2007 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum (MU)
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Mizzou's Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forums showcase student research and scholarly and creative achievements to the Mizzou community. Undergraduates from any major and all academic levels are eligible to present their work. Students presenting at the forum are eligible to compete for the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements.
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Item Effects of pro-inflamatory cytokines on polarized rat parotid Par-C10 monolayers [abstract](University of Missouri--Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research, 2007) Zimmerman, Danielle; Camden, Jean M.; Weisman, Gary A.; Baker, Olga J.; University of Missouri-Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research; Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum (2007 : University of Missouri--Columbia)Sjögren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disorder, is distinguished by inflammation and salivary gland cell death, leading to xerostomia (dry mouth). The G protein-coupled P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R) is up-regulated in response to damage or stress in salivary epithelium. Pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with SS can be produced by infiltrating lymphocytes or salivary epithelium. Correlations have been found between lymphocytic infiltration and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-Éø (TNFα) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) and decreased function of exocrine glands in SS. Recent data has shown that P2Y2R activation enhances the activity of metalloproteases that release TNFα. OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of cytokines on polarized salivary epithelium. METHODS: Polarized rat parotid (Par-C10) monolayers were used to perform these studies. Cytokines released by UTP-induced P2Y2R activation were identified by ELISA. To evaluate the role of cytokines associated with SS on epithelial integrity, epithelial resistance was determined and correlated with the expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ) proteins by immunofluorescence and Western analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Activation of P2Y2Rs in Par-C10 monolayers induced the release of TNFα. The cytokines TNFα and IFNγ, but not IL-6 or IL1β, decreased the resistance of Par-C10 cells. However, the expression/distribution of the TJ protein ZO-1 was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: The data support a hypothesis that P2Y2R expression and activation in salivary gland cells contribute to epithelial dysfunction in SS by generating pro-inflammatory cytokines that regulate ion transport and epithelial integrity in salivary glands. Future studies will determine the role of cytokines on the expression and distribution of other TJ molecules including occludin, claudins and junctional adhesion molecules. These studies may lead to better therapeutic strategies for minimizing autoimmune-associated dysfunction of salivary gland that contributes to xerostomia in SS patient.Item Inhibition of β-glucosidase by D-Gluconic acid δ-lactone in water deficient maize [abstract](University of Missouri--Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research, 2007) Zelle, Karen; Maltman, Rachel; Bondra, Mary; Sharp, Bob (Robert E.); University of Missouri-Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research; Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum (2007 : University of Missouri--Columbia)The effects of β-glucosidase inhibitor D-Gluconic acid δ-lactone were measured under water deficit and well watered conditions in maize. Kinematic analysis had previously shown root growth maintenance in the apical 3mm of seedlings under water deficits (Zhu, et al., 2006). Distinct region-specific responses of cell wall proteins to water stress were analyzed and showed up-regulation of β-glucosidase. ß-glucosidase, a common hydrolase, has been found to cleave inactive ABA-conjugates in barley leaves, hence freeing ABA to its biologically active state (Dietz et al., 2000). Furthermore, Sauter and Hartung (2000) found that when lateral water flow increased in root systems, the ABA-conjugate concentration in the xylem decreased while the ABA concentration increased. This implies that something in the medium caused cleavage of the ABA-conjugate. The medium used to perform this experiment contained ß-glucosidases. D-Gluconic acid δ-lactone has been used as a ß-glucosidase inhibitor in maize coleoptiles (Jabben, et al., 2006). A hydroponic growth system using polyethylene glycol to impose water deficit was used to incorporate this inhibitor. Primary root elongation under water deficit conditions and exposed to D-Gluconic acid δ-lactone was inhibited by 28%. When inhibitor was added to well-watered roots there was no effect. These results suggest that ABA is present in a conjugated form and ß-glucosidase frees ABA to its active form under water deficit conditions. Experiments to add back and quantify ABA are in progress.Item Regulation of cholesterol transport processes in the liver by dietary citrus flavonoids [abstract](University of Missouri--Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research, 2007) Zalasky, Katherine M.; Holland, Lené J.; University of Missouri-Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research; Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum (2007 : University of Missouri--Columbia)Over the past few years, the importance of diet management and moderation has become a focal point of everyday life. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol can all result from poor nutrition decisions. High plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the particle which contains cholesterol, are of particular interest as this condition has been classified as one of the most prevalent risk factors for heart disease. Individuals affected by high levels of LDL are commonly encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine while also receiving medication to expedite the cholesterol reduction. Although several treatment options for high cholesterol have come into common use in recent years, there are always continuing efforts to develop more effective therapies. Recent research on natural food constituents has suggested that citrus flavonoids, found in oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits, may reduce the amount of LDL in the blood. The process of cholesterol metabolism takes place primarily in the liver and, thereby, it is appropriate to analyze the effect of flavonoid treatment on hepatocytes. The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) control the amount of LDL circulating in the blood. The genes coding for these two proteins are believed to be regulated by the transcriptional regulatory protein, sterol regulatory element binding protein. Citrus flavonoids induce the expression of LDLR mRNA and suppress that for MTTP. This action will increase the amount of LDLR protein and decrease the amount of MTTP protein in liver cells, thus resulting in lower plasma levels of LDL. To determine the roles of LDLR and MTTP mRNA expression in the mechanism of flavonoid activity in the liver, we have used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions in dose response studies to determine the most effective concentration of citrus flavonoid treatment.Item Lick Creek conservation area management plan [abstract](University of Missouri--Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research, 2007) Wilhelmi, Nick; Hamilton, Tiffanie; Dwyer, John P. (John Patrick), 1946-; University of Missouri-Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research; Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum (2007 : University of Missouri--Columbia)The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has contracted fifteen-University of Missouri students, specializing in Soils, Fisheries, Wildlife, Forestry, and Parks, Recreation and Tourism, to create a management plan for the Lick Creek Conservation Area. This plan addresses specific issues which the MDC and our group believe are influencing the lack of use Lick Creek Conservation Area is presently experiencing. The plan is organized in the following fashion: 1) we offer an in depth look at the past management and background of the site; 2) we provide a detailed site analysis that addresses the environmental, social and managerial aspects of Lick Creek Conservation Area; 3) finally, we identify and discuss in depth the prevailing management issues, e.g. soil erosion, and the corresponding goals set forth to solve these problems. These goals and objectives were determined using a time span of ten years and a budget of $30,000; $15,000 for startup costs, $10,000 for the first five years, and $5,000 for the last five years. In accomplishing these goals and promoting innovative land management, our group believes that Lick Creek Conservation Area could become a popular destination for both education and recreation in the Boone County Area.Item Characterization of soybean genes involved in soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance [abstract](University of Missouri--Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research, 2007) Yeckel, Gregory; Ithal, Nagabhushana; Nettleton, Dan; Recknor, Justin; Wu, Xiaolei R.; Nguyen, Henry T.; Mitchum, Melissa G.; University of Missouri-Columbia. Office of Undergraduate Research; Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum (2007 : University of Missouri--Columbia)The expansion of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) across soybean producing regions of the United States shows no signs of slowing. Resistant soybean germplasm has been used as the primary strategy to manage this pest. However, soybean resistance against SCN is derived from a narrow genetic base and repeated plantings have selected for populations of SCN that can break the resistance. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of soybean resistance is critical for designing novel strategies to improve crop plant resistance to SCN. To identify genes potentially involved in SCN resistance, we previously coupled laser capture microdissection with microarray profiling to compare gene expression profiles of nematode feeding cells induced in resistant and susceptible near-isogenic lines (NILs) of soybean. We identified 390 soybean genes that were differentially expressed between the resistant and susceptible NILs. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) pools of soybean DNA were then screened for the presence of a subset of these genes. Three genes, believed to be involved in soybean stress and defense responses, were selected for further functional studies. Full length gene and cDNA sequences are being isolated using genome walking and RACE PCR approaches. RNAi and overexpression studies will be used to test the function of these genes in resistance to SCN.