The Biology Department offers a variety of Research-Intensive courses each semester. In these courses, student learn about the field of research in which they are engaged and work independently or in small teams to design and conduct a research project.
The following courses were offered in Fall 2024 and have students presenting their work in this symposium.
BIOL 430 Molecular Biology of the Gene, Dr. Swati Agrawal
The Molecular Biology of the Gene course adopted the SEA-GENES CURE workflow for the first time this year. SEA-GENES, sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, is part of a network of over 50 schools nationwide designed to provide immersive research experiences to undergraduate students in a classroom setting. Through this course, students are introduced to foundational skills in molecular cloning, genetics, and microbiology, while gaining valuable experience in the scientific process, critical thinking, and professional development. Students have the unique opportunity to contribute to research by constructing phage gene libraries and screening these libraries in bacteria to investigate phage gene functions which are ultimately helpful in designing phage therapy to fight antimicrobial resistance.
The following are abstracts for the projects presented in this symposium:
- Poster 3: Determining Unknown Gene Functions of Mycobacteria Phage Mercurio
Michael Combs, Madi Beale, Max De La Cruz Morrobel, Dani Mitchell, Noah Oltman
Understanding the function of novel bacteriophages can determine optimal phages for antibacterial applications. Genetic screens can help to determine how individual phage genes interact with their host bacteria. Cytotoxicity assay can help determine if overexpression of a phage gene of interest can inhibit growth of the host bacteria. Defense assays help determine if overexpression of a phage gene confers resistance to superinfection by similar or distinct phages in the host bacteria. In this study we analyzed Mycobacteriophage Mercurio gene product function. We cloned the genes of interest into pExTra plasmids, followed by transformation in E. coli and verification of cloned sequences. Verified plasmids were electroporated into M. smegmatis. We ran a cytotoxicity assay on transformed bacteria by treating them with anhydrous tetracycline to activate gene expression and measured cytotoxicity levels of Mercurio genes. We performed defense assays by treating transformed colonies with bacteriophages D29 and BPs to test for heterotypic phage defense. Genes 23, 45, and 53 had cytotoxicity scores of 0 and gene 2 had a score of 1. Genes 12 and 19 did not produce conclusive results. Genes 2, 23, 45, and 53 did not confer defense to superinfection immunity. Gene 12 did not produce a conclusive result. Future studies can replicate these assays to generate additional data. Genes with inconclusive results should be reassessed to clarify their functions. Defense assays can also be expanded to include other phages, both within and beyond Clusters G and A examined in this study. - Poster 19: Phenotypic Characterization of Proteins in Mycobacteriophage Mercurio
Maura Munson, Kiersten Ziegler, Megan Kim, Paris Jones, Tyler Downs, Eleni Kepler
Multidrug-resistant infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death by a single infectious agent worldwide. A proposed treatment for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections is the use of bacteria-infecting viruses called bacteriophages to lyse bacteria in a called “phage therapy.” Before phages are utilized in phage therapy, their lytic potential must be understood through genome annotations. Although bioinformatical databases may list some genes conserved across phages with a known function, approximately 70% of phage genes have no known function (NKF). Characterizing NKF genes may aid in understanding the mechanisms behind how phage genes contribute to bacterial lysis. The goal of this project is to characterize proteins of the novel Mycobacteriophage Mercurio through different phenotypic assays, including cytotoxicity assay and defense assay. To do this, we used the protocol provided by the SEA-GENES effort by HHMI. A subset of Mercurio genes has been amplified from lysate and cloned into pExTra plasmid. After transformation into E. coli for amplification, plasmids have been transformed into host M. smegmatis for phenotypic assays. Gene expression was induced in varying concentrations to observe the cytotoxic effects of protein production on host bacteria. Defense assays conducted validate the mechanism by which prophage bacteria expressing recombinant proteins resist infection from other phages, demonstrating synergistic effects vital for interactions in phage cocktails. These assays provided preliminary information on NKF genes and aided identifying proteins such as, immunity repressor, which repress expression of phage genes required for the lytic cycle.
BIOL 432 Virology, Dr. Lynn Lewis
In this Research Intensive course, students are introduced to the major groups of viruses and their replication cycles, lab techniques for studying viruses and some of the new, emerging viruses. Students practice lab techniques for handling, growing and studying viruses during the first half of the semester, while designing an experimental research project based on their reading of primary literature. Students then carry about their research projects, in groups of 2 or 3, during the second half of the semester and present their collected data analysis.
The following are abstracts for the projects presented in this symposium:
- Poster 4: Exploring Phage Cocktail Therapies form the Treatment of Bacillus Pathogens
Michael Combs, Sofia Jalagonia, Jacob Christenbury
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, with Bacillus cereus posing significant challenges due to its resistance to antibiotics and its ability to survive conventional food safety measures like pasteurization. Bacteriophage therapy, which uses viruses to target and kill bacteria, offers a promising alternative. This research focuses on developing a bacteriophage cocktail tailored to inhibit the growth of Bacillus cereus. Several phages isolated from UMW’s Phage Hunters collection were revived and used for this project, these being Atlee, Freight Train, Grumio, Illona, and JackRabbit. The effectiveness of phage combinations will be assessed through OD600 readings, with bacterial inhibition normalized using a percent inhibition formula. Preliminary findings and prior studies suggest that phage cocktails, particularly in synergy with sub-lethal doses of antibiotics, can significantly reduce bacterial growth. This study aims to identify an optimal phage cocktail that can address Bacillus cereus infections effectively and serve as a foundation for future AMR-focused therapeutic strategies. - Poster 11: The Antiviral Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on NDV
Annalise Zurasky, Grace Williams
Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a highly pathogenic disease that infects poultry and leads to devastating economic outcomes. Domestic chickens are highly susceptible to NDV, and because there are no vaccines that prevent viral infection or shedding, widespread infections are common. Silver nanoparticles (AgNps) are clusters of colloidal silver that have been shown to have low cytotoxicity, as well as have antimicrobial and antifungal effects. They are inexpensive, and are easily stored and transported. Additionally, AgNps have been tested on viruses which are structurally similar to NDV, and have been found effective in preventing viral replication. We conducted this study to measure the antiviral effects of AgNps on NDV, both as a preventative measure and a treatment after infection. First, we determined which concentrations of our nanoparticles would not be cytotoxic. Then, we needed to determine which concentration of our virus would be sufficiently cytotoxic. These are both being determined using MTT assays. The results for those tests are pending. Our next steps are to run a pre-treatment and post-treatment MTT assay. The pre-treatment cells will be incubated with NDV and then treated with AgNps after 24 hours. Post-treatment cells will be incubated with AgNps 24 prior to being incubated with NDV. We will also run a plaque assay with both the pre-treatment and post-treatment cells. These results are significant in finding a treatment for NDV and examining the effectiveness of AgNps as an antiviral. - Poster 18: Investigating the Antiviral Effects of Over the Counter Vitamin D on Newcastle Disease Virus in BHK-21 Cells
Erin Reynolds, Eliza Franklin, Megan Kim
This study aimed to investigate the potential antiviral effects of vitamin D on Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in BHK-21 cells. Despite the availability of vaccines, NDV remains a significant threat to global poultry populations, causing severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, and can even lead to death. Vitamin D has emerged as a promising alternative treatment due to its ability to reduce inflammation, activate innate immunity pathways, and enhance immune responses, potentially inhibiting viral replication across various viral systems. In order to determine the antiviral effects of Vitamin D on NDV, a plaque reduction assay was conducted using various concentrations of Vitamin D (43.75 mcg/mL, 0.04375 mcg/mL, and 0.000004375 mcg/mL). While the plaque assay is still in progress, findings will shed light on the potential of vitamin D as an antiviral agent against NDV. - Poster 28: The Effect of Isoniazid and Phage D29 on Mycobacterium smegmatis: A Study into Tuberculosis Antibiotic Resistance
Elizabeth Breckenridge, Ashleigh Foosness
Mycobacterium smegmatis is an opportunistic human pathogen typically used to study M. tuberculosis infection and pathogenicity. M. tuberculosis is considered one of the top 20 deadliest diseases of human history, with a new emerging issue at hand. Several strains of M. tuberculosis have developed antibiotic resistance mechanisms to several commonly prescribed antibiotics. This study looks at Isoniazid, a first-line antibiotic used in active tuberculosis infection, which inhibits mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium. Actinobacteriophages, like D29, are lytic viruses, meaning they infect the bacterial host cell, resulting in cell death or lysis. D29 has shown promising benefits in phage therapy or using phages to infect and cause cell death in bacterial cells in a host organism. Our study successfully demonstrated the pathogenicity of our sample of D29 to infect M. smegmatis through the successful revival of D29. The revived phage sample was diluted and spot-tested, growing to a 10-4 dilution. A filtered lysate of was created of D29 to be used in future projects. We also established a concentration dilution of Isoniazid and D29 lysate and a colorimetric gradient using Alamar Blue as a cell viability indicator. We hope this study can continue in the creation of a cocktail treatment of Isoniazid and D29 to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, including using other Actinobacteriophages or antibiotics in a tiered treatment plan. - Poster 46: Effects of Environmental Factors on NDV in BHK-21 Cells
Jasmine Ward
Newcastle disease virus, also known as NDV, is a virus that infects both domestic and industrial chicken populations. It currently has no effective treatment, and is having a devastating effect on global economies and food production. Previous studies on multiple strains of influenza have shown UV radiation can reduce the infectivity of a virus by damaging the virus’ nucleic acid. The objective of this research is to determine if UV radiation has a negative effect on the infectivity of NDV in BHK-21 cells. An MTT assay was conducted to determine the viral dilution necessary for treatment; undiluted NDV was the most effective. Undiluted NDV was then plated on a 96-well plate, and each column was subjected to UV radiation at different time intervals: 0 s, 10s, 30s, 60s, 90s and 120s. Wells were then seeded with confluent BHK-21 cells, and observed for 3 days for cytopathic effects via standard TCID50 protocol. Results will be analyzed using a two sample t-test. Expected results are that longer exposure to UV radiation will reduce NDV’s infectivity of BHK-21 cells. - Poster 53: Comparing the Virulence of Three Subcluster C1 B. thuringiensis Phages
Erin Hassall, Samantha Harms, Andrew Eigenfeld
Our research project objective was to compare the effectiveness of three Bacillus thuringiensis phages, Ilona, Grumio, and FreightTrain, in reducing the growth of its host bacteria. To do this, phages were harvested and purified through microcentrifugation and enumerated through plaque assays to find a consistent dilution at which all produced plaques. This dilution was 10^-5 and was used in growth curve testing. An initial growth curve of untreated BtK at a 10^-1 dilution was done and used as a control. FreightTrain and Ilona had growth curves similar to the control, but Grumio’s curve exhibited an irregular trend. A one-way ANOVA was performed, and an F-value of 0.5 and a p-value of 0.685 were obtained. Individual t-tests were performed comparing BtK and each phage. The p-values were the following: 0.49 for FreightTrain, 0.26 for Grumio, and 0.182 For Ilona. All of the p-values for the t-tests and ANOVA were above 0.05, so the chosen phages did not significantly reduce the growth of BtK. Due to time constraints and issues with growing cultures, we were unable to complete repeat testing; therefore, the data is not very reliable.
BIOL 462 Research Practices in Plant Ecology, Dr. Alan Griffith
An important area of study in Plant Ecology is Biological Diversity, as many systems are losing diversity everyday. As a starting point, we focus on the biological diversity of the plants on the UMW campus. Students also designed studies to answer broader questions about biological diversity on campus and beyond. Students in my Research Practices class will present the results of species diversity of trees, shrubs, and herbs in one woodlot on campus. They will also present detailed designs for potential future plant diversity studies.
The following are abstracts for the projects presented in this symposium:
- Poster 1: Tree canopy diversity and its effects on the diversity of ground level herbaceous plants
Laura Morris
Tree canopy cover shapes understory biodiversity through interactions involving sunlight availability, soil moisture, and nutrient distribution. While prior research highlights the influence of canopy cover on forest floor conditions, the specific impact of tree canopy diversity on herbaceous plant diversity remains underexplored. Researchers suspect that greater canopy diversity creates conditions that are optimal for a larger number of herbaceous species to grow and thrive. This study investigates that relationship within forest ecosystems, with a focus on woodlots on the University of Mary Washington campus. The study will be split into two phases, phase 1 and 2. In phase 1, an inventory of tree, shrub, and herbaceous species across campus woodlots provided baseline data on species richness and composition. Plots were randomly selected, and species diversity was assessed to establish a comprehensive understanding of the plants’ structure and ecological variation on campus. Phase 2 will focus on determining how variations in tree canopy diversity affect herbaceous plant richness. In each plot we will assess tree canopy diversity by counting and identifying the species of trees present and recording the density of the leaves. Initial findings from Phase 1 revealed significant variation in species richness across plots, providing a strong foundation for Phase 2. It’s expected that Phase 2 will suggest a positive correlation between tree canopy diversity and herbaceous plant diversity, mediated by improved sunlight penetration and soil moisture availability. This study will contribute to the growing knowledge on canopy-understory interactions, offering practical connections for ecologists, conservationists, and land managers. - Poster 21: Proximity of Ailanthus altissima‘s effects on plant biodiversity
Caitlin Harris
Invasive plant species, such as Ailanthus altissima (A. altissima), disrupt ecosystems by reducing biodiversity and altering ecological processes. This study investigates the allelopathic effects of A. altissima, particularly its secretion of ailanthone, which inhibits nearby plant growth and alters soil microbial communities. The objective is to assess how the proximity of A. altissima affects plant species richness and soil nutrient cycling. Phase 1 fieldwork on the University of Mary Washington campus measured biodiversity across herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. Results showed varying species richness, with dominance by English ivy and sugar maple, suggesting they may be invasive. Two plots were selected for Jaccard’s coefficient index analysis, revealing similarities in species composition that might indicate the influence of similar environmental conditions. These findings highlighted the lack of A. altissima presence, prompting phase 2 investigation. Volunteers have been removing A. altissima, but since its allelopathic effects persist (Terzi et al., 2020), researchers will work with the volunteer group to identify areas where the species once were present. Soil samples will be collected at varying distances from former A. altissima sites and no presence of A. altissima sites to analyze microbial diversity, while plant species richness and Jaccard’s coefficient index will help quantify biodiversity patterns and differences. It is predicted that plots closer to A. altissima will show reduced species richness and have low similarity to sites without A. altissima. The study aims to enhance understanding of A. altissima’s ecological impacts and inform conservation strategies for mitigating biodiversity loss caused by invasive species. - Poster 27: Effects of habitat fragmentation on invasive species and native biodiversity
Juliana Ramirez
Urbanization contributes to habitat fragmentation, diminishing the size and connectivity of natural habitats, which hinders the persistence of native species and promotes the spread of invasive species. This study examines the effects of invasive species on plant biodiversity within the fragmented woodlots of the University of Mary Washington (UMW) campus. In phase one preliminary data collection, we assessed alpha and beta diversity of plant species across 11 randomly selected 10m x 10m plots in the woodlots. Richness for tree samples was 7, followed by shrub samples with a richness of 5, lastly herbaceous samples with a richness of 3. Beta diversity measured in tree and shrub samples was 0.10. Herbaceous beta diversity was 0.18. In phase two, we will observe the relationship between invasive species richness and native species biodiversity across 11 randomly selected 10m x 10m plots in the woodlots. We will use an observational study design and measure species’ richness and evenness in native and invasive species. The statistical population of phase 2 will be trees and shrubs. This research aims to emphasize the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity within fragmented habitats, providing insight on plant diversity in urbanized landscapes. - Poster 36: Riparian zones effect on plant species diversity
Katerina Zakel
This study investigates the relationship between plant species diversity and proximity to riparian zones, emphasizing how nutrient availability varies with distance from water sources. Despite extensive research on the ecological value of riparian zones, limited attention has been given to how plant diversity systematically changes with distance from these areas. The research focuses on plant species richness and community composition, using 10m × 10m sampling plots within the University of Mary Washington campus woodlot as a study area. In Phase 1, eleven randomly selected plots were surveyed to establish baseline biodiversity patterns. Species richness across 10m x 10m plots averaged 11.455 species, with a standard deviation of 13, highlighting high variability in species composition. Jaccard’s index for community similarity between paired plots yielded values below 0.2, indicating low overlap and very unique biodiversity within this study area. Phase 2 plans to extend this research by sampling diversity and soil nutrient levels across three zones: wetland bench (0–3 yards from water), riparian bench (3–6 yards), and uplands (6–9 yards). Sampling will capture data on trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants to assess diversity gradients. Results will inform the ecological role of riparian zones in maintaining biodiversity and nutrient cycling, providing insights for water resource management and conservation strategies. - Poster 44: The impact of habitat disturbance on bryophyte diversity
Kate Green
Biotic homogenization- the increasing similarity of species composition between sites- is a consequence of habitat disturbances, and threatens the functionality of ecosystems. Quantification of species richness, evenness, and turnover is essential to investigate biodiversity, which exemplifies the potential impacts of habitat disturbances and can be used to influence management decisions. On the University of Mary Washington campus, eight sites were randomly selected from one of eighteen woodlots in a preliminary biodiversity investigation. In each of these sites, the abundances of individual taxa of trees, shrubs, and herbs were collected for analysis. Of these sites, trees had the greatest average species richness (7.88 taxa) compared to shrubs (5.75) and herbs (3.00), and greater average Simpson’s reciprocal index evenness (5.00) compared to shrubs (4.06) and herbs (2.59). When comparing one site to each of the others to investigate turnover, turnover was limited. Herbs had the greatest Jaccard’s diversity index value (0.25) compared to trees (0.14) and shrubs (0.11). While low turnover indicates a stable ecosystem with established species composition, it does not mean that overall diversity is low. As the richness and evenness measurements indicate, the species established in these sites are substantially diverse, especially trees. In future investigations, the impacts of habitat disturbance on bryophyte diversity in riparian areas on campus should be investigated using the same diversity parameters. This would expand the limited knowledge of prevalence and diversity of bryophytes in Virginia, as well as inform and improve management. - Poster 49: Consideration of swamp roses as a keystone species impacted by invasive species in the northern neck area of Virginia
Jocelynne Hagan
Constant soil erosion is an ever-evolving concern that requires continuous improvement and innovation to find a solution. Water cycling in wetlands perpetually moves the soil, leading to erosion. In recent years, the practice of using wetland plants as a means of limiting soil erosion has shown promise in potentially remedying the issue. Shrubs are especially considered due to the nature of their growth. One of these shrubs is Rosa palustris (R. palustris), or swamp roses. Invasive species diminish populations and health of native species in the United States. This study serves as a mock investigation of the potential of swamp roses as a keystone species in maintaining soil integrity and preventing excessive erosion and how that keystone is affected by invasive species. This study’s methods were split into two phases: Phase I was surveying UMW’s campus and the analysis that followed, and Phase II was the outline of the stratified random observational study. The results for Phase I indicated that invasive species were prevalent among herbaceous plants and considerably less in shrub and tree populations. This research is needed because, firstly, there are several studies about keystone species, mainly shrubs, but there are no studies about swamp roses. Knowing more about this species, especially if proven a keystone species, will benefit researchers conducting studies on wetland shrubs in the southern United States by broadening the knowledge available to them when performing their initial review of the research pool and filling a gap in current research. - Poster 55: Urbanization and Its Effects on Plant Biodiversity: A Comparative Study of Virginia College
Yaire Montesinos
This study explores the impact of urbanization on plant biodiversity by comparing college campuses in Virginia. UMW is located in a rural environment with abundant natural habitats. VCU is situated in the urban core of Richmond, surrounded by dense infrastructure and limited green spaces. The hypothesis is that campuses in rural areas will exhibit greater plant biodiversity than those in urban environments due to differences in habitat availability and human influence on plant life. To test this, the study employs a two-phase observational approach. Phase 1 involves data collection from UMW’s southeast woodlot area, where plant species richness is assessed using randomized 10m x 10m plots divided into quadrants. Phase 2 will extend this to multiple Virginia campuses, comparing plant diversity across urban, and rural settings. The expected outcome is that rural campuses will demonstrate higher species richness, while urban campuses will exhibit reduced biodiversity. Previous research supports the hypothesis that urbanization leads to biodiversity decline, with urban green spaces offering only limited opportunities for native plant species to thrive. Findings from this study will highlight the role of campus environments in fostering plant diversity and contribute to broader discussions on urban ecological planning and conservation efforts in Virginia. - Poster 69: Self-seeding herbaceous species and their impacts on the biodiversity of native species
Magali Rodriguez
Non-native self-seeding herbaceous species impact the biodiversity of native herbaceous species found on campus woodlots. The aim of this research is to determine just how drastically these impacts are when non-native self-seeding herbaceous species are introduced to an area with only native herbaceous species. Phase 1 in this research allowed for the collection of data of tree, shrub, and herbaceous species on plots located in the woodlots behind the HCC. The overall richness and evenness was determined. With phase 2 of the research, focusing on the introduction of the non-native herbaceous species, the comparison of the biodiversity of herbaceous species richness and evenness will allow to determine the extent of effects that the non-native self-seeding herbaceous species will have on the native herbaceous species.
BIOL 472K Research in RNA Technology, Dr. Ginny Morriss
This course exposes students to the world of gene expression through the lens of RNA. We cover the biosynthesis, processing, and function of different RNA types and explore how RNA biology can be leveraged for use in research applications. Students learn basic techniques that are used in RNA laboratories throughout the world and design projects that utilize RNA technologies to study a question of interest.
The following are abstracts for the projects presented in this symposium:
- Poster 6: How RNAi-mediated knockdown of PI3K92E affects apoptosis and autophagy in Drosophila melanogaster skeletal muscles
Stephanie Bailey, Alegria Bautista, Wagma Zaki
Autophagy and apoptosis are essential cellular processes that control cell survival and death, particularly during stress. Our research focuses on examining how knocking down PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase) affects autophagy and apoptosis in the thoracic muscle cells of Drosophila melanogaster. PI3K plays a crucial role in muscle development and the body’s response to metabolic stress. We are testing to see how knockdown of PI3K affects the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in Drosophila. We will use fluorescent microscopy alongside acridine orange dye to evaluate apoptosis and autophagy markers in the UAS-GC3Ai/UAS-PI3K RNAi; Mef2R-Gal4 to measure autophagy in the thoracic muscle cells post-PI3K knockdown. Autophagy will be analyzed by observing autophagic vesicles, while apoptosis will be measured through specific cell death markers. We will be comparing the fly lines UAS-GC3Ai/UAS-PI3K RNAi; Mef2R-Gal4 to UAS-GC3Ai; Mef2R-Gal4. A starvation protocol will be implemented to induce stress to activate apoptosis and autophagy responses. We anticipate observing a significant increase in autophagy markers and a corresponding rise in apoptosis levels following the PI3K knockdown. Statistical analyses will be performed to assess the significance of these changes. This research aims to deepen our understanding of how PI3K regulates autophagy and apoptosis, potentially offering new insights into cellular stress responses and therapeutic strategies for conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This study will establish Drosophila as a valuable model organism for future research on autophagy and apoptosis, contributing to wider genome-wide screenings and mechanistic studies. - Poster 33: Generating an RNAi knockdown phenotype for Ser-2 and Ser-7 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Caleigh Eberhart, Nicole Fortner, Nicholas Kennedy
Serotonin and tyramine are critical neurotransmitters regulating behaviors such as locomotion, feeding, mating, and egg-laying in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The ser-2 gene encodes a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates tyramine’s effects through octopamine signaling, while the ser-7 gene modulates serotonin signaling. We hypothesize that the manipulation of ser-2 and ser-7 gene expression influences behavioral regulation in C. elegans by altering serotonin, tyramine, and octopamine pathways. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we knocked down ser-2 and ser-7 to explore their roles in these pathways. Gene-specific primers were designed using M-Fold and NCBI PrimerBlast and then validated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Amplified products will be cloned into L4440 plasmids and transformed into Escherichia coli HT115(DE3) strains, enabling RNAi feeding experiments. Synchronized L1-stage worms will then be exposed to RNAi plates, grown to young adulthood, and subjected to behavioral assays measuring locomotion speed and egg-laying frequency. These results will then be analyzed utilizing Analysis of Variance (ANOVAs). If knockdown is successful, we expect to observe a significant reduction in locomotion speeds and decreased feeding rates compared to wild-type controls. If there are alterations in these behaviors, this will support our hypothesis that ser-2 and ser-7 play distinct roles in modulating serotonin and octopamine signaling pathways to regulate behavior. Future research will further elucidate these interactions’ molecular mechanisms, advancing our understanding of neurotransmitter signaling in behavior. - Poster 56: Investigating the Role of Class III PI3K59F in Muscle Growth using CRISPR-Mediated Gene Over-Expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Sarah Binette, Beliyu Habtemariam, Taylor Hudson
The Class III Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of Drosophila melanogaster. This pathway activates genes Akt, Atg1, Atg8, and TOR which contribute to cellular growth, autophagy, and metabolism. Previous research has indicated that the PI3K pathway is overexpressed in diseases like cancer as well as in conditions such as muscle hypertrophy. This study aims to investigate how the overexpression of Class III PI3K 59F in the muscle tissue of Drosophila affects muscle hypertrophy. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we will achieve overexpression of PI3K 59F by crossing muscle-specific Gal4 driver lines with UAS-Cas9 and sgRNA constructs targeting PI3K 59F. The Mhc-Gal4 driver, along with GAL80, will activate gene overexpression at the pupal stage through a temperature shift to 30°C. We will measure muscle size using phalloidin staining of thoracic muscle sections and assess muscle function through climbing and flight tests. Gene expression will be analyzed via qPCR to evaluate the upregulation of muscle growth markers including Atg1, Atg8, Akt, and TOR. We hypothesize that overexpressing PI3K 59F will lead to muscle hypertrophy characterized by increased muscle size, improved function, and upregulation of growth-related genes. This research could deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind muscle hypertrophy and potentially provide insights into therapies for muscle-wasting diseases such as sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy. If successful, the study may open new avenues for targeting the PI3K pathway to promote muscle growth and prevent muscle atrophy in clinical settings.”
BIOL 322 Animal Ecology, Dr. Brad Lamphere
Animal Ecology studies how animals interact with their world and one another. Our lab exercises collect data on five topics ranging from ant foraging strategy to fish population estimation to invertebrate community diversity. For the lab final, students use one dataset to analyze and answer an original scientific question.
The following are the projects presented in this symposium:
- Poster 57: Effect of resource competition on the length of stream fishes
Sophia Pedroza, Ainsley Lord - Poster 58: Impact of Central Stonerollers on other minnow species in Hazel Run
Abigail Fielder - Poster 59: The effects of time of day and bait presence on wildlife activity patterns
Caitlin Harris - Poster 60: Impact of urban vs. rural light pollution on nocturnal activity and species diversity
Lillie Burbulis, Ben Schwartz - Poster 61: Field vs. forest comparison of ant species richness
Seth Butler - Poster 62: Impact of weather on ant abundance and taxa
Nell Somerville - Poster 63: Relationship between streambed substrate and fish species diversity
Evan Kupsky - Poster 64: Impact of soil condition on invertebrate abundance & diversity
Rosie Stewart - Poster 65: Effects of urban vs. rural environments on foraging patterns of White-tailed deer
Emma Almassy - Poster 66: The effect of water depth on Central Stoneroller abundance.
Carly Radgowski, Connor Kimener - Poster 67: Impact of human activity on carnivore populations
Madisyn Corron - Poster 68: Difference in predator abundance in rural and urban areas
Alexander Daniels
