symposium organizers science research symposium · 2013. 3. 11. · dr. layne morsch (che) special...
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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
University of Illinois Springfield
(Retired)
42
Department of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
University of Illinois Springfield
(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
Springfield, Illinois 62703
[5] DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFERIOR OLIVARY
NUCLEUS Holland, Patrick J.* and Rebecca L. Landsberg., Biology Department,
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703
[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,
Springfield, Illinois 62703
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,
Springfield, Illinois 62703
[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,
Springfield, Illinois 62794
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,
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703
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,
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703
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,
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703
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,
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62703
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.