The 2015 Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences
Hosted byThe University of Memphis Department of Biological Sciencesin Memphis.
Ellington Hall, 3700 Walker Avenue. Memphis
Saturday, April 11, 2015.
8:00 Registration. Free parking at Zach Curling parking Garage; Poster setup in H loopy
8:30 Welcome Remarks from Dean Thomas J. Nenon, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Memphis (EH 100)
8:35 Keynote Speaker Professor Jennifer Mandel (EH 100)
Title “Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus”
Oral presentationTime / Section 1(EH 105) / Section 2 (EH 131)
9:05-9:20 / Andrew Aristorenas / Taylor C. Rosa-Ramon
9:20-9:35 / Anqi Zheng / Alisha Hetal Patel
9:35-9:50 / Brent McGlaughlin / Austyn Harriman
9:50-10:05 / Charlene Patino / Chelsie Clark
10:05-10:15 / Break. Please visit the posters
10:15-10:30 / Danny Vu Cao / Colton Terhune
10:30-10:45 / Shannon Brooke Joyce / Daniel Schenck
10:45-11:00 / Solomon Amiri / Deanna Long
11:00- 11:15 / Toni A. Patrick / Erika A. Odigie
11:15-11:30 / Whitney Kierra Stepter / Heather Huff
11:30-11:45 / Emily Hayward / Madeline Carwile
11:45-12:00 / Alexandra Bickenbach / Rebecca Butler
12:00-1:30 pm
Luncheon at RTG Rose Entertainment Lobby (extra ticket ($10) available at Registration Table)
Poster presentation
Broad # / Name
1 / Alyssa Tews
2 / Catherine Kendall Major
3 / Matthew Tom
4 / Sara B. Brauninger
5 / Yoonkeong Chi
See map below for various locations
The 2015 Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences
The University of Memphis
Department of Biological Sciences
Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer R. Mandel Ph.D.
University of Memphis
Dr. Jennifer Mandel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis. Her lab studies evolutionary and ecological genetics in a number of plant species. Current projects in the lab include the application of targeted gene sequencing for phylogenomic applications, population genetics of crop-wild relatives, and conservation genetics of natural plant populations. She received a BA from Carson Newman University in 2003, her PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2008, and completed a post-doc in Plant Biology at the University of Georgia before coming to the UofM in January 2014. Her presentation to the Meeting is:
“Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus”
The talk will address biodiversity and conservation genetics in an endangered sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus, which is native to West Tennessee. Dr. Mandel will discuss population genetic approaches for assessing levels and patterns of standing genetic variation in H. verticillatus. The talk will discuss how conservation genetics is an important component of evaluating rare species and determining and directing appropriate conservation strategies.
Poster
Alyssa Tews
Monitoring thermoregulation in captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at the Memphis Zoo.Alyssa C. Tews* and Katrina Knott, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, and Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee.
Polar bears are evolutionarily adapted for the Arctic biome, but captive bears often live in unnaturally hot climates and need methods to lose excess heat. The objective of this study was to determine whether polar bears modify their body posture in response to ambient temperature (Ta). An ethogram was developed to determine which body postures were most frequently observed and how these behaviors correlated to: sex, activity level, and sun exposure. Camera observations via scan sampling at 2 minute intervals were collected from September to October 2014. Our data showed that Haley rested more frequently (0.60) than Payton and that she spent majority of her observed time indoors (0.79). In contrast, Payton showed more active behaviors (0.83) and spent more than half (0.59) of his observed time outdoors. Overall, our study revealed how captive bears monitor their levels of thermoregulation by activity and sun exposure levels.
Catherine Kendall Major
Comparison of germination rates of crop and wild agricultural species. Catherine K. Major*, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.
Many of the agricultural crops consumed by humans were domesticated from crop-wild relatives. In order to provide an outreach tool for the Memphis community; I compared germination between crops and their wild relatives (sunflower, corn, tomato, pepper, lettuce, and carrot). My hypothesis is that the crops will have more uniform germination rates than their wild relatives and germinate more rapidly. The wild varieties will be planted in the domestication garden at the University of Memphis to educate individuals on the ancestral origin of their foo
Matthew Tom
Examination of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA genetic variation in carrot, Daucus carota. Matthew Tom*, Rob Coleman, and Jennifer R. Mandel, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.
Mitochondrial DNA is thought to be maternally inherited, but previous research in some plant species has found evidence of recombination and paternal leakage. Evidence of reassociation between mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA may provide evidence of paternal leakage. Following extraction of DNA from Daucus carota, PCR amplification of the DNA using mitochondrial and chloroplast markers was performed. PCR markers of known size variation were examined using gel electrophoresis and used to ascertain individual haplotypes. Evidence of four distinct combinations of the marker variations would yield indirect evidence of paternal leakage and support research related to paternal leakage and heteroplasmy.
Sarah B. Brauninger
Measuring Clonal Diversity in Stands of Bamboo at Shelby Farms for Memphis Zoo Pandas.Sara B. Brauninger*, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.
Bamboo serves as an important food source for pandas and has many medicinal and commercial applications. The Memphis Zoo grows a large bamboo farm located in Shelby Farms to feed their two pandas and the pandas in Toronto Zoo, Canada. We studied the genetic variation present in one of the bamboo species, Phyllostachys bissetii, from Shelby Farms using Simple Sequence Repeat genetic markers. The study will provide valuable information for the Memphis Zoo and establishes methodology for identifying clonal diversity and genetic variation within other species of bamboo in natural stands located in China.
Yoonkeong Chi
Outside spatial movement and social behavioral observations of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in captivity.Conner Bradley*, Yoonkeong Chi*, Annie Giarla*, and Maraia Tremarelli*, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.
The purpose of this project is to quantify agonistic behavior and physical interactions that occur between the three elephants at the Memphis Zoo to quantify the social interactions and dynamics among the three elephants. We collected behavioral and spatial data using scan sampling at 2-minute intervals and determined an activity budget for each elephant by observing their social behaviors. With the activity budget, we quantified the proportion of time each elephant engaged in social behavior. We then examined the spatial component by looking at the grid number for each animal at each interval and determined the distance between each of the elephants. The findings from our study are important for quantifying the social relationship between Gina and Asali and determining in the future how this relationship may change as Tyranza ages.
OralSection 1
Andrew Aristorenas
Diabetes attenuates metabolic oscillations regulated by circadian clock rhythms. Andrew Aristorenas* and Martin E. Young, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The cardiomyocyte circadian clock regulates myocardial functions in a time-of-day-dependent manner; our laboratory identified Dgat2, Nampt, and Pik3r1 as direct clock output genes. This transcriptionally-based molecular mechanism is altered in rat hearts during streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We hypothesize circadian clock output is disrupted in the heart during diabetes. STZ was administered to 8-week old mice; 16 weeks later, hearts were isolated at 4 hour intervals. Cardiomyocyte-specific CLOCK mutant (CCM) mice were utilized as a positive control. RT-PCR and Cosinor analysis were completed. Results showed STZ treatment significantly decreased circulating insulin levels, and concomitantly increased circulating glucose levels. dgat2, nampt, and pik3r1 expression oscillated in control hearts and was attenuated in CCM hearts. Oscillations in these clock output genes were absent in STZ-induced diabetic mouse hearts. Conclusions: Diabetes diminishes cardiomyocyte circadian clock-dependent rhythms, which could contribute towards cardiovascular disease. Supported by UAB SIBS.
Anqi Zheng
Correlation between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol expressions in young children. Anqi Zheng*, Cynthia R. Rovnaghi and Kanjalweet Anand, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AZ), and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis,Tennessee (CRR and KA).
Noting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis feedback mechanisms, our goal was to establish the correlation between the stress hormones cortisol and ACTH in African American and Caucasian children. As cortisol's upstream regulator hormone, ACTH has not been previously evaluated in saliva. Diurnal salivary levels of ACTH and cortisol were determined in 41 children (1-4 yrs, 3 samples per child per day) enrolled in a magetoencephalography (MEG) study. Quantification of ACTH and cortisol concluded that African-Americans sustained a higher cortisol level throughout the day (p=0.0066, median=16.77, 25%tile=8.11, 75%tile=22.35 ). Morning ACTH levels for African-American is also higher (p=0.0416,median=1.9, 25%tile=0.21, 75%tile=3.6), potentially indicating a disruption of HPA axis. We propose that partnering measures of stress hormones with brain activity mapping may distinguish physiological brain changes of the (HPA) axis in response to varying exposures to stress.
Brent McGlaughlin
Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cell Cycle Induction in a Hepatocellular Model Brent T. McGlaughlin*, Timothy J. Howze, Peihong Guan, Richard A. Helms, Emma M. TillmanDepartments of Clinical Pharmacy and Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Children’s FoundationResearch Institute at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
When administered long term parenteral nutrition (PN), many patients develop what is known as (PN) associated liver disease (PNALD). The effects of this disease, which have proven to be life threatening, have recently shown to be attenuated with the administration of fish oil containing omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFA). Though ω3PUFA shows anti-apoptotic effects in a hepatocellular model, its use to prevent cellular apoptosis and its effects on cell proliferation have not been studied. This study was performed to examine if higher concentrations of ω3PUFA further contributed to bile acid-induced apoptosis as well as its effects on cell proliferation. Results indicated there was no further increase with high concentrations of ω3PUFA and cell proliferation was increased in the 5μM and 500μM amounts. In conclusion, bile acid-induced hepatocellular apoptosis was not further increased at higher concentrations of ω3PUFA and some concentrations did induce proliferation.
Charlene Patino
Effect of potential DAMPs on inflammatory cytokine secretion in particle exposed macrophages.Charlene Patino*, Karina Chavez*, Charlie L. Xie, Pammi Cheema, William M. Mihalko, and Richard A. Smith, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (CLX, PC, WMM, RAS), and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (CP, KC).
The number of total joint replacements performed each year continues to rise. However, the rate of revision surgery required to correct failed implants is rising at an even faster rate. The mechanisms that lead to osteolysis and aseptic loosening are not well understood and the role of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in wear-debris induced inflammation and macrophage activation has not yet been shown. This research studied the affects of selected DAMPs on inflammatory cytokine secretion from macrophages in vitro. Vitronectin, hyaluronic acid, and HMG-1 did not show DAMP properties in these experiments, as there was no increase in the pro-inflammatory TNF- or IL-6 release in macrophages exposed to these molecules compared with the negative controls. The results indicate that more studies need to be performed to explore how and if these DAMPs function and determine the role of other molecules in mediating inflammation in the presence of implant wear particles.
Danny Vu Cao
Real Time-qPCR Analysis of Gene Expression Levels in Oral Cancer Cells. Danny V. Cao*, Yanhui Zhang, Franklin Garcia-Godoy, and Qian Zheng, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (DC), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, Memphis, Tennessee (YZ,FG, QZ).
Oral Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. The objective of this study was to use qRT-PCR to analyze the expression levels of target genes in a cancer human cell line SCC-25 and compare them to a normal human cell line GN-23. The target genes were TP53, CD82, CD81, CD9, and IGSF8. These genes can function as tumor suppressors. However, their functions in oral cancer are still unknown. Results showed that CD81A and P53 were significantly down regulated in the cancer cell line SCC-25. Both IGSF8A and IGSF8B were significantly upregulated in the cancer cell line. In conclusion, genes with significant up or down regulation may play a role in oral cancer. Furthermore, these data can help support future studies concerning protein expression levels and functions in oral cancer. This research was supported by UTHSC College of Dentistry Alumni Endowment Fund and the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation.
Shannon Brooke Joyce
An examination of tight junction protein expression in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC) in the presence of conditioned media from medulloblastoma subtypes. Brooke Joyce*, Megan Jacus, Stacy Throm, and Clinton Stewart, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (BJ), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (MJ, ST, CS).
The increased survival rate of WNT subtype medulloblastoma MB patients compared to patients with SHH, Group 3 or Group 4 MB may be related to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) surrounding the tumor. . We sought to determine increased permeability of WNT tumors by examining whether tumor secreted factors affect tight junction protein expression in brain endothelial cells. Expression of ZO-1 and occludin were measured in human brain microvascular endothelial (hBMEC) cells cultured in conditioned media from WNT, SHH, and group 3 MB tumor cells. ZO-1 and occludin expression in hBMEC cells cultured in conditioned media was not significantly different from control (p<0.05). These results suggest ZO-1 and occludin are not the primary proteins influencing WNT MB permeability. Further studies examining other proteins and their involvement in WNT tumor permeability are warranted.
Solomon Amiri
Inhibition of Arginine-Gingipain by the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor E64.Solomon J Amiri*, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.
The experiment was performed in order to find out if the protease inhibitor E64 was able to inhibit the actions of the proteases (gingipains) of the periodontal disease causing dental bacterium Porphyromonasgingivalis(Pg). Pg produces two protease types- Arginine specific (Rgp) and Lysine specific (Kgp). The experiment tested the E64 antibacterial activity against Pg in vitro, and if E64 can inhibit the gingipains at low concentrations without killing the Pg. Killing Pg would select for resistant mutants. R and K protease activity and bactericidal activity were measured by fluorescent assays after the inhibitor E64 was added to Pg cultures. The Rgps were slightly inhibited, while the Kpgs were not inhibited at all by E64. The results were compared to a known inhibitor of the proteases, which showed the E64 was not effective enough be used. Supported by the Alumni Endowment Fund of College of Dentistry.
Toni A. Patrick
Blood chemistry in neonatal acute kidney injury.Toni A. Patrick* and Adebowale Adebiyi.Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (TAP), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis Tennessee (AA).
Adequate kidney function is very critical to maintaining body homeostasis. Although organogenesis occurs in the first trimester, newborn kidneys are still structurally and functionally immature. Hence, infants are more vulnerable to renal dysfunction, especially when blood circulation in the kidney is altered. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition in which kidney function is abruptly disrupted. An important cause of AKI is renal ischemia-reperfusion. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is defined as the temporary depletion of blood flow to kidneys with a sudden return to tissues. In this study, blood chemistry changes during short-term renal ischemia-reperfusion were analyzed in newborn pigs subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, and total protein did not show significant alterations following 180 minutes of reperfusion. By contrast, serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium were significantly elevated. These findings highlight blood chemistry changes in neonatal AKI.
Whitney Kierra Stepter
Effects of Human Traits vs. Motor Vehicle Elements on Whiplash Recovery.Whitney K Stepter* and Bobby Myers, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and James Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Cordova, Tennessee.
The purpose of this research was to determine if a correlation existed between patients’ activity level, prior to car accident, and recovery time after whiplash injury. Chiropractic assessment and patients’ perception of pain/range of motion was the determining factor on recovery. Independent variables included: age, weight, activity level, while dependent variables were: vehicle type, time/speed/damage, seatbelt status, or airbag deployment. Statistical analysis showed a correlation (p<0.05) with a patients’ physical ability prior to accident and recovery time. If an individual was active, regardless of age, they recovered faster. Further analysis showed that the passenger within a vehicle had a longer recovery time than a driver in same type accident. Vehicle type showed that the larger the vehicle the less likelihood of an injury, when compared with compact cars. These results support activity as a deterrent to injury at any age, and the need for increased safety standards for small vehicles.
Emily Hayward
Expression and purification of active Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) for potential use as a novel anticancer therapeutic agent.Emily Hayward*, Krystal Herline, Steve Finckbeiner, Cristina Guibao, Jie Zheng, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (EH), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (EH, KH, SF, CG, JZ).