symposium organizers science research symposium · 2013. 3. 11. · dr. layne morsch (che) special...

44

Acknowledgements

Symposium Organizers Symposium Co-Chairs: Matt Evans & Layne Morsch

Moderators: Marc Klingshirn, Amy McEuen, John Martin

Program & Coordinators: Jo Patterson, Layne Morsch & Lucia Vazquez

Abstract Selection: Matt Evans & Layne Morsch

Publicity & Program: Jo Patterson & Marc Klingshirn

Announcements & Calls for Papers: Jo Patterson & Matt Evans

Budget & Expenses: Wayne Gade & Layne Morsch

Keynote Speaker: Keenan Dungey

Judge & Moderator Selection Committee: Hua Chen & Matt Evans

Food Arrangements: Paula Garrott & Laura Laurenzana

Conference Services: Mary Ellen McElligott

Sponsors and Facilitators

Biology Department

Chemistry Department

Clinical Laboratory Science Department

The Biology Club

Paula Garrott, Science Division Interim Director

Inter-Club Council Board

UIS Research Board

UIS Speaker’s Award Committee

Judges Oral Presentations Poster Presentations

Dr. James Bonacum(BIO) Dr. James Bonacum (BIO)

Dr. Rebecca Landsberg (BIO) Dr. Hua Chen (BIO)

Dr. John Martin (ASP) Dr. Matt Evans (BIO)

Dr. Amy McEuen (BIO Dr. Wayne Gade (CLS

Dr. Rebecca Landsberg (BIO

Dr. Layne Morsch (CHE)

Special acknowledgement to student advisors, mentors and

collaborators - your guidance is essential for the training of

tomorrow’s scientists. Thank you.

The TENTH ANNUAL

Science Research

Symposium

University of Illinois Springfield

Brookens Auditorium

& Brookens Library

1st Floor Corridor

16 April 2010

2

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

8:30-9:00 INFORMATION TABLE & REFRESHMENTS

Brookens Auditorium Concourse –

MORNING ORAL PRESENTATIONS (9:00-11:10 a.m.)

Brookens Auditorium

9:00-9:10 Opening Remarks – Paula Garrott

UIS Director of Natural Science Division

Moderator : Dr. Marc Klingshirn (Professor of Chemistry)

9:10—9:30 LFM OF SELF-ASSEMBLED MONOLAYERS

FOLLOW ING NANOLITHOGRAPHY BY

SELECTIVE OZONOLYSIS

McLeod, Bronson J.* and Morsch, Layne A. Department of

Chemistry, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois

62703

9:30-9:50 OXIDATION AND COORDINATION

CHEMISTRY GOES ―GREEN‖

Bentley, Justin*, Marc Klingshirn, Department of Chemistry,

University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703

9:50-10:10 CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF

TREMA AND PARASPONIA HEMOGLOBINS

Kakar, Smita*, James T. Trent III, Mark S. Hargrove, Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular

Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011.

_________________________________________________________________

10:10-10:30 REFRESHMENT BREAK

_________________________________________________________________

43

Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Medical Microbiology, Mycology


(Retired)

42

Department of Chemistry

Organic Chemistry


(Retired )

3

[1] NITRATE MONITORING TECHNIQUES AND

REDUCTION ENHANCEMENT USING IRON NANO

PARTICLES Alex, Renay,* Stephanie Gorsuch,* Nicki Vanderpool,* Keenan E. Dungey

and Harshavardhan D. Bapat., Department of Chemistry,

University of Illinoislinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinoislinois 62703

_______________________________________________________________

11:10—12:00 Lunch On your own:

For our guests, we suggest dining at the UIS Food Court,

Lower Level, Public Affairs Building.

_______________________________________________________________________

12:00 – 1:00 POSTER SESSION EXHIBITS ---

Lower Corridor Outside Brookens Auditorium

Moderator: Dr. Amy McEuen (Professor of Biology)

10:30 – 10:50 SEED LIMITATION IN AN ESTABLISHING TALL-GRASS PRAIRIE Ramey, Justin D.* and Amy B. McEuen. Department of Biology, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703

10:50 – 11:10 FLORAL FRAGRANCE OF THE GHOT ORCHID,

DENDROPHYLAX LINDENII (LINDLEY) BENTHAM

EX ROLFE (ORCHIDACEAE), AND A NOVEL TECH

NIQUE FOR HEADSPACE COLLECTION IN SITU

FOR EPIPHYTIC PLANTS

Sadler, J.J. 1*

, J.M. Smith1, L.W. Zettler

1, H.T.

Alborn2, J.A. Zettler3 AND L.W. Richardson4.

Orchid Recovery Program, Illinois College, Jacksonville, I

llinois 626501, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Gainesville,

Florida 326012, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savan

nah, Georgia 314013, Florida Panther National Wildlife

Refuge, Naples, Florida 341024

4

[2] DEFECTIVE AUTOPHAGY IN PATHOLOGY OF A

MOUSE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Barnett, Aaron*. And Brewer, Greg. Department of Medical Microbiology,

Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine,

Springfield, Illinois 62794

[3] CORRELATION OF 5-HT BINDING AFFINITY OF AN-

TIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS WITH TENDENCY FOR UN-

WANTED WEIGHT GAIN Barrett, Sarah*, University of Illinois Springfield, Department of Clinical

Laboratory Sciences, Springfield, Illinois 62703

[4] NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE HAS

MADE IT MORE ACCURATE IN THE PAST 40 YEARS

AND LED TO BETTER CASES AGAINST CRIMINALS Ghale, Mohini*, Laura Lehnhardt*, and Dale Mercurio*. Department of

Biology and Department of Computer Science , University of Illinois


[5] DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFERIOR OLIVARY

NUCLEUS Holland, Patrick J.* and Rebecca L. Landsberg., Biology Department,


[6] ISOLATION AND STORAGE OF CD34+ HEMATOPOI-

ETIC STEM CELLS Houser, Kerri,* Amanda Gillett, Swathy Sreekumar, and Craig Cady.

Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Bradley University,

Peoria, Illinois 61625 and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern

Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 62702

[7] BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES CHANGE ON DECOM-

POSING SILVER MAPLE (ACER SACCHARINUM) LEAVES

FROM THREE ILLINOIS RIVER FLOODPLAIN

HABITATS. Kellerhals, Doyn M.*1 and Lemke, Michael J.1, 2 , 1Biology Department and 2

The Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, University of Illinois Springfield,


41

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE

BIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

SPRINGFIELD (RETIRED)

40

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

BOTANY

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

SPRINGFIELD (RETIRED)

5

[8] WATER QUALITY AND MICROBIAL ECOLOGY

OF THOMPSON LAKE Lemke, M. J.1, F. Velho2, A. Kent3 , and D. Kellerhals1*, 1University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois, 62703,2State

University of Maringa, Maringa, Parana, Brazil, 3University of Illinois at

Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, Illinois

[9] ACTIVATION OF NFΚB REGULATES PLACENTA

GROWTH FACTOR (PLGF) IN TROPHOBLAST Malm, Scott W.,* Kathleen A. Groesch and Donald S. Torry. Depart-

ment of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, and De-

partment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University

School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702

[10] INHIBITION OF PROLIFERATING HELA CELLS

USING PLANT EXTRACTS McCauley, Angela M.* Grace Bolledu, Rebecca Landsberg, and

Lucia Vazquez. Biology Department, University of Illinois Springfield,


[11] VALIDATION OF A NEW RT-PCR METHODOL-

OGY FOR HIV VIRAL LOAD QUANTIFICATION AT

MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER Schmit, Jessica*, Amber Carriker, Fritz Lower, University of Illinois

Springfield, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Springfield,

Illinois 62703 *, Memorial Medical Center, Department of Transplant

Immunology, Springfield, Illinois 62781, Memorial Medical Center,

Department of Pathology, Springfield, Illinois 62781

6

[12]KNOCKDOWN OF COCHLEAR NADPH

OXIDASE ISOFORM (NOX3) BY SIRNA

ATTENUATES CISPLATIN OTOTOXICITY Sheehan, Kelly2, Debashree Mukherjea1,2, Tejbeer Kaur1, Sarvesh

Jajoo1, Leonard P Rybak1,2 and Vickram Ramkumar1., Dept. of

Pharmacology1 and Surgery2, Southern Illinois University, School of

Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702

[13] EARLY ASSESSMENT OF COMPOSITION &

FLORISTIC INTEGRITY OF TALLGRASS

PRAIRIE RESTORATIONS AT THE EMIQUON

PRESERVE, ILLINOIS. Troxell, Christy* and Amy B. McEuen. Biology Department,

University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703.

[14] THE EFFECTS OF EXTERNAL FACTORS

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFERIOR

OLIVARY NUCLEUS Worrell, Cody*, Kelli Oyler, Rebecca Landsberg, Biology

Department, University of Illinois Springfield, Illinois 62703

39

UIS SCIENCE

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

10th ANNIVERSARY FACULTY

RECOGNITION and TRIBUTES

HONOREES

ARE:

DR. ANN LARSON

DR. NADA CHANG

DR. GARY TRAMMELL.

DR. JIM VESELENAK

38

NOTES

7

AFTERNOON ORAL PAPER SESSION (1:00-2:45 p.m.)

BROOKENS AUDITORIUM

Moderator: Dr. Rebecca Landsberg (Professor of Biology)

1:00-1:20 GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A

MOUSE RENAL EPITHELIAL CARCINOMA WITH

ENFORCED CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 EXPRESSION:

A MOUSE MODEL OF HUMAN RENAL CELL

CANCER 1Reed, Donald*, 2Thomas Tarter, and 1,2Andrew Wilber.

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and

Cell Biology, 2Department of Surgery, Division of Urology

and Simmons Cooper Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois

University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702

1:20-1:40 IN VITRO CHEMOTAXIS OF HUMAN BONE

MARROW-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM

CELLS TO EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CARCINOMA

CELLS

Washburn, Benjamin,* Amanda Gillett, Dr. Craig

Cady, and Mary McAsey. Neurophysiology Labora

tory, Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria,

Illinois 61625 and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecol

ogy, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois

62702

1:40-2:00 LOSS OF HCLCA2 PROMOTES EPITHELIAL TO

MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION IN BREAST

CANCER

Walia, Vijay*, and Randolph C. Elble. Southern Illinois

University Medical School, Pharmacology, Springfield,

Illinois. 62794

8

2:00—2:20 PREVENTION OF NEUROMUSCU

LOSKELETAL FRAILTY IN LONG-

LIVED GROWTH HORMONE

RECEPTOR KNOCKOUT (GHR-KO)

AND AMES DWARF MICE ON

CALORIC RESTRICTION Rickman, Dustin*1, Oge Arum2, and Andrzej

Bartke3,1 Department of Chemistry , University of

Illinois- Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703,2

Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Research,

Southern Illinois University-School of Medicine,

Springfield, Illinois 62794,3 Departments of Internal

Medicine and Physiology, Geriatrics Research,

Southern Illinois University-School of Medicine,


2:20—2:40 GENERATION AND STUDIES OF

BKRF4- DEFICIENT MUTANTS OF

EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS Satorius, Ashley E.* and Edward

Gershburg. Department of Medical

Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology,

Southern Illinois University, Spring field, Illinois

62794

2:40—3:00 BREAK

37

Retinoic acid has been shown to increase the size of the ION-

we hypothesize this is through increasing the number of

progenitors. Both of these experiments are trying to deter-

mine if their respective variables (alcohol and retinoic acid)

have a primary effect on the development of the ION in utero,

or if the results are obtained via secondary effects

36

Transduced fibroblasts overexpressing VEGF165 signifi-

cantly stimulated migration. Therefore, in three models of

invasion/migration, BMSCs migrated toward ovarian cancer

cells and conditioned medium. Multiple cytokines expressed

in ovarian tumors, including VEGF165, stimulated BMSC

migration. In the future, we will engineer BMSCs with

genes to induce cell death in cancer cells using orthotopic

animal models of ovarian, breast and prostate cancer.

THE EFFECTS OF EXTERNAL FACTORS ON THE

DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFERIOR OLIVARY

NUCLEUS Worrell, Cody*, Kelli Oyler, Rebecca Landsberg, Biology

Department, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield Illinois

62703

The medulla of the brainstem is host to the ION which con-

nects the spinal cord and cortex with the Purkinje cells of

the cerebellum. This connection is responsible for control-

ling balance and coordination. We have conducted two ex-

periments to determine the effects of external factors on the

development of the inferior olivary nucleus (ION). The first

experiment was to create a mouse model that would be

capable of mimicking the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Alcohol is known to decrease the size of the ION but it is

unknown if this decreased is due to a primary effect on the

ION neurons as they develop or indirectly due to decreases

in Purkinje cells. We compared sections of mice brains

from mice that were exposed to alcohol, to those that did

not ingest alcohol using riboprobes that label the ION and

other precerebellar neurons. The second experiment was to

use mouse models to show the effects of retinoic acid on

brainstem development. We have developed a number of

riboprobes to detect the presence of mRNA encoding pro-

teins utilized in the metabolism of retinoic acid.

9

3:00 - 4:00 KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Dr. Andrew Gewirth

“Reactivity of PCB and

Fullerene-decorated

Supported Lipid Bilayers‖

Brookens Auditorium

4:00-4:30 AWARD PRESENTATIONS :

Best Student Poster and Best Oral Presentation

Closing Remarks – Dr. Matt Evans &

Dr. Layne Morsch

4:30 – 6:00 RECEPTION & SOCIAL :

BROOKENS AUDITORIUM CONCOURSE

10

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

DR. ANDREW GEWIRTH

Professor of

Department of Chemistry

University of Illinois

at Urbana-Champaign

35

In addition, we report that loss of hCLCA2 correlates

with more metastasis in breast cancer patients (n=344).

These findings indicate that, like E-cadherin, hCLCA2 is

required for epithelial differentiation and suggest that its

loss during tumor progression contributes to metastasis.

IN VITRO CHEMOTAXIS OF HUMAN BONE MAR-

ROW-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS TO

EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CARCINOMA CELLS Washburn, Benjamin,* Amanda Gillett, Craig Cady, and Mary

McAsey. Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Bradley

University, Peoria, Illinois 61625 and Department of Obstetrics and

Gynecology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 62702

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecologic

cancers and one of the leading causes of cancer death in

women. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

(BMSCs) are recruited to hypoxic tissues, including malig-

nant tumors. We hypothesize that BMSCs will migrate to

ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Five ovarian cancer cell lines

and controls (immortalized ovarian epithelial and fibroblast

cells) were analyzed for chemotaxis using three in vitro mod-

els: a coculture assay, invasion assay, and spheroid assay.

Migration assays were run to assess migration toward vari-

ous cytokines, including VEGF165 +/- the VEGF antibody,

Avastin. Fibroblasts transduced to over-express VEGF165

were used in migration and co-culture assays. Student’s

t-tests were used to assess differences between treatment

groups and controls. Results showed that MSCs exhibited

significant migration toward conditioned media in invasion

assays (p < 0.001) and significant migration to all ovarian

cancer cell lines in co-culture assays (p < 0.001), compared

to controls. BMSCs associated with tumor spheroids but not

fibroblast control spheroids. VEGF165 caused migration,

while the presence of Avastin inhibited migration.

34

LOSS OF HCLCA2 PROMOTES EPITHELIAL TO

MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION IN BREAST CANCER Walia, Vijay*, and Randolph C. Elble. Southern Illinois University

Medical School, Pharmacology, Springfield, Illinois. 62794

Epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics by

undergoing phenotypic and genotypic changes during

cancer progression. An early step in the epithelial to

mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the disruption of

intercellular connections due to loss of epithelial cadherins.

Studies in our lab suggested that hCLCA2 is downregulated

in mesenchymal or stem-like breast cells but not in differenti-

ated epithelial cells. Therefore, we tested if hCLCA2 is required

to maintain epithelial phenotype and whether its loss induces

EMT. We used RT-qPCR and western blot for gene expression

profiling. Cell phenotype was assayed by suspending cells in

Matrigel or in methylcellulose-containing medium. Migration

ability of the cells was tested by wound assay and invasion

ability by the Boyden-Chamber assay. Primary tumors of 344

breast cancer patients were analyzed for hCLCA2 mRNA

expression and metastasis incidence was plotted over 15 years.

We find that expression of tumor suppressor hCLCA2 is

strongly associated with epithelial differentiation and that

induction of EMT by mesenchymal transcription factors

represses its expression. Moreover, we report here that knock-

down of hCLCA2 by RNA interference results in disruption of

cell-cell junctions by downregulating E-cadherin. This also I

mparts invasiveness and anoikis-resistance to epithelial cells

but is insufficient to induce full EMT. However, activation

of Ras oncogene in combination with hCLCA2 knockdown is

sufficient to induce full EMT in vitro.

11

Andrew Gewirth received his bachelor’s degree from

Princeton University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from

Stanford University. After conducting postdoctoral

research at the University of Texas, Austin, he joined

the faculty at U of I in 1988. He quickly moved

through the ranks, becoming full professor in 1998

and currently serves as the Director of the School of

Chemical Sciences, which includes the departments of

Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer-

ing. He has organized international symposia on

electrodeposition and energy storage. Dr. Gewirth has

over 130 publications and has received numerous

awards, including a Presidential Young Investigator

Award, an A. P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship, the

Department of Energy Outstanding Accomplishment

Award in Materials Chemistry, the Sessler Lectureship

at Stanford University, and the University of Illinois

University Scholar Award.

―Reactivity of PCB and

Fullerene-decorated

Supported Lipid Bilayers‖

12

NITRATE MONITORING TECHNIQUES AND

REDUCTION ENHANCEMENT USING IRON

NANOPARTICLES Alex, Renay,* Stephanie Gorsuch,* Nicki Vanderpool,* Keenan E.

Dungey and Harshavardhan D. Bapat., Department of Chemistry,


Nitrate runoff is a groundwater and ecosystem pollutant in agri-

cultural communities. It is responsible for human illnesses via

consumption of contaminated groundwater and disturbs aquatic

wildlife ecosystems upon invasion. Our study was conducted in

an attempt to determine and reduce nitrate levels in runoff and

in communities affected by its presence. We have tested and

confirmed that a commercial colorimetric method is an effective

method for determining nitrate concentration, which will allow

for on-site monitoring of nitrate levels. We also examined the

ability to enhance the bacterial denitrification process, which

would lead to an increase of nitrate reduction in the areas where

contamination is high. This process involved the synthesis and

utilization of zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) as an elec-

tron donating source for bacterial species. An environmentally

sustainable method of nZVI production was developed using

Biochar (from the charring and gasification of Milo seed) as the

activated carbon source. The porous structure of the Biochar

was imaged using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The Biochar

reacted with iron salts to form the nanoparticles that have been

confirmed by Powder X-ray Diffraction and Transmission Elec-

tron Microscopy. The bacterial species utilized for the denitrifi-

cation process was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was im-

aged using the Scanning Probe Microscope. We are currently

working to determine the impact that nZVI have on the nitrate

reduction rates of the bacteria by measuring the changes in ni-

trate concentrations using Ion Chromatography when the bacte-

ria are cultured in a nitrate-enriched media with or without the

nZVI.

ABSTRACTS

33

During summer 2008, 15 total subplots were sampled within

each unit. Of the identified species found during data collec-

tion (63), approximately 50% were seeded and 50% were re-

cruited; approximately 75% were native and 25% nonnative.

Within subplots, mean native richness ranged from 7.33 to

10.07 per 1m2, with a much lower nonnative mean, ranging

from 0.60 to 2.07. Differences in average subplot native rich-

ness between units was not related to burn status (Complex

Contrast, t=1.73, p=0.089). However, differences in the aver-

age subplot nonnative richness between burned and unburned

units was related to burned status with burned units having

higher nonnative invasion (Complex Contrast, t=4.74,

p<0.0005). These preliminary results suggest that burning

very early in restoration may have negative consequences in

terms of increased risk of nonnative recruitment.

32

validation panel with known viral load concentrations was

also used to test determine accuracy and precision. Each

of these specimens was run in triplicate within a three day

testing period, which assessed intra-assay assessment and

day-to-day precision. The new instrument performed well

in these studies and the Memorial laboratory has

concluded that the COBAS Ampliprep assay is validated

and ready to use for patient testing.

EARLY ASSESSMENT OF COMPOSITION & FLO-

RISTIC INTEGRITY OF TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

RESTORATIONS AT THE EMIQUON PRESERVE,

ILLINOIS. Troxell, Christy* and Amy B. McEuen. Biology Department,

University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703.

The tallgrass prairie biome has been classified as critically

-endangered due to widespread conversion, with approxi-

mately 55% of all tallgrass prairie flora currently listed as

threatened. Prairie management and monitoring are impor-

tant for restoration success, especially when in early resto-

ration stages such as The Nature Conservancy-owned

Emiquon Preserve. The purpose of this study was to deter-

mine overall floristic quality of five prairie restoration

management units, to examine potential effects of sea-

sonal burning and to help develop Key Ecological Attrib-

utes for tallgrass prairie units at Emiquon. Restoration

units were established in spring 2007 using 81 species of

native seed. Two N-S transects were set up in five tall-

grass prairie units (three burned spring 2008 and two

unburned); each transect had ten 1m2 subplots.

13

DEFECTIVE AUTOPHAGY IN PATHOLOGY OF A

MOUSE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Barnett, Aaron*. And Brewer, Greg. Department of Medical Micro-

biology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University

School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794

The process of autophagy is an integral part of aging. As

autophagy becomes defective, mutated molecules begin to

build up in the cell, interfering with normal cellular proc-

esses, a theme in neurodegenerative disease pathology.

Here we are looking specifically at the role of autophagy in

a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. As

the neuron ages, mitochondria build up ROS damage

through their use of oxidative phosphorylation. These dam-

aged mitochondria need to be degraded through autophagy,

recycling their components, to allow the production of

new, more efficient mitochondria. Since neurons and other

post-mitotic cells cannot dilute their cargo of defective mi-

tochondria by going through the cell cycle, they must rely

more heavily on autophagy to clear the cell of these com-

ponents. If the process of autophagy is not functioning

properly, mutated mitochondria will accumulate, having a

negative impact on the energy producing capabilities of the

cell. Damaged mitochondria also produce ROS at a higher

rate than more efficient mitochondria, causing higher

amounts of ROS damage throughout the cell. We are test-

ing the effects that AD has on the process of autophagy and

accumulation of defective mitochondria in these neurons

using fluorescent microscopy. The autophagy inducer, ra-

pamycin is being tested as a potential therapeutic agent for

AD, as well as to determine if an increase in autophagy

will eliminate AD pathology. Our preliminary data shows

that there are early changes in the AD neurons that are seen

later in WT neurons, going along with the cumulative char-

acteristics of AD pathology

14

CORRELATION OF 5-HT BINDING AFFINITY OF

ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS WITH TENDENCY FOR

UNWANTED WEIGHT GAIN Barrett, Sarah*, University of Illinois Springfield, Department of

Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Springfield, Illinois 62703

This project correlates literature pertaining to atypical antip-

sychotic therapy, which affects serotonin signaling, with

altered feeding behaviors often resulting in induction of

obesity. Treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are

routinely managed by use of atypical antipsychotic medica-

tions such as Olanzapine or Clozapine. These second

generation medications are preferred over typical antipsy-

chotic medications such as Haloperidol due to the lower

incidence of extra pyramidal symptoms. These symptoms

include neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson like

tremors and akathisia, the inability to remain motionless.

The paucity of such side effects within the atypical drug

class may relate to their increased affinity for the 5-HT

serotonin receptors and the relative lack of affinity for D2

dopamine receptors. While the affinity of these drugs helps

avoid these extra pyramidal side effects, the antagonism

towards the 5-HT receptors, the 2C subtype in particular, is

postulated to induce obesity in many patients. Serotonin

binding to 5-HT receptors normally contributes to the feel-

ing of satiety after eating and therefore promotes a reduc-

tion in food consumption. The antagonism of the 5-HT2

receptors by these atypical antipsychotic drugs is thought to

induce hyperphagia in many individuals. In conclusion, data

suggests that 5-HT receptor antagonism of this drug class is

most likely responsible for the associated onset of obesity.

This mechanism has not been fully elucidated and more

research should be compiled on this subject.

31

VALIDATION OF A NEW RT-PCR METHODOLOGY

FOR HIV VIRAL LOAD QUANTIFICATION AT MEMO-

RIAL MEDICAL CENTER Schmit, Jessica*, Amber Carriker, Fritz Lower, University of Illinois

Springfield, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Springfield,

Illinois 62703 *, Memorial Medical Center, Department of Transplant

Immunology, Springfield, Illinois 62781, Memorial Medical Center,

Department of Pathology, Springfield, Illinois 62781

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has reached pandemic

levels, afflicting 33.4 million people worldwide. While HIV can

be catastrophic, monitoring a patient’s viral load dramatically

increases both life expectancy and quality of life. Until recently,

Memorial Medical Center had used the COBAS Amplicor for

HIV viral load quantification. This RT-PCR methodology re-

quired manual specimen preparation, which limits efficiency

and increases risk of exposure to infectious agents. The COBAS

Ampliprep is claimed to eliminate these concerns with auto-

mated specimen purification and quantification, while simulta-

neously increasing reportable range and assay precision. How-

ever, clinical laboratories are required to perform comparison

studies and statistical analysis to ensure that the new method

(Ampliprep) is valid. The validation compared results of 37

clinical specimens assayed on both instruments and data to be

shown demonstrates good agreement with no significant bias.

All results differed by less than 0.5 log, which is considered the

acceptable cutoff. Any larger variations could represent clini-

cally significant changes and potentially mislead clinicians once

the new protocol was implemented. A commercially prepared

30

knocked-out; ii) a copy of BKRF4 gene with a pre-

mature stop codon was knocked-in; and iii) wild type

BKRF4 gene was re-introduced to show that differences

in life cycle of EBV are only due to absence of the

functional protein. Stable human embryonic kidney

(HEK) 293 cell lines containing these genomes were

generated, and the phenotypes of these mutants were

analyzed following stimulation of the viral lytic cycle

in regard to i) protein expression (measured by immu-

nostaining and flow cytometry); ii) released virion in-

fectivity (assessed through infection of B cell lines);

and iii) amount of released virions (quantified using real

-time PCR). During the lytic program, BKRF4-null cell

lines showed decreased protein expression of various

EBV lytic genes that were analyzed using immunostain-

ing and flow cytometry. Reduced amounts of extracel-

lular viral progeny were observed when quantified by

real-time PCR and infectivity assays as compared to

wild type. These findings suggest an active role of

BKRF4 in EBV infection, possibly in virion production

and viral egress.

15

OXIDATION AND COORDINATION CHEMISTRY

GOES ―GREEN‖ Bentley, Justin*, Marc Klingshirn, Department of Chemistry,


The aim of this project was to modify a lab that is typically

used in a high school chemistry classroom setting so it

adheres to the principles of green chemistry, while still

following Illinois learning standards. Labs were collected

from local high schools and evaluated for their harmfulness

to humans and the environment. It was hoped to improve

the “shade of green” while still maintaining the objectives

of the lab. It was realized that the subject of oxidation and

reduction chemistry, which is known for being wasteful and

hazardous to the environment, was very problematic and

quickly became the area of focus for this experiment.

Ultimately, the resulting lab focused on oxidation chemistry

using hydrogen peroxide and other less harmful chemicals

while also integrating coordination chemistry, a concept

often lacking in the high school curriculum. It is important

to show that when time and effort are put into the develop-

ment of chemistry laboratory experiments that they can not

only meet pedagogical needs, but also be “green” at the

same time.

16

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE HAS

MADE IT MORE ACCURATE IN THE PAST 40 YEARS

AND LED TO BETTER CASES AGAINST CRIMINALS Ghale, Mohini*, Laura Lehnhardt*, and Dale Mercurio*. Department of

Biology and Department of Computer Science , University of Illinois Spring-

field, Springfield, Illinois 62703

We are interested in explaining how interdisciplinary approaches

in science and the advancements in science have helped prove

innocence of many convicts in various crimes and how this

approached has changed over the last 40 years. These advances

are important to society for what it may mean for many convicts

who may be innocent. In the process of explaining this we will be

analyzing three different disciplines which are Computer Science,

Biology and Chemistry to understand how these disciplines have

changed the accuracy and precision of techniques used in crime

labs in the last 40 years from 1970-2010. The biological aspects

of Forensic Science which will be analyzed are the different bio-

logical procedures such as DNA extraction, fiber and hair analy-

sis, as well as botany and entomology discoveries. The chemical

aspects of forensic science include toxicology and the use of dif-

ferent techniques including gas chromatography, mass spectrome-

try, and other newer techniques. New techniques are coming out

all the time in order to keep making forensic science more accu-

rate and precise in order to make sure the correct people are being

put away for the crimes they committed. Computer Science has

advanced significantly over the last forty years. There have been

great advances in speed and storage space, which has led to a high

integration into other aspects of science. The advances in network

speed and storage has resulted in a large increase in information

availability. This has enabled the creation of large criminal data-

bases that allow for law agencies to instantly share information

across vast distances. Through research, we have found that inter-

disciplinary approaches in forensic science have made this

science more accurate and precise and have led to better cases

against criminals and have proven the innocence of others.

29

Samples were then analyzed in the laboratory via gas chro-

matography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS analysis). Eight

volatile compounds were identified as the primary constitu-

ents with a large abundance of a farnesene-based compound

known to be linked to pestiferous insects (Hemiptera). In-

deed, upon a follow-up visit, scales (Hemiptera: Coccoidae,

Pseudococcidae) and an exotic ant (Hymenoptera: Formici-

dae, Pheidole moerens) were observed on flowers that were

previously sampled. Most of the volatile compounds re-

ported herein are common floral fragrance constituents; how-

ever, additional studies are needed to determine what role (if

any) these insects may have had on our analysis. A highlight

of this study was the technique used to trap volatiles in situ

with minimal disturbance to this rare orchid.

GENERATION AND STUDIES OF BKRF4-

DEFICIENT MUTANTS OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS Satorius, Ashley E.* and Edward Gershburg.

Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology,

Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 62794 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BKRF4 gene product is a tegu-

ment protein encoded by a gene with no sequence homology

outside of the gamma subfamily of Herpesviridae. Its posi-

tional homologues in other gammaherpesviruses are neces-

sary for an efficient viral lytic program, in particular for vi-

ral progeny egress and primary infection. To characterize

BKRF4 in regard to its role in EBV infection, recombinant

viruses were developed using site-directed mutagenesis and

a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)–based recom-

bineering system in which i) the entire BKRF4 gene was

28

The hypothesis is that the long-lived mice will show better

physical ability at an older age. The data was formatted to com-

pare gender (male and female), diet (caloric restriction or ad

libitum feeding), and phenotype (GHR-KO mice and their litter-

mate controls compared, Ames dwarf mice and their littermates

compared), as well as the interactions between the longevity

genes and caloric restriction. A general comparison of the re-

sults concluded that the long-lived mice performed better in

every test except the open-field activity for middle-aged sub-

jects (P-value < 0.10 was noted). Recent data on old subjects

will also be presented, to corroborate the middle-aged results.

FLORAL FRAGRANCE OF THE GHOST ORCHID,

DENDROPHYLAX LINDENII (LINDLEY) BENTHAM

EX ROLFE (ORCHIDACEAE), AND A NOVEL TECH-

NIQUE FOR HEADSPACE COLLECTION IN SITU

FOR EPIPHYTIC PLANTS Sadler, J.J. 1*, J.M. Smith1, L.W. Zettler1, H.T. Alborn2, J.A. Zettler3

AND L.W. Richardson4. Orchid Recovery Program, Illinois College,

Jacksonville, Illinois 626501, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Gainesville,

Florida 326012, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Georgia

314013, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Naples, Florida 341024

The ghost orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii (Lindley) Bentham

ex Rolfe (Orchidaceae), is one of North America’s rarest and

well-known orchids. The species frequents shaded swamps in

S Florida as a leafless epiphyte where its stunning floral often

attracts the attention of poachers. Surprisingly, little informa-

tion exists on D. lindenii’s biology in situ, raising conserva-

tion concerns. During the summer of 2009 in Collier Co., FL,

a substantial number (ca. 13) of plants initiated anthesis offer-

ing a unique opportunity to study this species in situ. Flowers

were sampled on-site during 2 nights using adsorbent con-

nected to a battery-powered vacuum pump.

17

DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFERIOR OLIVARY

NUCLEUS Holland, Patrick J.* and Rebecca L. Landsberg., Biology Department,


The Inferior Olivary Nucleus (ION) of the mammalian brain-

stem relays inputs from the cerebral cortex and the spinal cord

directly to the cerebellum, enabling coordinated movement.

Despite its importance, the development of the ION is not fully

understood. Furthermore, improper development of the ION

has been associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, sudden infant

death syndrome, and ataxia. The ION was shown through fate

mapping studies, to be specified by the progenitor cells of the

embryological lower rhombic lip (LRL). The LRL has been

shown to consist of specific domains characterized by distinct

transcription factor expression. Several studies suggest that

the embryological progenitors of the ION lie within only one,

the Ptf1a, domain of the LRL. We have preliminary evidence

that suggests that at least part of the ION emerges from other

LRL domain that express Ngn1 and/or Mash1. Due to the

disagreement as to the origins of the ION progenitors, a more

definitive means of assessing the origins of the ION is neces-

sary. We have developed a novel electroporation technique to

modify gene expression levels in the LRL. Prior to this study,

lower rhombic lip electroporations of embryological day 11.5

embryos have not been conducted. This novel technique has

been optimized and has been used to successfully introduce a

foreign protein, green fluorescent protein, into the LRL with-

out altering normal gene expression. In the future, this tech-

nique could be used to modify LRL gene expression levels,

which will provide insight into the true origins of the ION.

18

ISOLATION AND STORAGE OF CD34+ HEMATOPOI-

ETIC STEM CELLS Houser, Kerri,* Amanda Gillett, Swathy Sreekumar, and Craig Cady.

Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Bradley

University, Peoria, Illinois 61625 and Department of Obstetrics and

Gynecology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 62702

Stem cells hold the potential to differentiate into a diverse

number of cell types, including neurons and cardiomyocytes.

There are many types of stem cells, each with varying levels of

differentiation capability. CD34 is a cell surface glycoprotein

that is present on pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells found in

peripheral and umbilical cord blood. These primitive CD34+

cells have a greater differentiation potential than other adult

stem cells lineages. An effective method of isolation and preser-

vation of these cells is essential in order to utilize these cells for

both research and clinical purposes. In order to develop meth-

ods suitable for these purposes we isolated CD34+ cells from

peripheral and umbilical cord blood using a positive selection,

immunomagnetic-nanoparticle process. Cells were then ex-

panded in Stemspan with the addition of valproic acid resulting

in enhanced proliferation of CD34+ cells. The identity of

CD34+ cells was confirmed using flow cytometry. To establish

an optimal method for cryo-storing CD34+ cells we developed

a slow program rate freezing protocol with a propanediol based

freezing media. Cells were then recovered using a sequence of

dilute thawing solutions. Viability of the CD34+ cells was de-

termined by a Trypan Blue exclusion assay. Initial freeze/thaw

protocols resulted in low cell viability (<40%). Further experi-

ments altering solution concentrations, changes in program

freezing methods and sample handling increased cell viability to

greater than 90%. Our protocol provides for the successful

isolation, enhanced expansion, cryopreservation and efficient

recovery of CD34 stem cells from both peripheral and cord

blood.

27

PREVENTION OF NEUROMUSCULOSKELETAL

FRAILTY IN LONG-LIVED GROWTH HORMONE RE-

CEPTOR KNOCKOUT (GHR-KO) AND AMES DWARF

MICE ON CALORIC RESTRICTION Rickman, Dustin*1, Oge Arum2, and Andrzej Bartke3,1 Department of

Chemistry , University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703,2

Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Research, Southern Illinois

University-School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794,3 Departments of

Internal Medicine and Physiology, Geriatrics Research, Southern Illinois

University-School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794

Longevity is inherently valuable, but the forestallment of aging-

associated disorders or disabilities is arguably more impor-

tant. The research preformed addressed whether two mutant

mice [growth hormone receptor knockout (GHR-KO) and Ames

(Prop1df/df) dwarf], or calorically restricted mice, all of which

are long-lived, are also physically healthier at older age com-

pared to littermate or ad libitum-fed controls. Open-field activ-

ity and three manipulation experiments (inverted screen task,

wire hang task, and vertical pole task) were assessed to evaluate

the physical performance (motor coordination, grip strength,

and balance) of the mice at middle-age and old-age.

cell lines produced <45 pg/mL of PGE2 (background levels),

where Cox-2S lines secreted >1000 pg/mL with no apprecia-

ble effect on cell proliferation or expression of EP receptors

and angiogenesis- or metastasis-promoting factors. Thus,

changes in tumor growth or metastasis in vivo can only be

attributed to PGE2 production. Completion of these studies

will advance our knowledge of the role for PGE2 in RCC an-

giogenesis, metastasis and tumor-mediated immune evasion.

26

GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A MOUSE RENAL EPITHELIAL CARCINOMA WITH ENFORCED CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 EXPRESSION: A MOUSE MODEL OF HUMAN RENAL CELL CANCER 1Reed, Donald*, 2Thomas Tarter, and 1,2Andrew Wilber. 1Depart-

ment of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, 2Depart-

ment of Surgery, Division of Urology and Simmons Cooper Cancer

Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield,

Illinois 62702

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is hallmarked by metastasis

and resistance to radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy re-

sulting in a mortality rate of nearly 25% within the first

year of diagnosis. Approximately 10% of patients demon-

strate improved survival following surgery in combination

with interferon-alpha (IFN-a) or interleukin-2 (IL-2) cyto-

kine immunotherapy, indirect evidence of an immunosup-

pressive effect of the tumor. One tumor-derived factor lim-

iting efficacy of cytokine therapy is prostaglandin E2

(PGE2), a potent immunosuppressive and inflammation-

promoting metabolite of the arachidonic acid pathway.

Central to production of PGE2 is cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2)

where elevated levels correlate with poor prognosis for pa-

tients with epithelial cancers. Interested in testing whether

production of PGE2 promotes RCC metastasis through in-

hibition of the natural tumor-specific immune response in

wild-type mice, a DNA transposon was used to engineer

Balb/c mouse-derived renal adenocarcinoma cells (Renca)

for expression of GFP and firefly luciferase reporters in

combination with murine Cox-2 in sense and antisense

(Cox-2S and Cox-2AS) orientations. These cell lines were

characterized for Cox-2 expression, PGE2 production, ex-

pression of PGE2 receptors (EP1-EP4), and factors that

promote angiogenesis and metastasis. Renca and Cox-2AS

19

CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF

TREMA AND PARASPONIA HEMOGLOBINS Kakar, Smita*, James T. Trent III, Mark S. Hargrove, Department of

Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University,

Ames, Iowa 50011.

Oxygen transport is not the primordial function of hemoglobins

(Hbs). While a small number of plant species contain oxygen

transport Hbs, all plants contain Hbs that are scavengers and/or

molecular signaling molecules. In fact, the development of oxy-

gen transport function in plants is fairly recent. One such example

is that of hemoglobins from the plants Parasponia and Trema.

Parasponia andersonii is the only known example of a non-

leguminous plant that participates in free nitrogen-fixing symbio-

sis with Rhizobium bacteroids. Parasponia Hb resembles leghe-

moglobin and animal Hbs kinetically, thereby suggesting a simi-

larity in function as well. Trema tomentosa, a non-nodulating

relative of Parasponia, also contains a hemoglobin that differs

from the Parasponia Hb by only 11 amino acid residues. Despite

having a high sequence similarity of 93%, Paraponia Hb is a

pentacoordinate oxygen transporter, while Trema Hb is likely a

hexacoordinate nsHb. This demonstrates a perfect example of pri-

mary structure governing the heme coordination state, and conse-

quently the function. The fact that the two proteins are phyloge-

netically similar yet they have different functions suggests that a

small number of amino acids are key for controlling protein struc-

ture and function. The pentacoordinate heme active sites found in

oxygen transport Hbs are chemically very difficult to achieve. To

develop an understanding of the evolutionary path leading to

pentacoordinate oxygen transport Hbs and how structural changes

can alter protein function, we have studied these proteins using

X-ray crystallography leading to a molecular understanding of

this significant evolutionary event.

20

BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES CHANGE ON DECOM-

POSING SILVER MAPLE (ACER SACCHARINUM)

LEAVES FROM THREE ILLINOIS RIVER FLOOD-

PLAIN HABITATS. Kellerhals, Doyn M.*1 and Lemke, Michael J.1, 2 , 1Biology Department

and 2 The Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, University of Illinois

Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703

Leaf decomposition occurs in an orderly manner in which

more labile compounds (i.e., amino acids, simple carbohy-

drates) are used or lost before the more recalcitrant substances

(i.e., humic substances, lignin). The objective of this study

was to monitor change in bacterial species on maple leaves

beginning with leaf buds and following changes on mature

leaves and through decomposition. Changes in one group of

leaves were monitored during and after annual flooding.

Leaves were collected over a 21-month period beginning April

2002. Bacterial communities were examined at the bud stage,

at the mature leaf stage, and on samples collected at 6 - 10

week intervals after leaf fall. For the last category, 1.5g of ma-

ple leaves were placed in fiberglass mesh leaf bags (n = 3) and

placed in three locations: floodplain, river, and upland forest.

Change in organic mass (AFDM) was nearly twice as much in

leaves exposed to flood water (70.1%) than for those not wet-

ted by flood waters (36.0%). DNA extraction, followed by pu-

rification on Sephadex G-200 columns, was completed to am-

plify 16S rDNA in the Bacteria. The resulting amplicons were

separated by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

(DGGE; 8% acrylamide, 30-70% denaturing gradient). Initial

results detected 10 bands in the summer, mature leaf samples.

25

SEED LIMITATION IN AN ESTABLISHING TALL-

GRASS PRAIRIE

Ramey, Justin D.* and Amy B. McEuen. Department of Biology,


Tallgrass prairie is one of the most highly disturbed and

critically endangered ecosystems in the world. In response

to this, tallgrass prairie reconstruction efforts are taking on

the enormous challenge of finding ways to quickly develop

resilient prairie ecosystems. This study will determine if a

second seed-sowing event at two newly-established prairie

restoration sites can significantly influence native plant spe-

cies richness and floristic quality. In the spring of 2008,

four seed addition transects containing randomized sample

plots were established at the Emiquon Preserve in Lewis-

town, Illinois. During the 2008 growing season, all plant

species within plot locations were identified and percent

covers were visually estimated. In August of 2008, 18 na-

tive prairie species were selected based on their individual

coefficients of conservatism (C) and hand-sown in ran-

domly selected transect plots. Plots were again censused

during the 2009 growing season and changes between the

2008 and 2009 seasons will be statistically analyzed using

the following response variables: floristic quality (FQI),

mean C, native species richness (forbs and grasses only),

woody plant richness, nonnative species richness and spe-

cies abundance (percent cover) for the 18 native species

sown. If it can be shown that seed limitation occurring

early in the prairie reconstruction process significantly af-

fects patterns of prairie species richness and floristic quality,

then a second seed addition could provide a beneficial and

expedient management method for future restoration and

reconstruction prairie projects.

24

LFM OF SELF-ASSEMBLED MONOLAYERS FOL-

LOWING NANOLITHOGRAPHY BY SELECTIVE

OZONOLYSIS McLeod, Bronson J.* and Morsch, Layne A. Department of Chemis-

try, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703

We are interested in preparing a new type of nanoscale

monolayer, via lithography by using an extremely small

pore filter in concert with an oxidative environment. We

have prepared thiol monolayer-coated gold slides through

immersion in metallic and organic solutions. By adapting a

method meant for silver, we have successfully coated gold

samples with a thiol monolayer. Contact angle testing veri-

fied the presence of the monolayer. We then introduced the

monolayer-coated gold sample to an enclosed UV steriliza-

tion cabinet. By placing a micropore filter on the sample, we

intend to control the surface exposure to oxidation, and

create a pattern of pits on the surface by washing away the

oxidized thiols. These nanopits can then be examined and

measured using Lateral Force Microscopy. This work will

be used to create a new laboratory experiment where

students can interact with nanotechnology in the organic

chemistry laboratory.

21

WATER QUALITY AND MICROBIAL ECOLOGY OF

THOMPSON LAKE Lemke, M. J.1, F. Velho2, A. Kent3 , and D. Kellerhals1*, 1University of Illinois - Springfield, Springfield, Illinois, 2State University of

Maringa, Maringa, Parana, Brazil, 3University of Illinois Champaign-

Urbana, Urbana, Illinois

Aquatic microbial communities serve as the initial link between

nutrients and the food web. The objective of this study was to

relate changing water quality conditions in newly restored

Thompson Lake to biotic indicators that change in step with

lake conditions; bacteria, protozoa, phytoplankton, and zoo-

plankton for 2008; microbes were monitored additionally on a

weekly basis for 2009. Clear water in spring 2008 increased in

turbidity at about the same time bottom water decreased in

dissolved oxygen (late June) producing the first extensive cyno-

bacterial bloom. This bloom appeared in April 2009 and per-

sisted throughout the summer. Ciliates dominate the protist

community and rotifers. DNA fingerprinting of the bacterial

community (ARISA method) showed sequential and directional

change throughout the sampling period. Ongoing data analysis

will help relate changes in water quality parameters to the

microbial community.

We expect diversity in bacterial communities to increase ini-

tially after leaf fall, decrease as leaves become more decom-

posed and for introduction of new communities to occur after

leaf fall and flooding. The microbial community changes during

decomposition are likely due to leaf substrate changes.

22

ACTIVATION OF NFΚB REGULATES PLACENTA

GROWTH FACTOR (PLGF) IN TROPHOBLAST Malm, Scott W.,* Kathleen A. Groesch and Donald S. Torry. Depart-

ment of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, and Depart-

ment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of

Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity.

Normal pregnancies have very high serum levels of the angio-

genic growth factor PlGF while preeclampsia is associated with

decreased serum PlGF. One function of PlGF is vasodilation of

maternal spiral arteries, leading to increased blood supply to the

placenta during pregnancy. However, factors contributing to

decreased PlGF expression remain unclear. Proinflammatory

cytokines such as TNF-α, an activator of NFκB signaling, have

been reported to be upregulated during preeclampsia. The goal

of this study was to determine effects of NFκB on trophoblast

PlGF transcription. JEG-3 cells were transfected with variable

lengths of a human PlGF promoter-reporter. NFκB subunits

were overexpressed with or without a constitutive inhibitor of

NFκB (dnIκB) in JEG-3 cells. Overexpression of p65 caused

significant reductions in 1.5kb PlGF β-gal reporter activity in

JEG-3. Activity could be restored with co-expression of dnIκB.

Overexpression of p65 had similar inhibitory effects on activity

of an -828bp and -698bp PlGF reporter construct. GCM-1 pro-

tein is a trophoblast-specific transcription factor that contributes

to PlGF expression. Overexpression of p65 in hEK293 signifi-

cantly inhibited GCM-1 transcriptional activity which could be

restored by co-expression of dnIκB. Thus, p65 may inhibit

PlGF promoter activity by limiting GCM-1 function in tro-

phoblast. This unique transcriptional regulation of PlGF by

NFκB could lead to new insights into the onset of preeclampsia

and subsequent treatment of the disease.

23

INHIBITION OF PROLIFERATING HELA CELLS

USING PLANT EXTRACTS McCauley, Angela M.* Grace Bolledu, . Rebecca Landsberg,

and Lucia Vazquez. Biology Department, University of Illinois

Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703

Plants are important sources of food, clothing, shelter and

medicines. Various diseases, including cancer, have been

treated via the application of plant extracts. Due to the

deregulated proliferation and decreased programmed cell

death, cancer has become a disease affecting millions of

people a year in the United States alone. In this experi-

ment, seven crude plant extracts, including Thymus vul-

garis (thyme), Syzygium aromatic (clove), Allium sativum

(garlic), Cuminum cyminum (cumin), Curcuma longa

(turmeric), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Coriandrum sa-

tivum (coriander) were tested to determine if they possess

anti-cancer properties on HeLa (human cervical carci-

noma) cells when compared to the abundance of non-

cancerous cells. The goal of the experiment is to find

chemical compounds that decrease the cell proliferation of

HeLa cells. To determine the effectiveness of the extracts,

a bromodeoxyuridine staining assay was utilized to test

the proliferation of the cells once the extracts were

applied.

symposium organizers science research symposium · 2013. 3. 11. · dr. layne morsch (che) special...

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