA to record the influence of septic fields and other potential contaminants in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed by linking microbiological, geochemical, and hydrological approaches.
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GNAO1 Mutant Mice and Movement Disorders

2021 MSUFCU Honorable Mention Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
GNA01 Mutant Mice and Movement Disorders
Alex Roy, 3rd year

Abstract

Mutations in the gene GNAO1 have been associated with ultra-rare (ca. 200 patients) neurologic abnormalities including movement disorders, epilepsy, and developmental delay. Patients with these mutations often display symptoms at birth or in early childhood. GNAO1 codes for the alpha subunit (Gαo) of the G-protein Go, which is the most abundant membrane protein in the central nervous system.
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Computational Experiments Using MS

Computational Experiments to Investigate Biological Questions Using ms
Maria Pacifico, 2nd year

Abstract

Programs have been developed for comparative genomics and the creation of phylogenetic trees using algorithms. Within the program ms (Hudson, 2002), we are studying population genetics and phylogenetics. Ms generates a simple sample model according to the Wright-Fisher neutral model based on chosen parameters.
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Lactation and the Gut Microbiota

2021 MSUFCU Best Biology oral presentation for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase

Fecal Bacterial Communities Differ by Lactation Status in Post-Partum Women and Their Infants
Eliot Haddad, 3rd year

Abstract:

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the mother and her infant after birth. The gut microbiota, the collection of microorganisms inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract, has been shown to be modulated in infants by human milk exposure.
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Presence of E.Coli in Differing Water Sources

The Presence of Escherichia Coli in Stagnant vs Flowing Water Sources

Aidan Gard, 2nd year
Nandini Koneru, 2nd year
Vira Mehta, 2nd year
Emma Topacio, 2nd year

 

Abstract

In this project we set out to investigate the presence of Esceheria Coli in Stagnant versus running water. After noticing how prevalent issues with water quality and safety are across the country and world, obtaining safe drinkable water was an issue we wanted to look into. The ongoing Flint Water Crisis was our prime example in which the citizens’ main source of water was contaminated with lead and deemed unsafe. We used two types of water sources: stagnant water sources and flowing water sources.
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