Desiccation poses a significant challenge to many living organisms due to its disruptive effects on essential biological processes. However, certain organisms, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, exhibit remarkable desiccation tolerance, which is partly attributed to molecules like trehalose. Desiccated cells are thought to vitrify, forming a glass-like state within the cell, which is believed to be more fragile in the absence of trehalose. Despite trehalose’s importance, other factors also contribute to desiccation tolerance, including the formation of protective structures like the spore wall that surrounds ascospores after meiosis. Our ongoing investigation into the desiccation tolerance of yeast spores, particularly in comparison to vegetative cells, aims to deepen our understanding of the role of trehalose and other mechanisms in preserving cell viability under desiccation stress. By analyzing strains with trehalose deletions (Wild-type (TPS1/TPS1) heterozygote deletion (TPS1/tps1∆) homozygote deletion (tps1∆/tps1∆)), we anticipate shedding light on the significance of trehalose in spore survival and spore wall integrity. Through these efforts, we seek to unravel the intricate interplay between molecular mechanisms and cellular structures in safeguarding against desiccation-induced damage.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Biology

Organisms across the phyla are capable of sensing an array of sensory cues to control or shape complex behavioral responses to survive in a complex environment consisting of an array of attractive and repulsive dangerous cues. Mammalian systems extensively use olfactory and gustatory behavior to fine tune these sensory-dependent decision-making behaviors. Despite understanding the importance of behavioral responses to cues in the form of odors in shaping decision-making behavior. The underlying mechanisms that mediate these responses at the level of sensation, processing, integration, and modulation of these sensory dependent responses are not fully understood. To understand these mechanisms we use the invertebrate worm, C. elegans to characterize attraction to mammalian sensed odorant cues. We show that hermaphrodite worms are attracted to catnip oil cues and identify select sensory mechanisms that mediate this attraction, identifying multiple sensory genes (molecular substrates) that are involved in this chemosensory response to a mammalian sensed cue, that is highly attractive in many cats. We have identified sensory transduction mechanisms, including G-proteins, and cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels, that regulate odor-dependent attraction to mammalian sensed catnip oil cues. We therefore provide a platform to use C. elegans as a model for studying olfactory-dependent pathways to mammalian cues. This allows characterization of the neural mechanisms that shape olfactory behavior and decision-making in higher systems.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Biology

There are unique types of cells that give rise to many different types of cells and tissues in the body that are called pluripotent stem cells like P19.CL6 that are able to differentiate into three tissue types of mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm. They’ve the ability to undergo self-renewal and differentiation making them valuable for scientific research and beneficial for science and therapeutic purposes. It is difficult to maintain and increase pluripotency stem cells and their undergoing self-renewal due to their overgrowth of fibroblasts (ectoderm) per passage and maintaining their cell culture conditions. As a result of this, reversing methylation and renewing naive epigenetic expression by restoring the less specialized state of cells has been accomplished via using 5’-azacytidine (5’-aza) on P19.CL6. The objective of our experiment is to give rise to more pluripotent stem cells generated via using 5’-aza to demethylate their DNA possessing the capacity to give rise to the three tissue types.  Our hypothesis is that the 5’-aza treatment would enhance and increase the restoration of more pluripotent cells that would promote the differentiation of mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm. In this experiment, embryoid bodies (EBs) grew on ultra-low attachment plates that were treated with 10 µm of 5’-aza within three days and then switched to mesoderm (cardiac) facilitating differentiation media with 1% of DMSO for seven days which were placed in a coated gelatin plate. The media was changed twice a week and the FBS concentration on day seven was reduced from 10% to 5% for better growth of cells. After fourteen days, we witnessed black pigmented cells in all of our two six well dishes, signifying retinal pigment epithelium, RPE, creating an ectoderm layer. At twenty-one days, beating next to the black cells of RPE were seen resulting in the growth of the mesoderm layer. Nerve cells have been noted throughout the plates indicating an endoderm tissue layer growth. There have been numerous sites of other cells that resemble The shape of the bunny throughout the two plates that are heart cells. In conclusion, 5’-aza shows a promising and effective method for demethylation and pluripotent restoration.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Biology

​​Keystone bacteria within an oral microbiome can be indicators of gum health and diseases. In 1983, using classical microbiology methods, prominent keystone bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus sanguinis, were identified as major species in dental plaque.  Preterm labor, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative illness are tied to these two keystone species. As a preventative measure for such diseases, there is a need for a device to rapidly assess pathogenic dysbiosis at the point of patient care. The LifeSmile, an oral microbiome diagnostic device, is designed to rapidly generate an “abundance ratio” of the number of Fusobacterium nucleatum, an anaerobe to Streptococcus sanguinis, its facultative partner bacteria. Tooth microbiomes collected from individuals with Next Generation Sequencing (Nextgen) surprisingly had easily measurable levels of the abundance ratio. Nextgen sequencing is not a portable or rapid method. Previously the LifeSmile technology approached the problem of determining the abundance ratio with DNA extraction, LAMP, and CRISPR-Cas12a with two offsite color FRET targets. This portable, palm-sized device, displayed the abundance ratio, indicating positive dysbiosis. We hypothesize that a new compatible technology, CRISPR-Cas12a and Activated Nuclease poly-T Reporter Illuminating Particles (CANTRIP) could be run in parallel in the same reaction, giving two individuals signals (Fusobacterium on CANTRIP red fluorescence channel and Streptococcus on green fluorescence Cas12a offsite cleavage target). The addition of CANTRIP as a second signaling detection assay is hypothesized to serve as a faster, more efficient method to generate the keystone bacteria ratio due to its dual detection system from combined enzymes (CAS12a and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase TdT), which generate easily visible green fluorescence and red copper dual signals. The LifeSmile is envisioned to be a robust point-of-care oral healthcare diagnostic device to provide patients with on-demand, preventative assessment of oral symbiosis or dysbiosis.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Biology

In the last decade, remote bioacoustic monitoring has gained traction among wildlife researchers as it offers several advantages over traditional survey methods, especially for endangered or threatened species. Benefits include detecting wildlife with fewer site visits, less habitat disturbance, and the ability to survey multiple sites concurrently. California has several sensitive anuran (frog and toad) species that are in decline presenting a challenge for local wildlife agencies to regularly monitor new populations.
We are developing techniques and protocols to use autonomous recording units (ARUs) to potentially monitor four anuran species listed as species of special concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) – Anaxyrus californicus, Rana draytonii, and Spea hammondii – and by the SMMNRA – Anaxyrus boreas – as well one Federaly Endangered Species – Rana boylii. We will also be listening for 3 invasive species in the area including Pseudacris hypochondriaca, Xenopus laevis, and a new potential invasive Eleutherodactylus coqui.
Our goal is to document the presence of any sensitive anuran species around Ventura County and compare detection methods by placing Audio Moth ARUs above ground, and Hydro Moth ARUs underwater in pools surrounding CSUCI campus and in the Santa Monica Mountains. Rainforest Connection, a nonprofit, makes these recorders and offers a companion sound analysis service called Arbimon. In this poster, we highlight the automated sound detection methodology of pattern matching that we utilize in Arbimon to recognize species of interest, and we evaluate the utility of different recording and analytical techniques.
The results of this study will allow us to follow up on efforts by SMMNRA biologists to reintroduce Rana draytonii to locations in the Santa Monica Mountains and to see if these populations as well as others have dispersed to the edges of historical habitats surrounding CSUCI.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Biology

Most biological processes require water to function, so desiccation can be distressing for many living organisms. Desiccation tolerant organisms, commonly termed anhydrobiotes, can lose significant amounts of water and still function normally once rehydrated. The exact stress(es) that cause lethality in desiccation sensitive organisms and how the lethal stresses are mitigated in desiccation tolerant organisms are poorly understood. We use saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism to investigate this. A proposed way for mitigating the stress involved in desiccation is the presence of osmolytes in yeast cells. The role that trehalose, glycogen, and glycerol play in the desiccation tolerance of yeast cells are measured through tolerance assays. The viability of strains lacking these compatible solutes are assessed and we propose the importance of these osmolytes in mitigating the stresses involved in desiccation. The concentrations of the compatible solutes at varying drying conditions are measured via glucose assays and assessed for possible correlations between harsher drying conditions, desiccation tolerance, and varying levels of osmolyte concentrations.

Poster Presentation

Session 3

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Grand Salon

Biology

The coffee industry reaches over 80 billion US dollars in revenue partially due to the numerous chemicals that allow for coffee’s highly attractive aroma and flavor. Many people integrate coffee into their everyday routine; therefore, understanding why people are attracted to coffee can allow us to 1) characterize its attractive nature and 2) better understand how humans interpret a complex smell and taste on a molecular and cellular level. Although many are coffee consumers, the mechanism and characterization of coffee attraction have yet to be fully understood. We report that the model worm, C. elegans, with only 302 neurons, can smell and perform strong attraction behavior towards various coffee types. Using the model worm, we have identified worms to be strongly attracted to coffee. We have also characterized the neural architecture that drives this sensorimotor behavior. Ultimately, we provide a platform to thoroughly understand the mechanisms and future neuronal circuits that mediate sensory-guided behavior to a complex human-sensed stimulus.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Biology

An environment is often represented by numerous sensory cues. In order to better survive, an animal often needs to detect and process simultaneously present sensory cues to make a behavioral decision. Multisensory behavior is widely observed in both the vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Integrating multiple sensory cues generates a more accurate evaluation of the environment and provides important adaptive values. Intriguingly, humans have several neurological diseases that are linked to sensory processing or decision-making including, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and gambling behaviors. These diseases can involve differences in encountering multiple sensory stimuli that evoke certain behavioral choices under normal conditions. These studies reveal multi-sensory integration as a common neuronal and behavioral process. The importance of these studies will help understand the underlying mechanisms of disease in humans. The C. elegans genome encodes homologues of about 50% of the molecules expressed in the mammalian brains, which allows characterizing of the molecular and circuit basis for multisensory behavior during decision-making. We investigate the behavioral differences across various strains of nematodes, generally examining multiple populations of Caenorhabditis nematode that have originated from distinct geographical locations. We use a multisensory behavioral paradigm to address these questions to determine a profile for how these different worm strains behave, which is in a food leaving assay WITH and WITHOUT exposure to dangerous repulsive odors. We hope to provide insight into how different organisms may behave in different conditions during exposure to attractive food sources and adverse environmental conditions.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Biology

Antibiotic resistance is a prevalent global health threat. Due to the progressive ineffectiveness of antimicrobial drug treatments, there is a need for discovery of new antibiotics while also testing combinational therapy. Preliminary work shows that some native California plants used by the Chumash Native Americans have antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the aim of this research is to determine the synergistic effect of six plant extracts of indigenous plants (Lemonade Berry, White Sage, Manzanita, Coastal Sage, Yarrow, Rue). The plant extracts were tested for synergistic antimicrobial activity by combining two extracts using a 1:1 ratio. The susceptibility of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli to the plant extracts was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The zones of inhibition were examined by performing a needle inoculation to test for bactericidal/bacteriostatic properties. B. subtilis and P. fluorescens displayed higher susceptibility compared to E.coli plates. Lemonade Berry mixed with Manzanita Displayed higher zones of inhibition (greater susceptibility) compared to individual plant extracts tested against B. subtilis.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Biology

Sweeteners can be either nutritive (providing calories such as table sugar) or nonnutritive (providing zero calories such as stevia). Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose are found in zero-calorie sugar substitutes, while natural zero calorie sweeteners have also emerged in the market, such as Stevia, Monk-fruit, sugar alcohols (xylitol, erythritol) and allulose. Today, because of the increasing trend in diabetes, a large number of individuals are relying on these sweeteners for negating glucose in their diets. One area which is relatively unexplored is the impact of these sweeteners on the oral microbiome which refers to the microbial population in the mouth. The oral microbiome is subject to change depending on the diet and lifestyle of an individual and its metabolic footprint is thus dynamic in nature. Our research seeks to analyze the differences in the growth patterns, metabolic footprint, and chemical sensitivities of the human oral microbiome in response to exposure to eleven different zero calorie sweeteners. The experimental procedures involve collection of the microbial populations from the mouths of human subjects having diverse dietary inclinations (vegetarian, vegan, omnivores, pescatarians, etc.), culturing the bacteria in rich and synthetic media, monitoring the growth profiles using spectrophotometry, and conducting metabolic footprint assays using the BIOLOG Phenotype microarray platform. Our current results indicate that the oral bacteria respond differently to different sweeteners depending on the diet of the human subject. The most preferred sweeteners were sorbitol, stevia, maltitol and monkfruit but a few pools also showed an inclination to lactitol. Growth profiles indicated rapid adaption to these sweeteners, similar to that seen in glucose. The oral microbiome has been hypothesized to impact oral health and this project will be useful in determining the changes in the metabolism of the oral microflora in response to different sweeteners. With a shift in the population, the metabolic footprint is also likely to change, which can likely influence susceptibility to diseases. Considering the enormous and unregulated use of these sweeteners today, this study’s observations could have important implications for their continued consumption and may reflect a more cautionary utilization.

Poster Presentation

Session 2

1:00pm – 2:15pm
Grand Salon

Biology