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Biomedical Sciences Department
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BMS Faculty Name
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Research Interests |
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Justin
Adams, Ph.D.
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I am actively involved in both field and lab
research. My active fieldwork in
South Africa has included excavations at two Plio-Pleistocene fossil
localities (Gondolin and Luleche), and current work at these sites has
expanded to include survey and exploration of further fossil-bearing
deposits in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
During excavation, I identify and research recovered mammal fossils
and provide interpretations of the taphonomy (depositional history) and
paleoecology.
I am also involved
in several lab-based projects including CT and 3D morphometric analysis of
fossil mammal teeth to understand faunal evolution during the last 3-4
million years. I am also
developing several lab projects with colleagues on various topics in
evolutionary studies of African mammals.
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Aaron
Baxter, Ph.D.
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My
research has revolved around understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Salmonella.
The genes involved in Salmonella pathogenesis are found in specific areas known as
pathogenicity islands. These
islands contain a large number of genes involved in the formation of the
type III secretion system which is vital for bacterial invasion of
intestinal cells to occur. The
focus for my research has been on the regulatory genes that control
activation and repression of the invasion genes.
These efforts identified a repressor known as hilE.
I began my analysis by mapping the hilE
regulator, to the chromosomes of serovar Typhimurium and serovar Typhi.
My efforts placed the hilE
gene at centisome 98. Analysis
of this region revealed a ~40 kb region that was specific to Salmonella serovars. This
region on closer inspection had many of the characteristics seen in the
other pathogenicity islands found in Salmonella.
The only other gene that has been identified in this region of the Salmonella
genome is the iicA gene, (induced
intracellularly A gene), a gene shown to be induced
upon Salmonella internalization
into host cells. This evidence
led to identifying this region of the Salmonella
genome as Salmonella Pathogenicity
Island 6 (SPI-6).
Since its identification, SPI-6 has not had any other
characterization of the other open reading frames within this region.
My research is concerned with making a series of nonpolar mutations
utilizing a technique by Datsenko and Wanner.
The effects of these mutations can then be characterized utilizing lacZ
reporters cloned into other regulatory genes such as hilE and hilA.
Additional experiments for characterizing these mutations effect on
SPI-1 function could be done utilizing cell invasion assays.
Any effects on Salmonella
invasion could then be further characterized by identifying how each of the
mutations lead to SPI-1 expression changes.
An advantage to this line of research is that the data accumulated
from these studies could be applied to other organisms that utilize a type
III secretion system. Specifically,
I have considered working with the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia
cenocepacia which can cause severe respiratory infections in patients
having cystic fibrosis. This
pathogen has recently been shown to contain some of the genes found within
other type III secretion systems. My
interests are to identify the regulatory genes of the apparatus and then to
characterize the signal pathways that lead from the environment to the
upregulation of the type III secretion system.
Regulation of these operons are important since there are many genes
involved in encoding the secretion system, therefore it is beneficial to the
bacterium to regulate the expression of this system until it has reached a
location where expression of the genes would be beneficial to the pathogen.
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Dan Bergman,
Ph.D. |
My research
interests are focused on understanding sensory systems. This work involves
the use of multiple scientific disciplines such as behavioral
neuroscience, biomechanics, ecology, and molecular biology. Among the
sensory systems, I have largely centered my work on the olfactory system.
The
olfactory epithelium (OE) is continually exposed to odorants that can be
potentially harmful. These chemical agents must be detoxified.
In mammals, a cell type known as a
sustentacular cell seems to have a significant role
in protecting the OE from such damage. Therefore I have been
examining select
genes associated with these cells to better understand their role in the
biotransformation of harmful chemicals. In other research, I use crayfish
as a model organism to study how olfactory signals can be used to
influence conspecifics during agonistic (aggressive) bouts. Essentially
when crayfish confront one another they release urinary cues as a signal
for social status. The crayfish nose, which primarily consists of the
antennules, receives these signals and usually alters their behavior. This
work involves examining the animals in the field and testing them in the
laboratory. |
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Debra
Burg, Ph.D. |
I am interested in understanding how the
transcription factor, BATF, regulates gene expression in cells of the immune
system. Although transcription
factors are often thought of as proteins that turn on gene expression, BATF
is a transcription factor that acts as a negative regulator. That
is to say, BATF functions to suppress, or turn off, the expression of
certain genes. We are working on
a project uses macrophages as a model for understanding when BATF is
expressed and what genes it regulates. Macrophages
are cells that are part of our natural defense system against foreign
invaders such as bacteria or viruses. They
are also intimately involved in the inflammatory response. We hope to show
that BATF regulates genes in the macrophage that determine the choice
between acute and chronic
inflammation. |
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Martin
Burg, Ph.D. |
Identification of processes necessary for
regulation of genes that are involved in signaling between photoreceptor
cells and neurons in the visual system of the fruit fly Drosophila
melanogaster, using a forward genetic approach. One gene known to disrupt
signaling between these cells encodes the enzyme that synthesizes
histamine, Histidine decarboxylase. We are currently examining the role of
the Hdc gene in establishing when and where the neurotransmitter
substance, histamine, is synthesized. |
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John
Capodilupo, Ph.D. |
Regulation of gene expression of
neuropeptides in the basal ganglia; identification of biochemical changes
in synaptic proteins occurring in the brain following learning and memory
tasks. |
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Mary Craig |
My most recent
research has been in the genre of nanobiotechnology; more specifically
studying the nature of the enthesis (osteotendon junction) to acquire
information for the creation of new biomaterials and implants. I have
performed previous research in comparative orthopedics and have a keen
interest in skeletal biology. I have spent many years working as an
osteoarcheologist (animal and human remains) in the Levant specializing in
the Bronze and Iron Ages – a passion of mine within this field is
paleopathology. Further interests include Forensic Science, phylogeny
through the study of ancient DNA, Medical History, and last but not
least the development of the Anatomical Sciences. |
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Doug
Graham, Ph.D. |
Using genetic markers to study the transmission
dynamics of protozoan parasites
Employing population genomics techniques to detect the evolution of drug
resistance in parasitic nematodes of medical and veterinary importance
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Steven
Hecht, Ph.D. |
Molecular virology; role and function of
endogenous retroviruses, anti-viral agent development
The focus is on retroviruses, combining the laboratory and bioinformatics
approaches. Our current focus is on viruses found in the germ line of
ungulates, such as sheep and goats. We are interested in genomic
approaches to identify and track the transmission and spread of these
viruses in history. This includes a bioinformatics approach using the
sheep and other genome databases to identify viruses. We take this
information into the laboratory and use PCR and sequencing to find and
identify specific viruses and their movements. |
Brian
Kipp, Ph.D.
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In my lab we investigate the mechanisms involved in
oxidation/reduction (Redox) reactions. Redox reactions are closely involved
in normal physiologic mechanisms. We propose that the formation of an
organic redox complex is necessary for these reactions to take place. The
formation of the organic redox complex also could explain the generation of
harmful free radicals. We will be implementing biological, biochemical, and
electrochemical techniques to investigate the formation of organic redox
complexes and the associated effects.
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Sheldon
Kopperl, Ph.D. |
The history of chemistry and medicine
The relationship between art history and the history
of science.
Science and medicine as discussed in ancient and medieval
"authoritative" texts.
My major research project involves
historical/library research techniques. We shall be investigating how
science and medicine are portrayed by various faith traditions’ “sacred”
or “authoritative” texts. As many of you know, the Bible is filled with
discussions of medical issues as well as “scientific” concepts, often
worded in ways strange to modern scientific writing. Post-Biblical
materials in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions are also loaded
with such ideas. Students with an interest in medical or scientific
history and the study of different religious viewpoints are welcome to
learn more about this project.
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David Linn, Ph.D.
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My research interests are divided into two
main areas of investigation: the visual system & the hypothalamus. In the
visual system, I have investigated the possible connection between
glaucoma and acetylcholine (ACh). Over the years, and particularly during
my time at Pharmacia & Upjohn, my research has centered on the possible
therapeutic role of ACh . Our work supports the concept that ACh activates
receptors (alpha7 nicotinic) on retinal ganglion cells that are involved
in survival during pathological states (glaucoma). The retinal ganglion
cells are the targets of neurodegeneration during glaucoma possibly due to
excessive glutamate input (excitotoxicity). The promotion of survival is a
relatively new concept broadly categorized as neuroprotection. We just
completed a Summer Student Scholarship (S3) program, as well as other
student research efforts, and have obtained data with a selective alpha7
agonist that support our previous findings. These efforts have used a cell
culture system and an in vitro ‘eye-cup’ preparation. These efforts are
‘on-going’ and evolving. Future directions include exploring the use of
drugs originally developed for Alzheimer’s disease and others that are
selective for cannabinoid receptors that may provide benefit for glaucoma
patients.
My second area of research has also involved glutamate and ACh receptors.
While at Tulane University, I investigated the role of glutamate receptors
located on the pre-synaptic terminals of glutamate-releasing neurons in
the hypothalamus. The targets of these neurons, located in the supra-optic
nucleus (SON), release the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH).
We found that there is a tonic activation of these pre-synaptic (a.k.a.
auto-receptors or feedback-receptors) on the nerve terminals to regulate
the amount of glutamate being released. In addition, this level of
activation in altered in the dehydrated state, which can serve as model
for hypertension. Just prior to joining GVSU, I submitted an American
Heart Association grant to investigate the role of ACh receptors on
neurons in the SON. Specifically, I proposed to examine the role of the
same receptor subtype of ACh receptor (i.e. alpha7) we had examined in the
retina. Other investigators have proposed an important role for these
receptors in hypothalamic function. Characterization of these hypothalamic
alpha7 nicotinic ACh receptors could lead to new drug therapies for
hypertension.
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Tony
Nieuwkoop, Ph.D. |
Nieuwkoop Lab Research
My Lab has been studying for a number of years the bacterium Rhizobium
fredii, which is a soil microbe that is capable of ‘fixing’ atmospheric
nitrogen into ammonia. This group of bacteria is very important for life on
earth, in that while dinitrogen composes about 80% of our atmosphere, most
living organism need their nitrogen in a more usable form, ie ammonia, amino
acids etc.
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Steve
Nizielski, Ph.D. |
The primary goal of our
laboratory is to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms that
regulate energy homeostasis and how disturbances in these regulatory
mechanisms contribute to obesity. Profiling Changes in Gene Expression in
Response to Exercise & Aging Obesity is a significant health concern as it
is a major risk factor associated with increased morbidity and mortality
from several chronic diseases including: cardiovascular disease,
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, some types of cancer, gallbladder
disease, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. Despite the perception that the
American public is increasingly concerned about consuming a healthful
diet, the percentage of overweight individuals in the US continues to
increase. Currently, 66% of adults over 20 years of age in the U.S. are
considered overweight or obese. Current treatments for obesity are only
moderately successful. Macroarrays and real-time PCR are being utilized to
profile changes in gene expression that occur in response to endurance
training and aging in rats. Endurance training has been shown to result in
consistent, but modest reductions in total fat mass, even when total body
weight is not reduced. Aging, on the other hand, is consistently
associated with an increase in fat mass. Developing a better understanding
of the cellular adaptations that occur in adipose tissue in response to
training as well as aging will allow a better definition of training
protocols to maximize fat loss and may lead to the development of novel
pharmacological treatments that maximize lipid oxidation and fat loss
during physical activity or calorie restriction, and/or attenuate age
associated increases in obesity. |
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Carmen
Nochera, Ph.D. |
Develop research with breadfruit
not only as an alternative but also as a "functional food" product
for the public. Other research interests include, how folic acid can improve
the effectiveness while decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy in women
with breast cancer, and testing the reliability and validity of feeding
tools for infants and adults. |
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Chris Reed, Ph.D. |
The timing and pattern of human cranial
suture closure has been used for a disparate range of practical purposes.
Forensic anthropologists commonly use the timing of the fusion of cranial
sutures to determine age-at-death of individuals, albeit with limited
success. Some physical therapists use the patency of cranial sutures to
perform craniosacral therapy – a therapy that claims to relieve problems
(headaches, chronic back pain, etc.) attributed to changes in the “rhythmic
movements” of the cerebrospinal fluid by manually manipulating the bones of
the cranium. Both the forensic and therapeutic applications of cranial
suture biology have a number of detractors – there is significant doubt
about their efficacy. Currently, all of the gross descriptive data of the
closure of cranial sutures used in forensic and therapeutic techniques are
from direct observation. Furthermore, some of the suture data cited in
support of craniosacral therapy is woefully out-of-date – from the beginning
of the last century. Current medical imaging techniques, however, can give a
precise picture of the gross development and maturation of cranial sutures,
and perhaps settle some of the debate. My current project, which is still in
the literature review phase, is to use CT and MRI imaging as a basis to
quantify the timing and pattern of human cranial suture closure. This
project will lay a better foundation for future practical applications, and
allow a serious evaluation of current ones.
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Dawn
Richiert, Ph.D.
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Suganthi
Sridhar, Ph.D.
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My research interest is in the field of prostate cancer, in identifying the
role of a metastatic tumor suppressor protein called CD82 (KAI1 gene). CD82
expression is lost during prostate tumor progression to metastasis.
Loss of CD82 expression has also been recently shown to correlate
with metastasis in a number of invasive cancers. The mechanisms by which
cancers become metastatic are not clear. CD82, has been shown to associate
with membrane proteins such as integrin and receptor tyrosine kinases (EGFR).
During my postdoctoral work at the VanAndel Institute, I have re-expressed
CD82 to normal levels in metastatic prostate tumor cell lines. Re-expression
of CD82 in these tumor cells reduced invasion in
vitro, and suppressed integrin- or
HGF-mediated activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met. Conversely,
we have also shown that suppression of CD82 expression in normal cells
increases integrin mediated c-Met activation. Signaling through c-Met is
required for cell migration and invasion in metastatic prostate tumor cells,
which is over expressed in all metastatic prostate cancers.
The exact mechanism by which CD82 regulates c-Met is my current
research focus. Preliminary data suggests that CD82 may be causing either a
decrease in c-Met cell surface aggregation or may be bringing in a c-Met
specific phosphatase in close proximity, and thereby regulating c-Met
phosphorylation/ activation. Both these mechanisms of CD82 regulation are
currently under investigation. Invivo studies with mice are also under way
to reconfirm the c-Met regulation observed invitro by CD82.
and will be done through collaborative efforts.
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Tim
Strickler, Ph.D.
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Functional Morphology of mammals with
emphasis on bats
Ecology and behavior of nector-feeding bats in Papua New Guinea
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Francis Sylvester, Ph.D.
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My laboratory studies alterations in the function of blood vessels in
response to various male hormones known as androgens. I am particularly
interested in determining androgen-induced changes in blood flow regulation
in different caliber arteries, since the regulation of blood flow is often
heterogeneous. This area of research utilizes multiple experimental
techniques including in vitro and in situ tissue preparations, protein
expression and function assays, and whole animal instrumentation. Androgens
are an example of a group of hormones known as steroids. Steroids have been
shown to significantly alter the function of blood vessels and may
constitute an appropriate means for combating and/or treating vascular
disease. It is hoped that insight gained from these studies may lead to an
improved understanding of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension (i.e.
high blood pressure).
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Merritt Taylor, Ph.D.
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My lab is interested in determining what effectors of
Notch signaling are important in promoting gliogenesis. Sox9 and Nfi1a are
genes that are known to regulate astrogliogenesis (the birth of astrocytes).
I have found potential Rbpsuh binding sites in the promoter region of both
Sox9 and Nfi1a genes. Additionally I have found that the expression of these
genes is decreased when Notch signaling is disrupted (Taylor et al., and
unpublished data). |
For
More Information:
Write or
call:
Biomedical Sciences Department
218 Padnos Hall
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, Michigan 49401
Telephone: (616) 331-3318
Fax: (616) 331-2090
E-Mail the Department
or
The Admissions Office
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
Telephone: (616) 331-2025 or 1-800-748-0246
E-mail: nieuwkot@gvsu.edu
World Wide Web: www.gvsu.edu |
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Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs are available at the Biomedical
Science Department. If you would like one sent to you, please
call the Admissions Office at (616) 895-2025 or toll-free at
1-800-748-0246.
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conditions of employment. 7/98.
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| Last updated
March 31, 2008
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Copyright (c) 1998
GVSU
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