Stander Symposium abstract book - University of Dayton

POSTER SESSION 1
Lobe (L) interacts genetically with RD factors to promote ectopic eye formation in
Drosophila melanogaster
Presenter(s):
Advisor(s): Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh
Biology - Independent Research
The Drosophila gene Lobe (L) is required for cell survival, Dorsoventral (DV) patterning, and eye development. L mutants cause loss-of-ventral eye
phenotype due to induction of cell death and upregulation of Wingless (Wg). We investigated the role of L in eye development and specifically
evaluate its ability to modulate the activity of the Retinal Determination Gene Network (RDGN). Specifically, we modulated L levels and assayed
the effects on Ey, Eya, and So mediated ectopic eye induction using the UAS/GAL 4 misexpression system. Our results confirm that targeted
expression of Ey induces ectopic eyes at a higher frequency. Among different Ey stocks tested for their ability to rescue the half eye phenotype of
L2 mutation were full length Ey (UAS Ey#10 and UAS Ey#11) and others that had mutations in the phosphorylation sites in the CTD. UAS Ey Dala
#2 is the most potent inducer of ectopic eyes. Furthermore, misexpression of eya or So result in the formation of smaller ectopic eyes at a lower
frequency. The Eya protein levels remain unchanged in the bi;L2 >UAS Eya crosses suggesting that Eya is upstream of L. We hypothesized that if
L genetically interacts with the key components of RDGN, co-expression of L with bi;GAL4> Ey, Eya, So, Eya+So would result in an expansion of
eye field with tissue overgrowth in the eye-antennal disc. We also tested the requirement for L in inducing ectopic eyes by the key components of
RDGN. We found that ectopic eyes are formed more robustly (increase in number and size) in the presence of L than in its absence.Misexpressing
Eya, So, or both causes increased pharate lethality (>95%), distortion of compound eye at its margins, and partially rescues the loss of ventral eye
phenotype of L2 mutant suggesting a genetic interaction.
PCL Nanofibers Induce Lens Fiber Formation of Mouse Lens Epithelial Cells
Presenter(s): Joelle Baddour
Advisor(s): Panagiotis A Tsonis
Biology - Graduate Research
Current cataractous lens replacement therapies require frequent medical checkups due to the potential formation of secondary cataracts as a
result of the transdifferentiation of residual lens epithelial cells to mesenchymal myofibroblast cells (EMT). To prevent EMT, current treatments
include laser therapy or the administration of anti-fibrotic drugs. Recently, Poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) has become a popular material for tissue
replacement therapy due to its relative durability compared to other biomaterials. For instance, the use of PCL as a nanofibrous scaffold offers
a novel tool to model the complex architecture of different tissue types including skin, bone, cartilage, muscle, and brain cells. This study examines
the suitability of PCL nanofibers for lens tissue engineering and lens replacement therapies. In an attempt to create a more organized lens fiber
alignment without the risk of EMT, this study tests the use of aligned PCL nanofibers as a potential artificial lens matrix for cellular ingrowth and
lens epithelial cells differentiation into lens fiber cells.
Re-establishing Native Flora in a Streamside Forest after Removal of the Invasive Shrub
Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
Presenter(s): Eryn M Moore
Advisor(s): Rachel E Barker, Ryan W McEwan
Biology - Independent Research
Amur honeysuckle has invaded much of Midwestern Ohioâs stream side forests resulting in lower levels of native plant species. This has negative
impacts on the health of our local ecosystems. Our experiment studied the effectiveness of native species plots in preventing re-invasion of Amur
honeysuckle. In late summer of 2010, Amur honeysuckle was removed as part of a restoration experiment along a 150m long stream reach in Black
Oak Park, Centerville, Ohio. In the spring of 2011, the four treatments applied to the removal stretch were control (no planting), shrub planting
(pawpaw and spicebush), herb planting (herbaceous seed mix for stream banks), and both herbs and shrubs. Plant cover was measured in the fall
of 2011, after a full growing season of establishment. Average percent coverage was measured in all plots for herb species and Amur honeysuckle.
Results of the experiment show that the percentage and density of native plant species in all plot treatments, exceeded Amur honeysuckle and
other non-native species. After replanting, mean vegetative cover was greatest in the mixed treatment of herb and shrub cover. Plots in which
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