Stander Symposium abstract book - University of Dayton

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Functional and Genetic Analysis of Compensatory Responses Induced in Tumors Caused
by Loss of Scribble (apical-basal polarity).
Presenter(s): Alyssa C Lesko, Shilpi Verghese
Advisor(s): Madhuri Kango-Singh
Biology - Independent Research
The Hippo pathway has recently been identified to regulate the proliferation and survival of cells. Scribble is a tumor suppressor gene that is
involved in cell polarity. There is evidence that cell death induction in the scribble mutant cells is correlated to an increase in Jun N-terminal Kinase
(JNK) signaling due to activation of cell competition. However, increased survival of scrib mutant cells leads to growth of massive tumors. One way
in which dying cells stimulate proliferation is called compensatory proliferation. Many distinct compensatory mechanisms are now known that
involve the action of caspases, mitogens and cell signaling pathways. My project will investigate how changes in Hippo signaling are important
to cell-cell interactions. Our previous work showed that JNK and Hippo pathway interact. We have also investigated the correlation of several
phosphorylated proteins that belong to the JNK and Hpo pathway, to the loss of scribble in Western blot experiments. It was seen that scribble
mutants showed increased levels of these phosphorylated proteins compared to wild type and double mutant cells. We hypothesize that this
interaction determines if tumor cells survive or are eliminated. To test this, I will look at the role of JNK when it is activated and down regulated
in the Hippo pathway, as well as, its interaction with scribble. Genetic experiments will be used to study these interactions. Flies expressing the
nubGal4 UASHpoÎINH, and nubGal4 UASHpoRNAi will each be crossed to several target mutants. These targets are diap14.3GFP,ex-lacZ,fj-lacZ, and
dronc1-7kb-lact. The phenotypes of these crosses will be studied, and antibody staining of the eye and wing discs will be used to investigate cell
to cell interactions. Our findings from these studies will be presented.
Get Fit, Save Energy; Powering the Rec Through Energy-Generating Equipment
Presenter(s): Patrick J Danko, Jessica R Hanley, Lauren Williams
Advisor(s): Patrick K Williams
Biology - Senior/Capstone Project
Imagine a RecPlex where the energy you spend working out is transformed into electrical energy. Used not only to turn on the lights, but keep
where you exercise cool. Advancing technologies in the modern world have made this a reality. Campuses all over the country are starting to
incorporate this kind of equipment into their recreation centers. Machines that generate electricity and floors that transfer kinetic energy are two
such examples. However, is this idea realistic? What would be the cost and the benefits if a RecPlex like ours were to be built with this technology?
Our goal was to find out what students could do to improve the campus for a more Green influence.
Hershner Preserve Wetland Restoration
Presenter(s): Charles Chiara
Advisor(s): Jeffrey L Kavanaugh
Biology - Independent Research
In the summer of 2011, UD faculty and students began collection of reference data on plant communities in preparation for restoration of a wetland
fen that had been heavily impacted by agricultural activity; portions of the site had been converted to pasture for cattle grazing.All together,
the site is 26 acres and is located in Greene County, OH approximately 8 miles east of the University of Dayton. The unique natural area is a result of
Wisconsinan glaciation and is part of a 15-mile long series of wetlands that were produced when the retreat of the glacier paused here 17-thousand
years ago.Sections of the site have remained in pristine sedge meadow habitat. Our current study involves quantitative analysis of the plant
community using a Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity to determine reference conditions in less impacted areas of the site as well as the condition
of the degraded areas. Metrics involved in the analysis include species richness, species diversity, the percent of invasives, and fidelity of species to
preferred habitat. Our long term goal is to return the entire 26 acres to high quality habitat that includes sedge meadows, fens, and mesic prairies.
26