Table of Contents

Schedule of Activities 2 Xi Psi Chapter at 3 Awards 4 Keynote Speaker 6 Poster Presentation Session 1 Schedule 7 Poster Presentation Session 2 Schedule 8 Oral Presentations Session 1 Schedule 10 Oral Presentations Session 2 Schedule 10 List of Chapters and People Participating 11 Judges 12 Special Thanks 13 Abstracts 14

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Schedule of Activities

9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks

9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Oral Presentations 1

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Poster Viewing Session 1

11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Lunch Break

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Science Under Pressure: Discovery and Innovation during a Viral Pandemic Dr. Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Poster Viewing Session 2

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Oral Presentations 2

3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony/Remarks

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Xi Psi Chapter at Duquesne University

2019-2020 Chapter Officers:

President – Tara Sullivan Vice President – Brooke Pucci Secretary – Lauren Rebel Treasurer – Talia Roth Historian – Quentin Snyder Media Promotions Chair/Social Chair – Raahi Modi

2020-2021 Chapter Officers:

President – Tara Sullivan Vice President – Lauren Rebel Secretary – Jenna Mulreany Treasurer – Talia Roth Historian – Clancy McIntyre Service Chair - Kelly Maffei Media Promotions Chair/Social Chair – Julie Doherty 2021 Tri-Beta Regional Conference Symposium Director – Raahi Modi

Advisor: Dr. Sarah Woodley

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Bertholf Award: National Outstanding Chapter The main purpose of the Bertholf Award is to recognize the chapter which has best promoted the triple aims of Beta Beta Beta: scholarship, dissemination of scientific information and promotion of biological research. The Bertholf Committee bases the award upon the following 4 criteria: - member activity in conducting and publishing research, - participation in district and national conventions and other scientific meetings, - chapter programming and activities, - orderly record keeping and communication with the National Office.

2017-2018 Bertholf Award Two NE-3 District Chapters won Outstanding Chapters ● /Theta Omega ● St. John Fisher College/Upsilon Rho

The Frank G. Brooks Award For Best Oral Presentations The John C. Johnson Award for Best Poster Presentations 1. For these awards, the research must be completed by an active or associate TriBeta member(s) while the member(s) is an undergraduate. It is not required that all authors be TriBeta members, but the report must be presented by a member. Members whose work conforms to all other established criteria, but who have graduated may compete for the award provided the student received the baccalaureate degree no more than six months prior to the district convention.

2. Presentations must be from bona-fide research to be eligible for the award. Literature reviews and library reports may be accepted for presentation, but are NOT eligible for the award.

3. Work that is co-authored with a faculty or graduate member may be presented, but is NOT eligible for the award. Faculty direction and support should be acknowledged in an acknowledgement section together with grants and other financial aid.

4. All other factors being equal, preference for the award will be given to the work of a single author rather than group research. Work conducted by the undergraduate member as part of an ongoing senior scientist’s or research laboratory program may be reported, but will be eligible only at the discretion of the judges.

5. Students who have won a Frank G. Brooks Award or a John C. Johnson Award will receive $750 towards travel expenses to attend the National TriBeta Convention held in 2022 at Oklahoma City University. The 2022 conference will mark the 100-year anniversary of the first TriBeta Convention, also held at Oklahoma City University.

6. Judging criteria include: Degree of originality of the project, substantive content, organization of the report, clarity of presentation, evidence of background knowledge of the project, and ability to field questions.

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The Xi Psi Award for Best Poster Presentations Duquesne University’s Xi Psi Chapter is honored to present best poster awards. These awards are open to all participants and will include a cash prize.

Judging criteria include: Degree of originality of the project, substantive content, organization of the report, clarity of presentation, evidence of background knowledge of the project, and ability to field questions.

The Xi Psi Award for Most Commented Poster To encourage participation and engagement, and to recognize thought-provoking posters, the poster that has received the most comments will receive a cash prize. This award is open to all participants and will include a cash prize.

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About our Keynote Speaker

“Science Under Pressure: Discovery and Innovation during a Viral Pandemic”

Dr. Jill Dembowski, Duquesne University

Dr. Dembowski began her academic journey at Clarion University of where she earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and biotechnology. She then attended the University of earning a PhD for her work on the investigation of pre-mRNA splicing regulation in the nervous system. Dr. Dembowski then performed her postdoctoral work at Carnegie Mellon University where she studied mechanisms of eukaryotic ribosome assembly. Always fascinated by viruses and how they manipulate host cells, Dr. Dembowski decided to pursue her interests in virology and accepted a second postdoctoral position at the School of Medicine. There, she developed novel proteomic and imaging techniques to investigate protein recruitment to viral DNA. Dr. Dembowski recently joined the Department of Biological Sciences at Duquesne University in the fall of 2019 where her lab studies herpes simplex virus infection. In today’s talk, Dr. Dembowski will highlight prominent scientific discoveries and innovations that have unfolded over the past year in the midst of the global pandemic.

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Poster Presentation Session 1 Schedule

10:30am – 11:30am

1. Expression of semenogelin 1 in humans and chimpanzees to study molecular evolution of reproductive proteins by Raahi Modi and Dr. Michael I. Jensen-Seaman, Duquesne University

2. Identification of orthologous genes in ferns that are implicated in the development of moss rhizoids and grass root hairs by John Vieira, Jenna Sins, Dr. Mike Ganger, and Dr. Gary Vanderlaan, Gannon University

3. The Role of trans-Golgi Network and Endosomal Adaptors in Nitrogen-Regulated Growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Rachel Stubler, Ellen Madden, and Dr. Quyen Aoh, Gannon University

4. Effect of Curcumin on Steroid Sulfatase Activity in the Rat Liver by Mia DiFrancesco, Barathi Balasubramonian, and Dr. Kyle W. Selcer, Duquesne University

5. Sex Differences in the Infiltration of Immune Cells in a Chronic Nerve Injury in Rats Identified by Immunofluorescent Microscopy by Laura Reynolds, Brooke Deal, Dr. Jelena Janjic, and Dr. John A. Pollock, Duquesne University

6. Triticain-α: An enzymatic approach to managing celiac disease by Joshua S. Clem, Sienna M. Grau, Dr. Holly N. Currie, and Dr. David P. Puthoff, Frostburg State University

7. Visualizing central nervous system cells in developing amphibians exposed to stressors by Madison T. Uhrin and Dr. Sarah Woodley, Duquesne University

8. Insect Diversity on Two Green Roofs on the Campus of Gannon University, Erie PA by Skyler Sevacko, Nathan Maietta, and Dr. Nathan Ropski, Gannon University

9. Exploring the functional divergence of bacterial Rsm homologs by Raziel Santos, Anton Evans, Collin Kessler, Amber Delprince, and Dr. Wook Kim, Duquesne University

10. The Use of Natural Compounds to Rescue Zebrafish (Danio rerio) from the Obesogenic Effects of Bisphenol S (BPS) by Joseph Current, Caden Jensen, and Edward Freeman, St. John Fisher College

11. The evaluation of fitness costs on antiplasmodial strains of Asaia bogorensis in the Anopheles sp. mosquito midgut by Marissa Bennett, Christina Grogan, and Dr. David Lampe, Duquesne University

12. Role of SCAMP3 Regulating CXCR4 Trafficking by Angelika Chiang, Samantha Valaitis, and Dr. Quyen Aoh, Gannon University

13. Refining the Lipid Facing Structure of the Human Alpha 1 Glycine Receptor in the Desensitized State Using Phosphatidylcholine and Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry by Adriana Duncan and Dr. Michael Cascio, Duquesne University

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14. Inhibiting Parthenogenesis in Marmorkrebs, Procambarus virginalis (Lyko, 2017) by Alyssa Baker and Br. Albert Gahr,

15. The Role of Topoisomerase 1 in Herpes Simplex Virus Infection by Raegen Esenwein, Jessica Packard, and Dr. Jill Dembowski, Duquesne University

16. The Synergistic Effect of Metformin and Dexamethasone on HeLa and SiHa Cells: A Comparison of Cervical Cancer Cell Lines from Different Races by Courtney Caldwell, Kelsey Donoughe, Taylor Reed, Nathan Thompson, Rachel Garbeglio, and Irene Wolf,

17. Production of Recombinant Seminal Proteins for the Improved Antibody-based Detection of Body Fluids by Thomas Washington and Dr. Michael I. Jensen-Seaman, Duquesne University

Poster Presentation Session 2 Schedule

1:00pm – 2:00pm

18. Elucidating the function of Cellular PCNA Protein in HSV-1 Infections by Maya Williams, Jessica Packard, and Dr. Jill Dembowski, Duquesne University

19. Unraveling the mysteries of dandruff and Malassezia restricta, the dominant fungus of human scalp by Talia Roth, Ava Santoro, Mingyang Yuan, William Mazza, and Dr. Wook Kim, Duquesne University

20. A Functional Study of Absence Epilepsy in Danio rerio Using CRISPR/Cas9 Induced Mutagenesis by Grace Leonard, Emily P. Rohm, and Br. Albert Gahr, Saint Vincent College

21. Characterization of RarA, a membrane porin from Sulfurospirillum barnesii SES-3 by Lauren Rebel, Narthana Jeganathar Kanmanii, and Dr. John Stolz, Duquesne University

22. Observations on the effect of soil bacteria on sexual and rhizoid development in gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii by Grace Rihs, Erin Renwick, Dr. Michael Ganger, and Dr. Gary Vanderlaan, Gannon University

23. Stream Community Macroinvertebrate Analysis of the Keystone Species Hypothesis by Kate Zeller, Taylin Lehman, Morgan Ruis, and Dr. Lane Loya, Saint Francis University

24. Developmental Responses to Corticosterone in Larval Amphibians by Madison Mellott, Kyle Emerson, and Dr. Sarah Woodley, Duquesne University

25. Investigation of Epicardial Cell Development and Migration in Zebrafish by Veronika Jurczuk and Dr. Todd Camenisch, St. John Fisher College

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26. Optimization Yield and Purity of Recombinant Primate Semenogelin Fragments by Clancy A. McIntyre, William J. Gibbs, Taylor McClure, and Dr. Michael I. Jensen-Seaman, Duquesne University

27. Refining the lipid facing structure of the Human a1 Glycine Receptor (GlyR) in the resting state using phosphatidylcholine and crosslinking mass spectrometry (CXMS) by Regan Harmon and Dr. Michael Cascio, Duquesne University

28. Characterizing Coqui Frogs in Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens by Haley Moore, Kim Bischof, Sara McClelland, Maria Wheeler, Sarah States, Peter Freeman, and Dr. Sarah Woodley, Duquesne University

29. Impact of Nutrition Source on Periodical Cicada Nymph Body Size by Caitlin Andrews, Many McElheny, and Alyson Rotello, Saint Francis University

30. Investigation into pain-contributing genes in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala by Olivia Babyok, Heather Allen, and Dr. Benedict J. Kolber, Duquesne University

31. Examining Putative Mantel Correlations Between Granular COVID-19 Burden and Election Polling Data, Jan-Oct 2020 by Julia Danko, Mughiara Qadeer, Taylor Roberts, Allison Ahl, Dr. Gary Vanderlaan, Dr. Dalvi Prasad, and Matt Gacura, Gannon University

32. Determining the Bacterial Role in AMD Passive Remediation Systems by Chloe O. Faris and Dr. Michelle M. Valkanas, California University of Pennsylvania

33. Analysis of glycine receptor in allosteric open state using mutation K6C and crosslinking mass spectrometry by Lauren N. Cocozza, Kayce A. Tomcho, David J. Lapinski, and Dr. Michael Cascio, Duquesne University

34. Secretory carrier membrane protein 3’s (SCAMP3) role in beta-amyloid production and secretion by Alexandria Zarilla, Daniel Oar, and Dr. Quyen Aoh, Gannon University

35. Lepidopterans as Models for Celiac Disease Related Inflammation by Marykate Taylor and Diane Ramos, Daemen College

36. A Census of the Bat Population of Gannon University, Erie, PA by Sarah Till, Kamerun Snell, and Dr. Steven Ropski, Gannon University

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Oral Presentations Session 1 Schedule 9:15am - 10:30am

1. Lepidopterans as Models for Celiac Disease Related Apoptosis presented by Marykate Taylor, Daemen College

2. Triticain-α: An enzymatic approach to managing celiac disease presented by Joshua Clem, Frostburg State University

3. A functional study of absence epilepsy in Danio rerio using CRISPR/Cas9 induced mutagenesis presented by Emily Rohm and Grace Leopard, St. Vincent College

4. A Census of the Bat Community on the Campus of Gannon University, Erie PA presented by Sarah Till, Gannon University

Oral Presentations Session 2 Schedule 2:00pm - 3:30pm

5. Inhibiting Parthenogenesis in Marmorkrebs, Procambarus virginalis (Lyko, 2017) presented by Alyssa Baker, St. Vincent College

6. The Treatment of Modeled Panic Attack Stressors in Caenorhabditis elegans Using Antidepressants and Neurotransmission Interference presented by Ryan Humbert, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

7. Insect Diversity on Two Green Roofs on the Campus of Gannon University, Erie PA presented by Skyler Sevacko, Gannon University

8. Unraveling the mysteries of dandruff and Malassezia restricta, the dominant fungus of human scalp presented by Talia Roth, Duquesne University

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List of Participants:

Upsilon Theta Chapter Narthana Jeganathar Kanmanii Dr. Quyen Aoh California University of Pa Olivia Babyok Rachel Stubler Chloe Faris Peter Freeman Samantha Valaitis Dr. Michelle M. Valkanas Raahi Modi Sarah Till Theta Upsilon Chapter Raegen Esenwein Skylar Sevacko Daemen College Raziel Santos Dr. Steven J. Ropski Dr. Diane Ramos Regan Harmon Taylor Roberts Marykate Taylor Sara McClelland Upsilon Beta Chapter Xi Psi Chapter Sarah States Saint Francis University Duquesne University Dr. Sarah Woodley Dr. Alyson Rotello Adriana Duncan Talia Roth Caitlin Andrews Amber Delprince Tara Sullivan Courtney Caldwell Anton Evans Taylor McClure Dr. Irene Wolf Ava Santoro William J. Gibbs Kate Zeller Barathi Balasubramonian William Mazza Kelsey Donoughe Dr. Benedict J. Kolber Dr. Wook Kim Dr. Lane Loya Brooke Deal Lambda Nu Chapter Mandy McElheny Christina Grogan Frostburg State University Morgan Ruis Clancy Mclntyre Dr. David P. Puthoff Nathan Thompson Collin Kessler Dr. Holly N. Currie Rachel Garbeglio Dr. David J. Lapinski Joshua Clem Taylin Lehman Dr. David Lampe Dr. Rebekah Taylor Taylor Reed Haley Moore Sienna M. Grau Upsilon Rho Chapter Heather Allen Theta Omega Chapter St. John Fisher College Dr. Jelena Janjic Gannon University Caden Jensen Jessica Packard Alexandria Zarilla Dr. Edward Freeman Dr. Jill Dembowski Allison Ahl Joseph Current Dr. John A. Pollock Angelika Chiang Liga Astra Kalnina Dr. John Stolz Daniel Oar Dr. Maryann AB Herman Dr. Kayce A. Tomcho Ellen Madden Maura Connorton Kim Bischof Erin Renwick Dr. Stephanie Guzelack Kyle Emerson Dr. Gary Vanderlaan Dr. Todd Camenisch Dr. Kyle W. Selcer Grace Rihs Veronika Jurczuk Laura Reynolds Jenna Sins Upsilon Gamma Chapter Lauren Cocozza John Vieira St. Vincent College Lauren Rebel Jordyn Buchanan Br. Albert Gahr Madison Mellott Julia Danko Alyssa Baker Madison Uhrin Kamerun E. Snell Emily P. Rohm Maria Wheeler Kasie Inserra Grace Leonard Marissa Bennett Dr. Matt Gacura Theta Pi Chapter Maya Williams Michael Ganger University of Pittsburgh at Mia DiFrancesco Mughiara Qadeer Greensburg Dr. Michael Cascio Nathan Maietta Dr. Olivia Long Dr. Michael I. Jensen-Seaman Dr. Prasad Dalvi Ryan Humbert Mingyang Yuan Priscilla Thomas

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List of Judges:

Dr. Noveera Ahmed St. John Fisher College Dr. Jill Dembowski Duquesne University Br. Albert Gahr St. Vincent College Dr. Melanie Gustafson-Ropski Gannon University Dr. Michael Jensen-Seaman Duquesne University Dr. Olivia Long University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Dr. Phillip Palmer Duquesne University Dr. Jana Patton-Vogt Duquesne University Dr. Steve Ropski Gannon University Dr. Rebekah Taylor Frostburg State University Dr. Michelle Valkanas California University of PA Dr. Gary Vanderlaan Gannon University

Brandon Dimick Duquesne Graduate Student Kyle Emerson Duquesne Graduate Student Brandon Hoenig Duquesne Graduate Student Victoria Hrach Duquesne Graduate Student Emine Kahveci Duquesne Graduate Student William King Duquesne Graduate Student David Macar Duquesne Graduate Student Jessica Packard Duquesne Graduate Student Brianna Ports Duquesne Graduate Student

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Special Thanks to the following for providing Financial Support of the Convention: - TriBeta National Office - Office of Research at Duquesne University

Additional Special Thanks: - Tara Sullivan, Xi Psi Chapter President - Raahi Modi, Symposium Director - Dr. Sarah Woodley, TriBeta Faculty Advisor

- Dr. Olivia Long, TriBeta Northeast Region 3 District Coordinator, U. Pittsburgh, Greensburg - Mary McConnell, Office of Research, Duquesne University - Lamont Parker, Content Management Systems Department, Duquesne University - Phillip Clarke, Director of Student Services at The Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University - Dr. Jill Dembowski, Keynote Speaker, Duquesne University - Dr. Jana Patton-Vogt, Chair of Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University - Dr. Michael Jensen-Seaman, Duquesne University - Dr. Benedict Kolber, Former Faculty Advisor - All of the Judges - The Xi Psi TriBeta Executive Board - Xi Psi TriBeta Volunteers (Mia DiFrancesco, Hayley Jenkins, Madison Mellott, and Kayla Brennan) - Dean Reeder and the Office of the Dean - Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

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Abstracts

1 - Expression of semenogelin 1 in humans and chimpanzees to 3 - The Role of trans-Golgi Network and Endosomal Adaptors in study molecular evolution of reproductive proteins Nitrogen-Regulated Growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Modi, Raahi M.; Jensen-Seaman, Michael I. Stubler, Rachel; Madden, Ellen; Aoh, Quyen Department of Biological Sciences Department of Biology Duquesne University Gannon University

Reproductive proteins are among the most rapidly changing proteins Nitrogen is necessary for cell growth and is taken in from the in mammals, and therefore allow us to study molecular evolution, as environment by nitrogen permeases. In the yeast Saccharomyces even closely related organisms can vary tremendously in their cerevisiae, ensuring that cells use the correct permease to take a sequence, structure, and function of these proteins. This variability specific nitrogen source likely involves clathrin adaptor proteins that can be the result of the difference in mating patterns between help traffic the permease in the cell. Yeast have many clathrin species, in this case chimpanzees and humans. One such gene, adaptors, and it is unclear which adaptors are important for this semenogelin 1 (SEMG1), codes for a protein that influences the regulation. To discern the role of these adaptors, we constructed coagulation of ejaculated semen in primate species. In order to genetic mutants with various combinations of clathrin adaptors deleted. understand the function of this protein, we cloned amplicons of Growth assays are used to determine the effects of adaptor protein varying lengths from SEMG1 into an E. coli expression vector, deletion on cell growth by comparing growth curves of mutant and wild- transformed these constructs into competent cells which are type cells. We hypothesize that little impact will occur in mutants optimized for human protein expression, to then produce containing single deletions, but growth defects will be seen in mutants recombinant fusion proteins for further study in functional enzymatic containing multiple deletions. This would suggest that clathrin adaptors assays. To express the SEMG1 proteins, two different systems were work together in specific combinations to differentially regulate the compared to maximize yield and purity of expressed target protein. localization of nitrogen permeases.

2 - Identification of orthologous genes in ferns that are 4 - Effect of Curcumin on Steroid Sulfatase Activity in the Rat implicated in the development of moss rhizoids and grass root Liver hairs. DiFrancesco, Mia; Balasubramonian, Barathi; Selcer, Kyle W. Vieira, John; Sins, Jenna; Ganger, Mike; Vanderlaan, Gary Department of Biological Sciences Department of Biology, Morosky College of Health Professions and Duquesne University Sciences Gannon University Turmeric is a spice derived from the plant Curcuma longa that is used throughout Asia in cooking and medicine. Turmeric is taken for The evolution of terrestrial plants is an approximately 500-million- depression, diabetes, inflammation, arthritis, cancers, and other year story. Land plants execute an alternation of generations conditions. More research is needed on turmeric’s proposed medicinal between a haploid gametophyte and a diploid sporophyte stage. properties, especially on the compound curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3- Ceratopteris richardii, is a fern capable of not only producing methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione). Our laboratory studies gametophyte rhizoids but also sporophyte root systems. Little is activity and regulation of steroid sulfatase (STS), an enzyme involved known of the genes utilized in ferns for sporophyte and gametophyte in inflammation of bone and liver. This paper examines curcumin’s processes. Recent advances in genomics and transcriptomics for effects on rat liver STS. Liver has high STS levels and is a model for Ceratopteris richardii permits orthologous gene-function searches. metabolic inflammation. We measured STS activity in rat liver Here we showcase fern genes expressed in gametophyte and homogenates with and without curcumin (0.1, 1.0 and 10µM). The sporophyte stages that share predicted-peptide conservation with 10µM curcumin group (but not 1.0 or 0.1 µM groups) showed slight, but known moss and cress genes which are players in rhizoid and root significant, reduction in STS activity over controls. Another experiment hair development. using 10 and 20µM curcumin showed significant STS activity reductions in both treatment groups. Future experiments will explore whether curcumin can regulate STS protein levels.

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5 - Sex Differences in the Infiltration of Immune Cells in a 7 - Visualizing central nervous system cells in developing Chronic Nerve Injury in Rats Identified by Immunofluorescent amphibians exposed to stressors. Microscopy Uhrin, Madison T.; Woodley, Sarah Reynolds, Laura1,2; Deal, Brooke1,2; Janjic, Jelena2,3, Pollock, John Department of Biological Sciences A.1,2 Duquesne University 1Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University 2Chronic Pain Research Consortium Exposure to stressors during development can result in increased 3Graduate School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University levels of glucocorticoid hormones in both animals and humans, which can have lasting effects on behavior and physiology. Currently, there is a poor understanding of the molecular basis of Previously, using tadpoles as a model system, we found that the development of neuropathic pain in females, as males have tadpoles exposed to the glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone historically been the sole sex utilized in research studies. Recent (CORT) experienced morphological changes in brain shape. To studies show males utilize the innate immune responses to injury, test whether changes in brain shape correspond to differences in while females use the adaptive. To study this, the the number of brain cells, I am adapting the method of isotopic neuroinflammatory model, chronic constriction injury, was performed fractionation to quantify neuronal and nonneuronal brain cells. on the sciatic nerve of rats. Macrophages, mast cells, and CD8+ Isotropic fractionation uses immunocytochemistry to identify cells were examined in both sexes at day 12 post-surgery using neuronal cells using antibodies for neuronal nuclear antigen immunofluorescence. We found that in both sexes inflammation was (NeuN) and DAPI to quantify total cell number. Here, I describe my present at day 12 post-surgery, and that inflammation was reduced research testing whether the antibody for NeuN that works in rats by the macrophage targeted nanomedicine treatment. There was a also works in tadpoles. I found that immunoreactivity for NeuN was significant sex difference in response with males having significantly present in both tadpole brains and rat sciatic nerves (positive less macrophages than females. Finally, the observed trends control). My results indicate that this method can be adapted for suggest that females had a distinct response from males with more use in tadpoles. In the future, I will use isotropic fractionation to macrophages and CD8+ cells and fewer mast cells at the site of count the relative numbers of neurons in the brains of tadpoles to injury. better understand the effects of glucocorticoid hormones on vertebrate neural development. 6 - Triticain-α: An enzymatic approach to managing celiac disease 8 - Insect Diversity on Two Green Roofs on the Campus of Clem, Joshua S.; Grau, Sienna M.; Currie, Holly N.; Puthoff, David Gannon University, Erie PA P. Sevacko, Skyler; Maietta, Nathan; Ropski, Steven Department of Biology; Department of Chemistry Gannon University Frostburg State University This research presents the effectiveness of an urban green roofs Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by and the quantity of different species of insects based upon newer the inability to digest gluten proteins, resulting in chronic and seasoned roofs as well as the possible progression of inflammation of the small intestine and mucosal damage. Genetic hierarchy food chain species. We conducted a series of traps determinants of CD are the presence of human leukocyte antigen using fly ribbon, both aerial as well as ground, to gain a thorough (HLA) DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 encoding genes. The only known consensus of insect populations. These tests were conducted for a treatment for CD is a gluten-free diet. Triticain-α is a wheat cysteine three-day period in the fall, August through October, and in the protease demonstrated in prior research to elicit glutenase activities spring, March through May. From these observations we in the immunodominant 33-mer α-gliadin-derived peptide. RNA was concluded what mammalian as well as avian species followed the isolated from germinating Triticum aestivum, cDNA was insect population obtained. Through our experiment and results we polymerized, and the Triticain-α coding sequence was amplified with hope to find that urban green roofs prove that they have a positive PCR. The amplicon was inserted into an aLICator expression effect on wide variety of species in the animalia kingdom. plasmid. Triticain-α was expressed by IPTG induction of the lac operon promoter in E. coli (BL2-DE3). Further analysis of enzymatic potentiality of Triticain-α will include the purification and incubation of the protein with gluten in gastric conditions. Gluten hydrolysis products will be identified to confirm glutenase activities of Triticain- α.

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9 - Exploring the functional divergence of bacterial Rsm homologs 11 - The evaluation of fitness costs on antiplasmodial strains Santos, Raziel; Evans, Anton; Kessler, Collin, Delprince, Amber; Kim, of Asaia bogorensis in the Anopheles sp. mosquito midgut Wook Bennett, Marissa; Grogan, Christina; Lampe, David Department of Biological Sciences Department of the Biological Sciences Duquesne University Duquesne University

The Rsm family of proteins function as a regulator of diverse bacterial Malaria is caused by parasites in the genus Plasmodium and is phenotypes, including metabolism, intercellular communication, motility, transmitted by Anopheles sp. mosquitoes. Transgenic modification and biofilm formation. Rsm homologs repress the translation of specific of symbiotic bacteria in the mosquito midgut can be used to change mRNA and are present broadly across bacterial species. Certain phenotypes of mosquitos, a process called paratransgenesis. bacterial lineages possess multiple paralogs that are generalized to be Asaia, a Gram-negative bacterium, is a potential bacterial candidate functionally redundant due to high similarities in both primary sequence known to colonize in Anopheles sp. midguts, salivary glands, and and predicted secondary structures. However, our recent studies in ovaries. Asaia was previously successful at reducing Plasmodium Pseudomonas fluorescens strongly suggest that Rsm paralogs possess infection of mosquitoes when engineered to secrete scorpine, an unique functions, where RsmE exclusively regulates the production of antiplasmodial effector protein. Production of these antiplasmodials, extracellular secretions that synergistically function to create space within especially the effector scorpine, can have toxic effects on host densely structured communities. We thus hypothesize that Rsm bacterium, potentially leading to great fitness costs. Industrial homologs possess a broad spectrum of activities that commonly and applications for protein production overcome some of these uniquely manifest across and within individual species. To address this, problems through the use of fusion carrier proteins to help with we performed multiple bioinformatics analyses to explore the folding and solubility of proteins, and possibly insulate the effects of evolutionary history of Rsm homologs to discern structural proteins on the bacterium. We analyzed several different carrier rearrangements and identify common and unique motifs. Our results proteins. The carrier proteins selected were glutathione-S- suggest that the functional overlap between homologs manifests through transferase (GST), 6xHis, thioredoxin (TrxA), maltose binding highly conserved sequences that represent most of the protein, but protein (MBP), and a small myc tag (Myc) were individually fused to unique functions reside within specific motifs of the C-terminus. This the C-terminal end of the scorpine effector. To determine the fitness allows us to now categorize Rsm homologs by potentially unique of Asaia strains carrying these constructs growth curves, in vitro functions and empirically test how the unique motifs confer specificity. competition assays, and in vivo colonization assays were performed. All strains showed a significant difference in maximum 10 - The Use of Natural Compounds to Rescue Zebrafish (Danio growth rates compared to the wild type. Three of the new strains, rerio) from the Obesogenic Effects of Bisphenol S (BPS) 6xHis, TrxA, and Myc, performed as well or better than a previous Current, Joseph; Jensen, Caden; Freeman, Edward strain fused alkaline phosphatase to scorpine, while MBP Department of Biology performed significantly worse in two of the three assessments. St. John Fisher College Further implications will be tested using Plasmodium inhibition assays. Obesity is growing as a worldwide disease in many developed and developing countries, becoming increasingly prevalent in adults and children (“Overweight and Obesity Statistics'' 2017) . Endocrine 12 - Role of SCAMP3 Regulating CXCR4 Trafficking disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect the normal activity of the endocrine Chiang, Angelika; Valaitis, Samantha; Aoh, Quyen system and can impact metabolic systems. Bisphenol S (BPS), is an Department of Biology EDC that causes obesity by dysregulating normal metabolic pathways, Gannon University ultimately leading to increased adiposity (Wang et al. 2018). BPS is found in many plastic products such as water bottles, thermal receipts, The CXC-Chemokine Receptor Type 4 is a G-protein coupled and food can liners, which can leach from the containers and contaminate the food or drinks within (Qiu W. et al. 2016). Many natural receptor. The functions of CXCR4 is to regulate the growth, compounds, such as taurine, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and division, differentiation, and migration of cells. When CXCR4 is caffeine, have been shown to be anti-obesogenic (Hasumura et al. overexpressed, it has been connected to metastasis in cancer 2012). Zebrafish (Danio rerio, strain AB) are a popular model for along with promoting HIV infection. In this research, we will scientific experimentation with human diseases and will be used in our investigate the role of SCAMP3, a Secretory Carrier Membrane study (Zang L. et al. 2018). Larval zebrafish will be exposed to varying Protein, in regulating CXCR4 trafficking and it is known to interact concentrations of BPS with and without the presence of natural with the ESCRT protein Hs and ubiquitin ligase ITCH. First, we will compounds. The obesogenic effects of BPS and anti-obesogenic effects of natural compounds will be analyzed via BMI, Fulton’s Condition Index, do a knockdown of SCAMP3 and then use RNA interference to abdominal lipid deposit area, and lysate glucose, TAG, and cholesterol examine CXCR4 trafficking in the absence and presence of levels in zebrafish. SCAMP3 while using a well-characterized immunofluorescence assay. We predict that SCAMP3 could promote or inhibit degradation of CXCR4. If correct, then our studies will reveal that SCAMP3 is a novel regulator of CXCR expression.

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13 - Refining the Lipid Facing Structure of the Human Alpha 1 Glycine Receptor in the Desensitized State Using Phosphatidylcholine and Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry 15 - The Role of Topoisomerase 1 in Herpes Simplex Virus Duncan, Adriana; Cascio, Michael Infection Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Esenwein, Raegen; Packard, Jessica; Dembowski, Jill Duquesne University Department of Biological Sciences

Duquesne University The glycine receptor (GlyR) is a transmembrane receptor that plays a key role in inhibitory responses via hyperpolarization of post-synaptic Human topoisomerase I (Top1) is an enzyme necessary for normal neurons.This pentameric ligand gated ion channel (pLGIC) has three growth and development. Cellular Top1 ensures that DNA allosteric states: resting, open, and desensitized. Understanding these transcription and replication occur properly by relieving the various states will help to create a more accurate understanding of how topological stress of supercoiled DNA. To do so, Top1 creates nicks GlyRs work. Interactions between the receptor and membrane lipids in a single strand of DNA, allowing for relaxation of the DNA as modulate allosteric changes that affect GlyR function. replication occurs. When cells are infected with herpes simplex Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of the lipid bilayer that can be virus type 1 (HSV-1), most cellular processes, including replication, used to illustrate these protein-lipid interactions. Through the use of a are shut down or altered to replicate the virus. Previous studies phosphatidylcholine crosslinker paired with tandem mass spectrometry have found that Top1 interacts with viral DNA. Based on its role on (MS/MS), the defined intermembrane region can be analyzed to cellular DNA, it is believed that Top1 may help regulate viral determine the interaction between proteins and lipids. State-dependent transcription and/or replication. It is hypothesized that if the activity crosslinking with phosphatidylcholine of lipids to purified, reconstituted of Top1 in HSV-1 infected cells is altered, there would be effects on wild type GlyR were performed in the desensitized (excess glycine) viral transcription and replication. To test this hypothesis, we are allosteric state of the receptor. The results of MS/MS are predicted to utilizing two methods that alter the expression of Top1 in cells. The show cross-linking between phosphatidylcholine and amino acid residues first method is to knockout the Top1 gene by engineering a plasmid on the transmembrane M4 helix due to its position and map outward with CRISPR/Cas9 capabilities to create a mutation in the Top1 facing regions in a state-dependent manner. gene leading to a halt in production of Top1 proteins. The second method is the utilization of commercial inhibitors of Top1. We 14 - Inhibiting Parthenogenesis in Marmorkrebs, Procambarus recently made the novel observation that the inhibitor, camptothecin virginalis (Lyko, 2017) (CPT), reduced virus production in cells. These studies will lead to Baker, Alyssa; Gahr, Albert future conclusions on the effects and role of Top1 in HSV-1 Department of Biology St. Vincent College infection including what specific steps in the virus life cycle are affected. Procambarus virginalis, a species of freshwater crayfish, is a triploid, all- female species that reproduces via obligatory parthenogenesis. 16 - The Synergistic Effect of Metformin and Dexamethasone Reproduction and molting are controlled by GSF, GIH, and MIH, with on HeLa and SiHa Cells: A Comparison of Cervical Cancer Cell Lines from Different Races GSF stimulating ovarian development, GIH blocking vitellogenesis, and Caldwell, Courtney; Donoughe, Kelsey; Reed, Taylor; Thompson, MIH inhibiting growth and stimulating vitellogenesis. The objective of the Nathan; Garbeglio, Rachel; Wolf, Irene current experiment was to inhibit parthenogenesis by knocking-down the Department of Biology expression of IGF-I. Individuals at molt Stages 2 and 3 (S2, S3) were Saint Francis University treated with either lipofectamine and Morpholino or solely lipofectamine (control). Treated groups showed altered expression of GIH and MIH and Both cervical cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impose mature treated groups did not exhibit a reproductive cycle. Low relative significant burdens globally and in the United States. Metformin has expression of GIH indicates immature ovarian development in the S3- been established as an effective treatment for T2DM and for the treated group. One S3-treated individual was noted to have altered treatment of cancer by inducing apoptosis. In addition, the coloration from and grew more rapidly than the natural phenotype. These combination of metformin and dexamethasone was found to be results have potential applications in producing non-reproductive synergistic for anti-tumor activity in pancreatic and breast cancer individuals with fast growth for safe laboratory use, aquaculture, and the cell lines. Although public health efforts have helped to improve the pet trade. incidence of cervical carcinoma, this disease continues to have a significant burden, particularly for racial minority groups. Additionally, research and clinical trials are disproportionately performed on Caucasian women over other races. Due to the continued incidence of cervical carcinoma, there is a need for

research on effective treatment methods and for an examination of how treatments may variably affect different racial groups. The purpose of this study is to determine if metformin and dexamethasone will increase apoptotic activity in a synergistic manner in the cervical cancer cells line HeLa and SiHa, obtained from an African American woman and an Asian woman, respectively.

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17 - Production of Recombinant Seminal Proteins for the Improved Antibody-based Detection of Body Fluids Washington, Thomas H.*1; Jensen-Seaman, Michael I.2 1Forensic Science & Law Program 19 - Unraveling the mysteries of dandruff and Malassezia 2Department of Biological Sciences restricta, the dominant fungus of human scalp Duquesne University Roth, Talia; Santoro, Ava; Yuan, Mingyang; Mazza, William; Kim, Wook The purpose of the study is to produce recombinant human seminal Department of Biological Sciences proteins, specifically semenogelins, so that antibodies can be generated Duquesne University against these proteins, and an improved forensic semen identification Malassezia restricta (Mr) is a fungus found naturally on the human test can be developed. The study seeks to discover how semenogelin skin, which numerically dominates over other fungal species proteins can be produced in E. coli. To do so, genes encoding seminal particularly in the scalp. Similarly, two bacterial species, proteins of interest are cloned into expression vectors; E. coli cells are Cutibacterium acnes (Ca) and Staphylococcus epidermis (Se), transformed by these constructs. Growth conditions of the transformed dominate over all other bacteria in the scalp. Such remarkable bacteria—including growth time, growth temperature, the quantity of dominance predicts that these three microbes are highly adapted to substance added to induce gene expression, and the co-expression of the human scalp and their symbiosis effectively displaces other the expression plasmid and a chaperone plasmid—are altered. Protein competing microbes. Interestingly, scalps that suffer from dandruff assays are carried-out to determine if semenogelin was produced, and in consistently exhibit a conserved shift in the relative frequencies of what quantity. To date, this study has produced some semenogelin the three dominant microbes without the appearance of a “new” protein. Forensic semen identification tests have shown flaws, including pathogen. Moreover, Mr still overpowers the dandruff scalp, which false positives and false negatives. The specificity of antibodies, and the contrasts with the general notion that dandruff is simply a use of a semen-specific protein target, can help greatly reduce the manifestation of fungal infection, and instead predicts the disruption potential for false positives. Although a similar test already exists, RSIDä- of Mr-Ca-Se symbiosis as the root cause. Surprisingly, little to Semen, there is still room for improvement. If a test can be developed nothing is known about Mr in general and interactions among the that specifically targets a section of a human seminal protein that has three microbes. Here, we combine a deep interrogation of the little variation between individuals, it will provide less room for false literature with interpretation of our recent experimental data to negatives—increasing the potential to solve more sexual assault cases. develop a new model for the symbiotic interactions and assess new therapeutic strategies to treat and prevent dandruff. 18 - Elucidating the function of Cellular PCNA Protein in HSV-1 Infections Williams, Maya; Packard, Jessica; Dembowski, Jill 20 - A Functional Study of Absence Epilepsy in Danio rerio Using CRISPR/Cas9 Induced Mutagenesis Department of Biological Sciences Leonard, Grace; Rohm, Emily P.; Gahr, Albert Duquesne University Department of Biology Saint Vincent College PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, is a cellular protein that stabilizes DNA polymerases during cellular DNA replication and was The neurological disease epilepsy can be caused by genetic found to associate with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) DNA. To mutations in the ion channels and synapses of the brain. The determine the role of PCNA in viral infection, CRISPR/Cas9 will be used purpose of this study is to determine if induced mutations in to knockout PCNA. A plasmid with a guide RNA that specifically targets SLC6A1 (a gene that codes for a transporter of the neurotransmitter the PCNA gene including information on how to make the Cas9 protein GABA in the synapse) and CACNA1H (a gene that codes for T-type was created. The guide RNA finds the segment of the genes that codes voltage gated calcium channels concentrated in the thalamocortical for PCNA and the Cas9 protein cuts the DNA at this location. Cutting the network) respectively contribute to epileptogenesis in zebrafish PCNA gene disrupts PCNA protein expression. Sanger sequencing and embryos. The gene-editing technique CRISPR/Cas9 was used to gel electrophoresis were used to confirm successful cloning of 3 different induce the mutations through lipofection. Both phenotype and plasmids, which code for guide RNAs that target different locations on genotype analyses were performed on the surviving embryos the PCNA gene. Furthermore, instead of a complete knockout with through behavior observations such as light and touch stimulation, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, inhibitors can also block protein function. Two and standard PCR. Genotype analysis has determined that no inhibitors of interest, PCNA-I1 and T2AA, block PCNA DNA binding and mutations had been made in the survivors of the treatment groups. protein-protein interactions, respectively. Either inhibitor was However, behavioral observations suggest seizure-like activity in incorporated into cells before viral infection to inhibit PCNA functions. We the embryos post-fertilization. found that PCNA-I1 had a greater effect in decreasing viral yield than T2AA through plaque assays. In future steps, we will incorporate the successful plasmids into cells to carry out the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of PCNA along with infection of HSV-1. Using two complementary approaches (knockout and inhibitors), we will then determine which step in the virus life cycle depends on PCNA function to pinpoint the specific role of this cellular protein in HSV-1 infection.

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21 - Characterization of RarA, a membrane porin from Sulfurospirillum barnesii SES-3 Rebel, Lauren; Jeganathar Kanmanii, Narthana; Stolz, John Department of Biological Sciences Duquesne University 23 - Stream Community Macroinvertebrate Analysis of the Keystone Species Hypothesis Arsenic contamination of soil and groundwater is a threat to public health Zeller, Kate; Lehman, Taylin; Ruis, Morgan; Loya, Lane around the world. While arsenic is frequently toxic, arsenate can function Department of Biology as a respiratory oxidant for certain anaerobic microorganisms. Among Saint Francis University these is our bacterium of interest, Sulfurospirillum barnesii SES-3. This project focuses on SES-3’s unique protein, RarA, which has the ability to Odonata, the order containing dragonflies and damselflies, houses reduce a variety of oxyanion substrates. Through this transformation of some of the fiercest predators within the Class Insecta. The two inorganic compounds, RarA has the potential to be valuable in the species of dragonflies that are the focus of this study, bioremediation of contaminated water. Computational protein modeling Cordulegaster erronea (Tiger spiketail) and Lanthus parvulus allows us to hypothesize that RarA is a monomeric, 18-strand antiparallel (Northern Pygmy Clubtail), are often top predators as nymphs in β-barrel porin. RarA has also been found to be homologous with a variety small, headwater streams where fish are rare. We hypothesized of Occ porins. The purpose of this project is to further our understanding that Cordulegaster and Lanthus are keystone predators that of RarA’s unique function and structure. Anion exchange significantly increase the diversity of other species in the same chromatography will be utilized to purify the native protein, and activity assays will be conducted to confirm active fractions. community. To test this question, the Saint Francis University nature trail stream (Clearfield Creek UNT 26580) was utilized as the ecosystem of interest. We compared the community diversity of 22 - Observations on the effect of soil bacteria on sexual and macroinvertebrates in this stream in samples with and without the rhizoid development in gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris dragonflies present. The challenging aspect of this research was richardii that both of these dragonfly species were relatively uncommon. Rihs, Grace; Renwick, Erin; Ganger, Michael; Vanderlaan, Gary Macroinvertebrates were sampled by disturbing the sediment and Department of Biology catching any free-floating specimens moving downstream with a Gannon University kick net. Sites were then categorized into two treatment groups: those containing dragonflies, and those without dragonflies. All Development of the fern Ceratopteris richardii (C-fern) is influenced by macroinvertebrates in the samples were identified to the family the hormone antheridiogen. Gametophytes exposed to antheridiogen level, and the number of taxa and the Shannon Diversity Index develop as males while the absence of antheridiogen leads to were determined. Two sample t-tests did not reveal any significant hermaphrodite development. Here we ask whether bacteria can affect C- differences in either taxa richness or Shannon Diversity between fern development. Gametophytes exposed to various bacteria species groups, so we cannot conclude at this time that these dragonflies resulted in longer rhizoids when exposed to gram-negative bacteria. significantly alter macroinvertebrate stream community structure. Additional studies with gram-negative bacteria (P. nitroreducens and P. agglomerans), and gram-positive Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus showed an 24 - Developmental Responses to Corticosterone in Larval inverse relationship where P. nitroreducens induced more Amphibians hermaphrodites while P. agglomerans resulted in longer rhizoids. L. Mellott, Madison; Emerson, Kyle; Woodley, Sarah xylanilyticus failed to alter C-fern development. This suggests different Department of Biological Sciences mechanisms for rhizoid and hermaphrodite development. We further Duquesne University found that lower concentrations of bacteria species decreases overall rhizoid length and that bacteria do not need physical contact to induce an Amphibians are naturally exposed to corticosterone, pesticides, and effect on rhizoid length in gametophytes. other environmental stressors in wildlife. With the exposure to these chemicals, a change in physiology could play a significant role in fitness and function. Little is known about how these environmental stressors affect the physiology of amphibians. However it is predicted that under high amounts of stress from cortisol, tadpoles

will have a smaller digestive system compared to tadpoles under

little to no stress. The tadpoles that were treated with cortisol had

smaller guts, but the treatment had little to no effect on the liver. This could indicate malnutrition in relation to the GI tract when exposed to cortisol. On the other hand, when exposed to the pesticide CPF in comparison with the control, the tadpole had little reaction to the pesticide. With this data, future researchers can analyze whether there is an effect on the gut and liver from cortisol and CPF through the analysis of histology.

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25 - Investigation of Epicardial Cell Development and Migration in Zebrafish Jurczuk, Veronika; Camenisch, Todd St. John Fisher College 27 - Refining the lipid facing structure of the Human a1 Glycine Receptor (GlyR) in the resting state using phosphatidylcholine The heart is an essential organ for the animal body, pumping blood and crosslinking mass spectrometry (CXMS) through the circulatory system to supply the body with the necessary Harmon, Regan; Cascio, Michael oxygen and nutrients. Tissue regeneration commonly used in lower Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry organisms is defined as the ability to regrow or replenish lost or damaged Duquesne University cells. Human heart muscle cells have little to no regenerative properties and therefore myocyte cell loss ensues permanent organ damage. The glycine receptor (GlyR) is a transmembrane receptor that plays However, in other animals, such as the zebrafish, this is not the case. In a key role in inhibitory responses via hyperpolarization of post- the zebrafish, epicardial cells can undergo a process called epithelial to synaptic neurons. This pentameric ligand gated ion channel mesenchymal transition (EMT) following injury. This process produces (pLGIC) has three allosteric states: resting, open, and desensitized. epicardial derived cells (EPDC) which can migrate into the myocardium Understanding these various states will help to create a more and then differentiate into several cell types related to regeneration of the accurate understanding of how GlyRs work. Interactions between heart tissue. The communication between the layers of the zebrafish heart appears to be critical during repair and regeneration. Reciprocal the receptor and membrane lipids modulate allosteric changes that communication between cardiac myocytes and epicardial cells is affect GlyR function. Through the use of a photoactivatable required for regeneration in the heart. It is unknown if this biology phosphatidylcholine crosslinker paired with tandem mass translates into mammalian hearts. This project is developing a hybrid spectrometry (MS/MS), the defined intermembrane region can be coculture system to determine whether mouse epicardial cells support analyzed to determine specific interactions between proteins and zebrafish heart regeneration. As a first aim, we are determining the lipids. State-dependent crosslinking with phosphatidylcholine of mechanism of how epicardial cells migrate and attach to the outer lipids to purified, reconstituted wild type GlyR were performed in the myocardial surface. By learning more about this communication we hope resting allosteric state of the receptor. The results of MS/MS are to better understand why cardiac regeneration following injury, such as a predicted to show cross-linking between phosphatidylcholine and myocardial infarction, is limited in humans. amino acid residues on the transmembrane M4 helix due to its position and map outward facing regions in a state-dependent 26 - Optimization Yield and Purity of Recombinant Primate manner. Semenogelin Fragments McIntyre, Clancy A; Gibbs, William J; McClure, Taylor; Jensen-Seaman, Michael I. 28 - Characterizing Coqui Frogs in Phipps Conservatory and Department of Biological Sciences Botanical Gardens. Duquesne University Moore, Haley; Bischof, Kim; McClelland, Sara; Wheeler, Maria; States, Sarah; Freeman, Peter; and Woodley, Sarah 1 Proteins found in semen are among the most rapidly evolving in Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA primates, due to intense forces of natural and sexual selection. Humans, 2Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, PA chimpanzees, and gorillas utilize very different mating systems, and therefore experience varying levels of sexual selection. In order to Billions of pounds of chemicals are used annually to control pests, understand the molecular basis of adaptation under these forces, we despite concerns for human, wildlife, and ecosystem health. expressed recombinant fragments of the human and chimpanzee However, public gardens have long been champions of non- semenogelin proteins, which are the most abundant protein in primate chemical pest control methods. In 2008, 18 male and female Coqui seminal plasma. We expressed these proteins in an E. coli system under Frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui) were introduced to Phipps a variety of conditions in order to optimize yield and purity. These Conservatory and Botanical Gardens as a means of pest control. methods included using different protein fragments, different levels of Coqui Frogs are small terrestrial frogs from the neotropics that protein induction, and different affinity chromatography approaches. breed year-round in suitable conditions. To determine the viability of Once these protein fragments are produced and purified, they will be this captive population, we analyzed population size and used in enzymatic assays to quantify biochemical differences among reproductive activity using exhaustive captures and male calling, an human and chimpanzees, in an effort to understand how natural and indicator of mating. Environmental parameters and frog morphology sexual selection has shaped the evolution of reproductive proteins in were also recorded. Since their initial introduction into a single response to different mating patterns. room, the Coqui Frogs have expanded to 3 additional rooms. Using data from exhaustive captures, and assuming a 1:1 male to female ratio, there are at least 50 adult Coqui Frogs currently in Phipps, indicating population growth. We observed calling year-round with a positive relationship between calling and outside temperature and humidity. This study provides new insights into the breeding

patterns and expansion of an unmanaged, captive population of

frogs, opening opportunities of mark recapture studies using VIE

tagging.

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29 - Impact of Nutrition Source on Periodical Cicada Nymph Body Size Andrews, Caitlin; McElheny, Mandy; Rotello, Alyson 31 - Examining Putative Mantel Correlations Between Granular Biology Department COVID-19 Burden and Election Polling Data, Jan-Oct 2020 Saint Francis University Danko, Julia; Qadeer, Mughiara; Roberts, Taylor; Ahl, Allison; Periodical cicada (Magicicada sp.) nymphs feed on root xylem fluids in Vanderlaan, Gary; Dalvi, Prasad; Gacura, Matt the soil before they emerge either 13 or 17 years later. These periodical Department of Biology cicadas, a part of Brood X, were the subject of this investigation. The Gannon University relationship between body size and source of nutrition was studied by comparing cicadas sampled beneath live or dead trees. Last instar It is well established that war, famine, and disease are tumultuous nymphs were collected with shovels by hand from the soil around living forces that have driven great changes in a nation’s history. We seek or dead mature Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) in Fall 2020 at Chimney to measure the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic as reflected in the Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg, PA. We hypothesized that the area around public perception of elected U.S. officials at all levels of live trees would supply a greater amount of nourishment than the area government. Using the R-programming language we will perform around dead trees. We also hypothesized that cicada body size would Mantel Tests to examine if any correlations exist between elevated decrease with increasing distance from the food source. The nymphs in COVID-19 burden as measured via morbidity & mortality datasets the soil closest to live trees were predicted to be larger because the to that of meta-polling data regarding all gubernatorial, house, nymphs feeding at a distance or around dead trees would have to feed senate, and presidential races. Our data comprises a total of 266 on smaller, auxiliary plant xylem. Our results indicated that there was no consecutive days of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in the year significant correlation between overall body size and either type of xylem 2020 extracted from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). source or distance from the tree. However, femur length of females Likewise, the polling dataset contains a total of 435 governor-level, under live trees was significantly larger than females under dead trees. 784 House-level, 1,873 Senator-level, and 11,282 presidential-level Also, wing pad length of males under dead trees was significantly larger polling results for the ten-month timeframe across the country. than males under live trees. No other significant measures of body size were detected. 32 - Determining the Bacterial Role in AMD Passive Remediation Systems 30 - Investigation into pain-contributing genes in the Central Faris, Chloe O.; Valkanas, Michelle M. Nucleus of the Amygdala Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences Babyok, Olivia; Allen, Heather; Kolber, Benedict J. California University of Pennsylvania Biology Department Duquesne University Heavy metal watershed contamination is a large result of abandoned mines. The only solution to this issue is to rectify the Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes (UCPPS) are a broad category contamination with passive systems that use biotic (bacteria) and of diseases that affect millions of people world-wide every year. abiotic (geochemical) processes for remediation. To determine the However, these patients are rarely correctly diagnosed or treated for their impact bacteria have in acid mine drainage, bacterial samples were symptoms because there are no fully effective diagnostic tests and our collected from the Middle Branch remediation site located in the mechanistic understanding of the UCPPS is incomplete. Thus, it is Pennsylvania State Forest (Elk County). Samples were collected imperative that these mechanisms are thoroughly investigated in order to and enriched with minimal media and supplemented with aluminum develop viable therapeutics for these patients. This study focused on a or iron. Unique isolates were selected, purified, and characterized. brain area, the amygdala, known to be involved in UCPPS. The Four unique isolates were sent for full genome sequencing. Once amygdala is a hub for pain and emotional processing in the limbic sequenced, the genomes were screened for specific genes system. We investigated one neuropeptide, pro-enkephalin, and one (czcABCD, cusRCFBA, etc.) These genes could explain the neuropeptide receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor in a subnucleus microorganisms’ ability to survive in extreme environments like of the amygdala (the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA)). Our goal Middle Branch. Understanding the genetic microbiota in sites like was to reveal information about how these neuropeptides actually drive Middle Branch may contribute to the solution of bioremediation and modulate pain. Using the novel RNAScopeTM in situ hybridization issues in acid mine drainage and to the ongoing issue with water technique, mRNA for these neuropeptides were probed, imaged, and conservation. quantified using Image J software in order to get a better understanding of the density and population of expression under naïve conditions and after induction of a bladder pain model. We discovered that pro- enkephalin and calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CALCRL) more commonly referred to as CGRP-R, are more densely populated in the left CeA in the control group. These results suggest that pro-enkephalin and CGRP-R are both involved in regulatory functions, according to previously acquired data by the Kolber lab. Further, it appears that pro- enkephalin is more densely populated in the bladder pain model group in

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the right amygdala, which could indicate that it also has a role modulating pain after bladder sensitization.

33 - Analysis of glycine receptor in allosteric open state using mutation K6C and crosslinking mass spectrometry 35 - Lepidopterans as Models for Celiac Disease Related Cocozza, Lauren N.; Tomcho, Kayce A.; Lapinski, David J.; Cascio, Inflammation Michael Department of Biological Sciences Taylor, Marykate; Ramos, Diane Duquesne University Daemen College The Glycine Receptor (GlyR) is a transmembrane ion channel found within the brain stem and spinal cord, allowing the influx of chloride ions Celiac disease is an ailment that plagues 1% of the world’s during depolarization with the attachment of the inhibitory population. Even with the high prevalence of celiac, there are few neurotransmitter glycine. Mutations of the protein can cause model organisms. This study aims to investigate whether hyperekplexia, a rare disorder causing an overexaggerated startle Lepidopterans can be used as model organisms for celiac disease. response when an organism is introduced to an unexpected stimulus, This will be done by feeding the larvae of Vanessa cardui an and chronic pain. While crystal structures have been produced by artificial mixture of nutrients and an apoptosis activation, Debio previous studies, there is no current information on the dynamic 1143. Evidence of apoptosis upregulation will be examined using movement of the protein between its three allosteric states: resting, open immunohistochemistry and a TUNEL assay. Treated animals will be and desensitized. This work focuses on an extracellular mutant, K6C; by sectioned using a microtome before light microscopy examination. mutating the protein to have a cysteine instead of a lysine in the 6th If treatment is validated, subsequent experiments will search for position. The mutant protein is purified, reconstituted into lipid vesicles morphological changes similar to those seen in a celiac gut (loss of and crosslinked using a heterobifunctional linker, MTS-benzophenone. A intestinal villi). This research will create pathways for future studies non-reducing SDS-PAGE gel is used to separate intramolecular to find treatments or use the organism to model other intestinal crosslinks (within a single subunit of GlyR) from inter- and intramolecular diseases. crosslinks (involving more than one subunit) and digested with trypsin to 36 - A Census of the Bat Population of Gannon University, produce peptides for MS analysis. This information can be used to Erie, PA analyze the dynamics of GlyR with respect to the mutated position. This Till, Sarah E.; Snell, Kamerun E.; Ropski, Steven J. study focuses on the open state of the receptor. Two trials of the open Biology Department state have been completed in the presence of ivermectin, which keeps Gannon University the protein from desensitizing and thus allows analysis of this short-lived state. Compiled results show thirty-three intramolecular shifted peptides For the past ten summers, a census of the bat population has and three intermolecular shifted peptides throughout the receptor. This occurred on the Gannon University campus in Erie, PA. The information is important for creating more targeted therapeutics for numbers for the first three years held relatively steady, but the data hyperekplexia and chronic pain. for the past seven years indicates a dramatic decline. White Nose Syndrome was first reported in 2006 in a cave in New York. The 34 - Secretory carrier membrane protein 3’s (SCAMP3) role in beta- disease has killed an estimated 7 million bats in the eastern United amyloid production and secretion States since then and has spread throughout Pennsylvania and into Zarilla, Alexandria; Oar, Daniel; Aoh, Quyen northeastern Ohio. This fungal infection has killed 95% of bats in Department of Cellular Biology some caves and may result in the listing of three bat species as Gannon University endangered in Pennsylvania, including the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), the predominant bat on the Gannon campus. This study Alzheimer’s disease is partly caused by the aggregation of extracellular will compare yearly data by building, time of year, building side and plaques containing β-amyloid, which is related to the processing of the species composition to determine how White Nose Syndrome has amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP trafficking is regulated by affected the Gannon campus bats. A decrease in numbers may be endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT). When partially responsible for an increase in West Nile Virus in the area. endocytosed to the early endosome, APP will either be sent to the The results will also be used to place bat houses at appropriate lysosome for degradation or sent to the trans-Golgi network for cleavage locations to encourage bat presence on campus. into β-amyloid. The secretory carrier membrane protein 3 (SCAMP3) may have a role in APP trafficking through interactions with ESCRTs. We will test this using RNA interference of SCAMP3 in two assays: (1) an immunofluorescence colocalization assay and (2) an ELISA assay. We predict that if SCAMP3 promotes APP trafficking to the lysosome, then a knockdown will result in decreased colocalization of APP with lysosomal markers and increased intracellular accumulation of β-amyloid. If SCAMP3 inhibits APP trafficking to the lysosome, there will be increased colocalization and decreased β-amyloid production.

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