Microbiology and Biochemistry
Alexa Delgado, aadelgado19fl@ollusa.edu
Our Lady of the Lake University, with Dr. Briana Salas
Biology
Microbiologically Induced Corrosion of Marine Vessels and Structures
Although manufacturers utilize copper to construct marine vessels and structures because
of its antimicrobial properties, these structures continue to corrode costing manufacturers money and valuable resources. Researchers have identified evidence of microbiological corrosion. The Microbiologically Induced Corrosion Research Project, or M.I.C., will be utilized to identify active microflora present when metals corrode in various water samples. This study will utilize Copper-Nickel (CuNi) coupons as the experimental group and titanium (TI) coupons as a control. Coupons are a specimen of metal, in this case, CuNi coupons and Ti coupons, cut into a strip or ring shape. For this experiment, they will be cut into a rectangular shape. There will be two groups of coupons: a field group and a microcosm group. The metal coupons in the field will then be incubated for 9-14 months, and the microcosm group will be incubated for 16-20 weeks. The field coupons will be collected every month after the first month of incubation, and the microcosm coupons will be collected every two weeks after the first two weeks of incubation. We will collect the layer of biofilm that has direct contact with the metal coupons and through culture-based analysis, we will isolate and amplify the DNA of present microorganisms from our samples to identify functional CuNi-resistant genes. This will aid in constructing and maintaining metal ships, pipelines, oil rigs, and other metal structures meant to inhabit water.
Joshua Huang, joshua_huang2@baylor.edu
Baylor University, with Dr. Jung-Hyun Min
Biochemistry
Fluorescence Anisotropy to Further Elucidate Rad4-TFIIH Dynamics
The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is triggered when the XPC–RAD23B–CETN2 trimeric complex initially identifies DNA lesions within the genomic DNA. Subsequently, this adept complex recruits the general transcription factor complex, TFIIH, to facilitate the process of lesion verification. The precise structural mechanism underlying the recruitment of TFIIH by Rad4/XPC and its role in initiating nucleotide excision repair (NER) remains elusive due to the inherent constraints imposed by the current structural resolution, in the range of 7.9-9.6 Å. Using reversible molecular photoswitches alongside fluorescence anisotropy we hope to aid in obtaining a higher resolution structure.
Princesa Alvarez, princesa_alvarez1@baylor.edu
Baylor University, with Dr. Christopher Kearney
Microbiology
Cloning and Production of Guided Antimicrobial Peptide Detoxin-TK
The extensive use of antibiotics has led to the development of genetic resistance in bacterial pathogens. Engineered antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the capability to replace antibiotics, especially for gastrointestinal infections. To produce a protein commercially E. coli is the most common production tool, unfortunately, the AMPs kill E. coli We used a SUMO carrier protein to detoxify AMPs and produce them in E. coli. AMP genes and primers were synthesized using an outsourced company. Primers were used to add ligation independent staggered ends to AMP genes through PCR. Ligation independent cloning into a SUMO vector was performed generating staggered ends which allowed annealing of the vector in the AMP insert. We then transferred the SUMO vector/AMP to BL21 Escherichia coli high expression cells, followed by induction of expression, cell lysis and isolation of supernatant. We also performed Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) by using a nickel affinity column to bind 6his- tagged SUMO/AMP fusion protein. The product was then analyzed on SDS-PAGE gel, and yield and purity were calculated. Our experiment will allow us to progress by testing toxicity against a panel of bacteria in the future. The ultimate goal is to express AMP genes into Lactococcus lactic probiotic bacterium to permit testing in a mouse model, which will hopefully allow for the mouse to have a healthier gut microbiome after gastrointestinal infection.
Session Location
- Foster 203
Session Date/Time
- Thursday, 1:45 - 2:45pm
Session Type
- Oral Student Presentations
- Student Presentations