2011 National Convention Presentations
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2011 National Convention Presentations
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Presentation Abstracts (Poster Abstracts below) |
Chemical Constituents of the Burmese Python Sexual Attractiveness Pheromone Beginning in October of 2010, shed skins from an age-diverse population of 16 Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) were collected, dried, massed, and extracted using multiple solvents. These extracts were recollected, analyzed by GC-FID, recombined and subjected to separation by flash liquid chromatography. Using silica gel stationary phase and hexanes, hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient mobile phase - four distinct fractions were collected and subjected to GC-FID and FT-IR analysis. GC results for the suspected pheromone fraction consist of visible peaks with retention times ranging from 5 minutes to 35 minutes. There are about a dozen peaks of interest, all regularly spaced, and eluting one every 45 seconds (retention times of 14-23 minutes). All four fractions were then used for behavior trials with two adult male pythons that both showed tongue flicking, conical scenting patterns, and head bobbing behaviors indicating sexual interest. We believe that the amount of sex pheromone produced by the female will significantly increase this spring such that sheds from February and March should elicit greater sexual behavior. We will continue to collect data and run behavioral trials during the Everglades breeding season in the next few months as part of this ongoing yearlong project. |
Small Mammal Use of and Ectoparasite load on Reclaimed Mountaintop Removal and Valley-Fill Habitats Mountaintop removal and valley-fill operations are an integral part of Eastern Kentucky for both culture and livelihoods. The impacts of these operations on the environment are not clearly understood. Surveying the populations of P. leucopus and P. maniculatus on reclaimed habitats versus the population in an unaltered habitat, as well as quantifying and classifying ectoparasites found on P. leucopus. As parasites can serve as important vectors for diseases that can be transferred to humans (Whitaker, 1968), we felt that the study is particularly relevant in Eastern Kentucky where habitat alteration affects the population distribution and densities of small mammals and thereby their ectoparasites. We did this by using small and large Sherman traps as well as Longworth-style traps over the course of four months, recording our trapping success, and comparing the capture rates of both habitats to see which habitat promotes and fosters these small mammals' communities. P. leucopus was chosen as the main study animal for the ectoparasite load evaluation because it is found to be abundant in this area. We discovered that we've had much better success trapping P. leucopus and P. maniculatus on reclaimed landscape than unaltered environments which suggests that reclaimed mountaintop removal and valley-fill habitats are beneficial and advantageous to these two small mammals. However, due to the lack of unique P. leucopus individuals captured, it's hard to draw conclusions about the effects of mountaintop removal on ectoparasite-host relationships of small mammals.
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Structures of Tungsten- and Molybdenum-Containing Double Perovskite Oxides The crystal structures of six ordered perovskites A2MM'O6 (A2+ = Ca, Sr, Ba; M2+ = Mg, Ca, Zn; M'6+=W, Mo) were determined from X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data collected under ambient conditions. Analysis of these compounds, along with 34 additional compounds, shows that distortions of this solid-state structure are controlled by two factors - the intrinsic nature of the A-cation and how well the A-cation fits into the structure's framework.
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Resveratrol Attenuates Inducible Nitric Oxide Production in Macrophages The beneficial effects of red wine consumption have been in part attributed to the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol, which is found in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Because the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol have been well documented, the aim of the present study was to determine the ability of resveratrol to attenuate nitric oxide production by macrophages stimulated with IFN-g and LPS. Resveratrol pre-treatment of both RAW 264.7 cells and murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMM) resulted in a statistically significant and dose-dependent diminution of nitric oxide release, although the dose-dependency appeared to be due to anti-proliferative effects of resveratrol. Furthermore, analysis of iNOS gene expression by reverse transcriptase PCR and densitometry revealed a resveratrol-dependent decrease in IFN-g and LPS inducible iNOS expression. Preliminary, assessment of STAT1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by western blotting suggests that activation and possibly synthesis of both signaling molecules is reduced in the presence of resveratrol. Together, these findings suggest that resveratrol regulates macrophage-mediated nitric oxide production, and that this effect is mediated at least in part at the level of cell signaling by both STAT1 and ERK1/2.
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Documentation of Rates of Infection by Toxoplasma gondii in House Cats (Felis catus) in Eastern Kentucky and Southwestern Virginia Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, can affect multiple species, including humans. Most infections go unnoticed although serious problems can arise in immuno-compromised individuals. Pregnant women who contract Toxoplasmosis can pass the parasite to their fetuses, which can develop swelling of the brain, leading to vision and neurological problems. Current research suggests that certain types of schizophrenia are caused by Toxoplasmosis. The definitive host of T. gondii is the cat. Felines contract the parasite when they consume infected prey. The parasite is passed in their feces, posing a threat to humans. To gauge the risk of infection in house cats in Pike Co., KY, and Buchanan Co., VA, blood sera of local cats were tested for antibodies to T. gondii to determine infection rate. Of the 103 cats tested, 23.03% were positive for T. gondii antibodies. Of these positive cases, 62.50% are most likely active cases, and 37.50% are presumed to be immune to re-infection. A positive correlation was noted between infection and contact with other cats.
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What to Do With a Dead Body: A Forensic Evaluation of Skeletal Remains In the field of forensics, investigators often have to deal with bodies that have been disposed of through a variety of methods. Human remains are frequently subjected to a number of different chemical and environmental conditions that will quicken their rate of decomposition, and these factors make it more difficult to estimate the individual's time of death with a great degree of accuracy. The object of this project was to examine how different treatment groups affected the decomposition rate of white-tailed deer bone and to examine how different environments influenced these same factors. White-tailed deer bones are similar in composition and structure to human bone, and so the data obtained could be extrapolated to estimate rates of human skeletal decomposition. Of the treatments, soaking the bones in vinegar did not significantly decay the bones faster than the control group, but baking the bones did speed up decomposition. There was no significant difference between any of the different environments tested, suggesting that bones will decompose at comparable rates in most natural settings.
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The Contractile Effects of Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) Extract on the Stomach Tissue of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) The herbal supplement blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has been shown by Berger and DeGolier to elicit a contractile response in uterine smooth muscle tissue in research performed in 2008. This begs the question: in what other smooth muscle tissues will the action of blue cohosh produce a contractile response? To help answer this question strips of rat (Rattus norvegicus) stomach smooth muscle tissue were extracted and exposed to blue cohosh extract. Doses of blue cohosh extract (2.5mg, 5.0mg, 10.0mg, 15.0mg, and 20.0mg) were added to a tissue bath, in which the stomach tissue strips were suspended in 20mL of Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Blue cohosh response was analyzed by way of dose dependence, the time it took to elicit a maximum response, and compared to a positive contractile agent (acetylcholine). While statistically significant results were not produced to show dose dependence, the beginning of a dose dependent trend was evident and warrants further research. In terms of the time it took to produce a maximum contractile response, it was shown that the lowest dose (2.5mg) took significantly longer than all other doses. Overall, comparatively stronger contractions were produced in uterine tissue by Berger and DeGolier. Therefore, no stomach complications are foreseen at these doses.
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The cloning and analysis of a cytokine-like gene in hermit crabs (Coenobita clypeatus) Cytokines are small cell-signaling molecules that are secreted by many immune cells and are a component of innate immunity. Although innate immunity is fairly well understood in mammals, it is not as studied in invertebrates outside of Drosophila. Previous research shows that Sptzle is a cytokine-like molecule found in Drosophila and is required in the Toll signaling pathway. ProSptzle is cleaved by a protease into an active molecule that binds the extracellular region of the Toll receptor and causes a phosphorylation of the intracellular Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor domain, which activates a signaling pathway. A Sptzle-like protein has been identified in Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis). This provides a potential conserved sequence to identify Sptzle in other invertebrates, such as hermit crabs. Hermit crabs (Coenobita clypeatus) can serve as potential model organisms because they are a novel organism with little molecular data known. Previous research has shown that hermit crabs have a behavioral response indicating pain, but no work has been carried out to demonstrate an inflammatory or immune response at the molecular level. We have successfully cloned a Sptzle cytokine-like gene that shares strong identity with the Sptzle-like protein of Chinese shrimp and highest identity with Sptzle from salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). We are currently defining the tissue distribution of Sptzle using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and investigating possibility that Sptzle is expressed during an immune response in the hermit crab.
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Using cellulose acetate electrophoresis to identify shifts in the populations of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and deer mice (P. maniculatus) In the field, proper identification of two different species of Peromyscus has proven to be unreliable. The deer mouse (P. maniculatus) and the white-footed mouse (P. leucopus) have been found to reside in similar habitats and within the same locations throughout the United States. Furthermore, they are extremely similar in appearance. This makes identification in the field frequently unreliable. Because of this difficulty in differentiation based strictly on morphological characters, this study focuses identification on the results from laboratory testing that uses cellulose acetate electrophoresis of allozymes of salivary amylase to identify the individuals captured. Testing in the lab has shown that accepted morphological techniques are unreliable. This study builds on and adds to data previously collected to examine population densities of Peromyscus spp. in eastern Kentucky and northwestern Minnesota. Based on the results of this study, we can identify a clear population shift in the populations of both P. maniculatus and P. leucopus in Minnesota. Specifically, the captured number of individuals of P. maniculatus in Minnesota was substantially lower than in previous years, a trend which has previously been observed by other researchers in Michigan and Wisconsin.
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Assessment Of Abiotic Parameters Of The Lilly Reflecting Pond, Lilly Lake, And Marina Of Eagle Creek This study investigated the biotic parameters of Lilly reflecting pond, Lilly Lake, and Marina of the central Indiana. Physical parameters: water and air temperature, flow severity, algae cover, water color, water clarity, water surface, water condition, water odor, and Secchi's Disk transparency and chemical parameters: specific conductivity, pH, and total dissolved solids were measured fortnightly from October to December in the Spring 2010.Water quality parameters of three sites were compared. Carolina Exploring the Quality of Natural Waters kits (#DH-181020) was used to measure these parameters. The results indicated that physical and chemical parameters within the three sites of each sampling location were almost similar. As predicted, algae cover, Secchi's Disk transparency, specific conductivity, and pH of Lilly reflecting pond was noticeably higher compared to two other sites. A further long term empirical research is recommended for the detail assessment of this lentic ecosystem.
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The Effects of Diazepam (Valium) on Skeletal Muscle Contractile Strength in vitro and in situ Various skeletal muscle relaxants are used to treat musculoskeletal conditions in medicine today. Among some of the most widely used drugs is diazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative. Diazepam functions in the central nervous system by binding to a specific subunit of the GABA receptor. GABA receptor activation results in decreased neuronal activity, or inhibitory effects, due to the receptors' control of chloride influx which hyperpolarizes the post-synaptic membrane. Diazepam is predominately thought of as a centrally-active drug, but evidence exists which suggests substantial effects on the periphery and the skeletal muscles themselves, namely, skeletal muscle relaxation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of diazepam on skeletal muscle contractile strength both in vitro, using psoas muscle tissue isolated from Rattus norvegicus, and in situ, administering diazepam via the sciatic nerve and measuring contractions of frog gastrocnemius, Rana pipiens. In vitro experiments were carried out by situating isolated portions of the psoas muscle (without nerve tissue) in an organ bath mimicking physiological conditions. In situ experiments utilized the exposed sciatic nerve and frog gastrocnemius severed at the Achilles tendon with the rest of the organism intact. For both experiments contractile strengths were measured using a force transducer and percent changes between trials were measured. Findings suggested no statistical difference in contractile strength between control and experimental groups, indicating that, with respect to the tissues studied, diazepam mechanism of action requires central nervous system interaction and descending neuronal pathways. |
RT-PCR analysis of the 14-3-3 gene leonardo during oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster mutants A number of cell signaling pathways have been implicated in the oxidative stress sensing system including the insulin growth factor receptor, the Ras/Raf and the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. One critical integrating component in these pathways is the 14-3-3 protein. 14-3-3 proteins are a highly conserved class of cytoplasmic signaling molecules in eukaryotes. We have examined the effects of oxidative stress, induced with the herbicide paraquat, in Drosophila melanogaster on the leonardo 14-3-3 gene. Through genetic manipulation of the 14-3-3 leonardo gene we can alter the D. melanogaster response to oxidative stress. Lower levels of 14-3-3 protein apparently cause an increase in oxidative stress resistance. To further our study, we have used Reverse Transcriptase-PCR to assay gene expression levels of leonardo transcript in leonardo and epsilon mutant flies exposed to 0 mM, 2.5 mM and 5 mM concentrations of paraquat.
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Wavelet Classification of Ultrasonic Rodent Vocalizations Previous studies attempting to classify ultrasonic frequency (above 20 kHz) rodent vocalizations fail to characterize Low Spectral Purity (LSP) vocalizations, which account for 40% of recorded calls. Using rat vocalization waveforms from Johns Hopkins University, our research sought to: (1) automate classification of vocalizations, and (2) create a mathematical tool to characterize both High Spectral Purity (HSP) and LSP sounds. Wavelet transforms extract impulsive signal features present in LSP sounds, uncaptured by widely used frequency-based Fourier transforms. We developed a method using a 2D wavelet transform of each vocalization's sonogram to compute its "wavelet feature vector," which captured multiple-scale directional features. Wavelet feature vectors were plotted and clustered to test classification success. The system we created, which interfaced an external 5-core processor with an ultrasonically filtered microphone and our MatLab analysis software, effectively met our first goal. Our wavelet tool met the second goal in part. It successfully distinguished certain HSP sounds, and had some success capturing targeted LSP sounds. The study shows promise for continued use of wavelet techniques to characterize LSP sounds. To enhance differentiation of LSP sounds, we are developing a wavelet method which measures impulse strength directly from the audio waveform in order to bypass the Fourier transform-generated sonogram. |
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The Effects of Cattle Environment on the Growth of a Mastitis Causing Pathogen, E. coli Mastitis, an infection of a mammary gland, is a common problem in the dairy industry. This infection prevents milk yields and milk quality from reaching their highest potentials. Escherichia coli is one pathogen found in cattle environments that can cause mastitis. The ability of mastitis causing pathogens to grow in cattle bedding substrates is of concern due to the large fraction of time cattle spend lying down on bedding. In this experiment, the amounts of E. coli growth supported in samples of different bedding substrates in different controlled environments were compared. Bacterial growth was measured using spread plate techniques. The difference in growth rates between light exposed and non-light exposed samples was not found to be significant. The data suggests significant relationships between the type of bedding and the temperature of the cattle environment. These interactions, which may enable dairy producers to improve their cattle housing setup, are of economic importance. Future research in this area may include repeating the experiment with more types of bedding, more controlled factors such as substrate moisture content, and with growth over a longer time interval. |
Twenty yeast species within eight genus isolated from the body surface of Euploea and related species A migratory species of butterfly and plants the butterfly is known to visit, were collected from various counties of western and northern Taiwan. Yeasts from the surface of the body of the butterfly and surface of the plants were isolated and purified. The ITS region of the DNA of each yeast sample was then analyzed using PCR amplification and RAPD sequencing. The ITS, internal transcribed spacer, region of DNA codes for a piece of non-functional RNA that has a wide degree of variation even between closely related species. A total of 26 possible species were then sent in to the Genbank for sequencing to reveal the true identity of the species. Twenty different species were found within eight genera; Crytococcus, Rhodotorula, Sporidiobolus, Candida, Pseudozyma, Sporisorium, Metschnikowia, and Aureobasidium.
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Dynamics of a Nonlinear Oscillator Driven by Pulse-Width Modulated Square Waves We investigated a nonlinear mechanical oscillator, consisting of a mass suspended by three springs and kicked by a train of pulse-width modulated square waves. When these pulses "kicked" the system, the oscillator changed its amplitude, frequency, and region of oscillation randomly, getting constrained into periodic orbits in the phase plane. We studied the behavior of the oscillator numerically as a function of the frequency of the system, the initial elongation of the springs, and the frequency and strength of the square pulses. The system showed sensitivity to the initial elongation of the springs and the strength of the pulses, displaying chaotic behavior. This particular mechanical system could be used to investigate quantum-classical analogies with delta-kicked, nonlinear quantum oscillators.
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Comparison of in vivo pharmacology between nicotinic agonists used in smoking cessation Rational Understanding the pharmacology of nicotine and related nicotinic agonists is important for the further development of drug therapies to aid in smoking cessation. Previous studies have shown that nicotine has higher efficacy than other nicotinic agonists (varenicline and cytisine) in isolated tissues. Differences in clinical efficacy might be related to differences in efficacy of receptor stimulation among nicotine receptor agonists in vivo. The studies described here will examine behavioral and physiological parameters in mice to measure differences in efficacy under conditions of chronic nicotine treatment. Loss of sensitivity to the higher-efficacy agonist nicotine (i.e. nicotine tolerance) could be less than the cross-tolerance to lower-efficacy agonists varenicline and cytisine. Male C57BL/6J mice were trained in operant conditioning chambers to respond on a fixed ratio 30 schedule for a milk reinforcer. Saline was given at the beginning of each experiment followed by cumulative doses of nicotine, varenicline, cytisine. Behavioral responses were observed immediately after rectal temperature was measured. Nicotine, varenicline, and cytisine all decreased fixed ratio responding and produced hypothermia. As expected, nicotine was confirmed to have the highest efficacy in our model system, and varenicline and cytisine had lower efficacy. These results suggest that our system may be a reasonable model for nicotinic pharmacology. Rank order potency was similar between the decrease in temperature and the decrease in the rate of responding. These results indicate that the same mechanism responsible for decreasing the rate of responding is most likely responsible for decreasing the temperature. The next phase in this study is to chronically treat the animals with nicotine and then re-establish the dose/response curves to analyze if any shifts in the dose/response curves occurred. The results showed show that the rate of responding parameter appears to be more sensitive than the temperature parameter at detecting dose-dependent changes. This might mean that the efficacy demand required to produce changes in the rate of responding is less than it is for temperature. These results have a clinical application for the treatment of nicotine addiction.
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Progress Toward the Determination of Amoxicillin and Its Removal From Wastewater Numerous studies over the past decade have demonstrated the presence of various pharmaceuticals in natural and drinking water samples. Given the presence of these pharmaceuticals in water, researchers are now turning their attention to remediation of these contaminants. In this study, we chose to focus on the potential remediation of the water soluble antibiotic amoxicillin. The effectiveness of a model septic system on the removal of amoxicillin from water will be studied. Factors such as pH and the levels of inorganic compounds in the septic system will be evaluated. Prepared water samples will be percolated through the model system, and the amount of amoxicillin remaining in the water will be determined by concentration on a solid phase extraction cartridge and elution with methanol, followed by LC-MS analysis. We will report on our progress to date. |
Nanoshell Encapsulation of Blister Beetle Toxin Cancer therapy has developed significantly but has not come far enough because some tumors still do not respond to conventional treatments. Cantharidin, a toxin secreted by the blister beetle (family Meloidae), has been shown to cause apoptosis in cells. However, applications are limited because healthy cells are also damaged by the toxin. Encapsulation with nanoshells has the potential to make cantharidin a targeted weapon in the fight against cancer. Attempts were made to synthesize gold nanoshells starting with silver nanoparticles templates coated with cantharidin using a template engaged replacement reaction. Nano-capsule products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This research addresses the potential to encapsulate a powerful but indiscriminate toxin in a nanoshell delivery system.
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Pursuing a Healthier Heart: Ligand & Magnetic Nanoparticle Synthesis for use in Phosphoproteomics Phosphoproteomics is a branch of proteomics that identifies, characterizes, and catalogs proteins containing a phosphate group as a post-transitional modification. Approximately, 3% of the human genome codes for protein phosphorylation, with approximately a third of all proteins capable of phosphorylation. However, <0.1% of proteins in any given blood sample are phosphorylated at any given time; leading to isolation difficulties. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation is crucial in numerous biological pathways and processes; such as for the coordination of muscle concentrations. Studies have indicated that concentrations of phosphorylated proteins have shown to be higher in healthy hearts compared to unhealthy hearts. The aims of this project are to synthesis and couple phosphate-specific ligands to magnetic iron nanoparticles. Taking a top-down approach, the magnetic ligand-specific nanoparticles, while remaining soluble in aqueous environments, will be able to enrich and extract phosphorylated proteins out of biological mixtures. This will enable the selective examination of specific phosphorylated proteins. Ultimately, the hopes this project is to lead to a better understanding of cardiac and other proteins.
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Characterization of the Lysine Acetyltransferase Elp3 in Toxoplasma gondii Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa and is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients and unborn fetuses. It is important to study Toxoplasma because it serves as a model for other pathogenic apicomplexans, such as Plasmodium spp., that cause malaria. As a eukaryote, Toxoplasma shares many of the same cellular structures and proteins as humans. Both humans and Toxoplasma contain transcription factors known as lysine acetyltransferases or KATs. These play important roles in cellular function, including regulation via acetylation of histones during gene transcription and the acetylation of non-histone substrates. Elongator protein 3 (Elp3) is a KAT found in humans and Toxoplasma, but the Elp3 found in Toxoplasma is significantly different than the human Elp3. In other organisms, including humans and higher eukaryotes, Elp3 is known to acetylate histones during gene transcription and alpha tubulin in the cytoplasm of the cell. We hypothesize that Elp3 acetylates histones and tubulin within Toxoplasma gondii. In order to characterize Elp3 in Toxoplasma, we developed a tagged, recombinant form of Elp3 under a tubulin promoter. IFAs will be used to determine the localization of Elp3. In vitro KAT assays will be used to study the ability of Elp3 to acetylate histones and alpha tubulin. Preliminary data from a western of the parasites from the transient transfection shows that the desired form of Elp3 is being expressed within the parasites. IFAs using these parasites indicate that Elp3 localizes to the parasite nucleus and cytoplasm. A KAT assay shows that Elp3 has the ability to acetylate histone H3. According to this data, we expect Elp3 has enzyme activity involving nuclear and cytoplasmic substrates. Therefore, we expect that Elp3 will acetylate alpha tubulin, as it does in higher eukaryotes. The results from these experiments will contribute to our knowledge of the function of Toxoplasma KATsand serve as a model for other Apicomplexan parasite research.
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Propellants, Explosives, And Pyrotechnics, Oh My! - Synthesis And Characterization Of Environmentally Friendly Novel Energetic Materials Outdoor fireworks are a year round attraction, but most people do not realize the toxic perchlorates that are released into the environment upon explosion. The goal of this project is to synthesize new energetic materials that would be used as a pyrotechnic fuel to make them more environmentally friendly. Derivatives of 3,6-dihydrazino-1,2,4,6-tetrazine were synthesized and analyzed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR to determine the structures of the compounds. Friction tests were performed on the derivatives to test their relative stability in addition to bomb calorimetry tests to measure the heat given off upon combustion. If a compound is discovered that can be easily synthesized and releases the appropriate amount of energy, further research will be done to see if it can be incorporated into fireworks that produce minimal environmental waste.
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Protein sequence conservation in DNA repair protein Trex2 Trex2 is a homodimeric protein conserved in eukaryotes from yeast to humans, with some apparent homologs among prokaryotes. Recombinant human and mouse protein has robust 3'-exodeoxyribonuclease activity, consistent with its structural exonuclease motifs. Although its biochemical activity in vitro has been well described, its cellular function has been unclear. Trex2 has recently been found to participate in a DNA repair pathway, although little is known about its specific function in this pathway. DNA repair is a process that is functionally conserved from yeast to humans, and many of the participant proteins are similarly conserved. We intend try to shed light on the function of Trex2 by identifying regions of protein sequence conservation in a protein alignment of Trex2 homologs. Regions of Trex2 protein sequence conservation may suggest specific functions for the Trex2 protein and/or point to aspects of the structural nature of likely interacting partner proteins.
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Krysta N. Varnum, Alyssa R. Dominguez, Mayra Barajas, and Sara M. Volk GABAA- receptor subunit is a candidate for alphavirus receptor It has long been known that alphaviruses do not exclusively exploit the laminin receptor (LamR) for entry into vertebrate host cells, although it is a major attachment factor for alphavirus entry. Several regions of the LamR have been implicated in virus binding, although it is not clear that these are the only areas interacting with virus. We identified LamR homologs in different alphavirus-susceptible species and looked for conservation in these regions. The LamR homologs were similar in sequence, and likely have similar structures. To identify other potentially important alphavirus receptors, we used bioinformatic methods to search for proteins with similarity to the LamR. Sequence similarity might suggest structural, and possibly functional, similarity. This strategy resulted in the identification of the GABAA- receptor subunit as a non-homologous protein with 25% identity and 39% similarity to the LamR over a 274-aa region. We also identified homologs of GABAA- that are present in each of the alphavirus-susceptible species of interest. Therefore, the GABAA- receptor subunit is a candidate protein receptor for alphavirus entry into host cells.
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May 4, 2011
Allison Balloon, J. Goff, and C. Carmichael
Lacey Kyle Ferrell, Robert Cline, and Joseph C. Whittaker
Bradley E. Day, Nicholas D. Bley, Heather Althouse, Ryan D. McCullough, Hank W. Eng, Spencer H. Porter, Patrick M. Woodward, and Paris W. Barnes
Stephen J. Ekbom, Danielle Clifford, & Joyce E.S. Doan
Miranda Elswick, Clare C. W. Whittaker, Joseph C. Whittaker
Jordan Finch
Andrew Forsgren & Teresa De Golier
Elizabeth Gabel
Emily Holbrook and Joseph C. Whittaker
Jahuan Jarrett, Philip Peterson, Jacquelin Chambers, Jacqueline Muhammad & Mamta Singh
David S. Johnson and Teresa DeGolier (PhD)
Jessica Lindemann
Andrew Reid
Carrie Schumacher
Jaime Garcia and Juan D. Serna
Christina George
Robert Gregory
Caitlin Klimavicz, Paris Barnes
David Lopez, Chad Dooley, Chris Sichmeller, Prof. Song Jin
Krista Podell, Krista Stilger, William J. Sullivan, Jr.
Dian Romonosky, Dr. George Bennett, Dr. Paris Barnes
Melanie Valenciana