Abstracts (MARCO-WT) and rSNP MARCO (MARCO-R) probes were incubated with nuclear extract, applied to a neutravidin resin column, then eluted and subjected to gel electrophoresis. They were then transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane and probed for two forms of C/EBP, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ. Both forms demonstrated enhanced binding to the MARCO-R probe relative to the MARCO-WT probe. Next, a luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine transcriptional activity of MARCO-WT and MARCO-R in macrophages, revealing reduced transcription attributed to MARCO-R. Therefore, enhanced binding of C/EBP downregulates transcription of MARCO, as seen with the rSNP. By downregulating MARCO, the rSNP may allow for less MARCO-TDM interaction, which may be involved in arresting phagosomal-lysosomal fusion. Individuals with the rSNP would therefore exhibit increased control over the Mtb infection. This project studies the mechanism whereby the rSNP mediates resistance. Examining MARCO expression and interactions with TDM and Mtb infection will result in a better understanding of the role and mechanism of action of MARCO in TB pathogenesis.
with PDAC tissue but not normal, uninfected pancreatic tissue. The place where this antibody binds, its epitope, is N-glycan specific and is present on certain glycoproteins, one of which is CEACAM6 (Carcinoembryonic Antigen Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 6) in PDAC tissue. Identification of this MAb109 epitope using sitedirected mutagenesis of N-glycosylation sites and truncation of CEACAM6 fragment 1 (C6f1) can set the stage for development of unique clinical screening and therapeutic tools and eventual treatment of pancreatic cancer. How Does FoodCorps Contribute to the Pursuit of Farm to School Success? Usha M Kaila Dr. Jennifer Jo Thompson, Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences This project examines the impact of FoodCorps service members on the success of Farm to School programs in Georgia. Farm to School programs, which aims to bring healthy, locally grown foods, education about nutrition and agriculture, and school gardens to K-12 schools, are estimated to be in 42% of schools in the US. Nevertheless, Farm to School programs face a number of challenges, including cost and institutional support. FoodCorps is an Americorps service organization that aims to teach children about food and nutrition through hands-on experiences such as school gardens and culinary instruction. Since 2014, Georgia Organics has hosted FoodCorps service members placed in several school districts across the state. As part of an evaluation of Georgia Organics’ farm to school programming, we conducted semi-structured interviews with FoodCorps members, their site supervisors, and school nutrition directors in their districts. We examine the data to determine how the presence of FoodCorps service members impacts student engagement and staff buy-in of Farm to School.
Identification of MAb109 Epitope in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Manasa Kadiyala, Ramsey Scholar, CURO Summer Fellow Dr. Hawkeye Pierce, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer with annual survival rates less than 25%. It currently lacks proper diagnosis and treatment, which leads to many patients being treated and screened after malignant tumorigenesis has already occurred. The progression of oncogenesis and tumor growth has been found to be linked to changes in glycan expression on the cell surface of pancreatic cells. These abnormal modifications can be specifically targeted, and their identification can serve as a potential therapeutic for the disease. Glycans and glycoproteins are useful objects of study as they are uniquely affected by changes in glycosylation that occur early on in oncogenesis. In order to identify the specific glycan target for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, researchers have identified a mouse monoclonal immunoglobin G (IgG) antibody (MAb109) that uniquely reacts
Characterizing the Ribonuclease Activity of Staphylococcus epidermidis Csm6 Joshua A Kalter, CURO Research Assistant Dr. Michael Terns, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
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