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Cynthia M. Anderson, Ph.D., Research Associate & BRIN Coordinator, Black Hills State University

Postdoctoral Research, Molecular Genetics, Black Hills State University
Ph.D., Plant Sciences, Montana State University
B.S., Biology, Montant State University

Current Research: My personal research interests lie in understanding how organisms respond to pathogens and their environment at a genetic level. I am currently developing a new research project to study the alteration of gene expression in species of members of the Brassicaceae that lead to pseudoflower production upon infection by the fungal rust pathogen, Puccinia monoica. However, as the associate director of WestCore, I oversee a variety of rather diverse research projects. Two of my projects are centered around understanding the affect of atmospheric particulate matter on human health: 1) we are seeking to understand the fungal compositon of the near-tropospheric bioparticulate matter by assessing the biodiversity of airborne allergenic and human disease-causing fungi present in outdoor air, especially in rural mining, agricultural and forested regions; and 2) we are developing aquatic and terrestrial bioindicators for atmospherically derived mercury in order to better understand the role of atmospherically derived mercury on regional ecosystems. These bioindicators will aid in the detections of biologically active levels of mercury contamination in the soil and water of sensitive ecosystems. Other projects in which I am involved explore the biodiversity of microbial populations in understudied environments. Top

Steve Armstrong, Ph.D, Senior Scientist, Cardiovascular Research Center Associate Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania
B.S., Microbiology, University of Florida

Current Research: Myocardial ischemia and the signal transduction pathways that mediate the endogenous cardio-protective mechanism- ischemic preconditioning. Specifically activation of the Akt/GSK-3 pathway during ischemia and the downstream substrates that are phosphorylated by this pathway. For Dr. Armstrong's current research and publications please see his Biosketch. Top

Daniel R. (Dan) Bergey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, Black Hills State University

Postdoctoral Fellow, Plant Biochemistry, Washington State University
Ph.D., Biology/Molecular Biology, Texas A&M University
B.S., Animal Physiology, University of California-Davis

Current Research: Pathogen infection and herbivory regulate expression of distinct groups of genes encoding defense-related proteins in plants. Systemic wound response proteins (or SWRP’s) include proteins having direct defensive functions, such as anti-nutritive proteinase inhibitors and polyphenyl oxidase, as well as proteins with known or putative roles in signal transduction, such as nucleotide diphosphate kinase, lipoxygenase, allene oxide synthase, calmodulin, MAP kinase, and phospholipase A2. Of particular interest to us is the observation that many key defense-related genes in plants share structural and biochemical (activity) similarities with genes that mediate inflammatory processes in animal cells. A primary goal of the research outlined here is to use genomics methods to elucidate and characterize the evolutionary history of a fundamental signaling cascade that governs key defense responses in both plant and animal kingdoms. Top

David J. Bergmann, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, Black Hills State University

Ph.D., Entomology, North Dakota State University
Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Minnesota
M.A., Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
B.A., Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.

Current Research: Dr. Bergmann's recent research has investigated the biochemistry and molecular biology of the oxidation of methane and ammonia by the methanotrophic bacteria, such as Methylococcus capsulatus Bath and the chemolithotrophic bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas europaea. He has been interested primarily in an enzyme, cytochrome P460, which catalyzes the oxidation of hydroxylamine (a metabolic intermediate in the pathway for ammonia oxidation) to nitrite. With undergraduates at BHSU, he is currently developing systems to over-express this enzyme in bacteria and perform site-directed mutagenesis on it to gain insights into its structure, catalytic properties, and possible evolution. Bergmann is interested in microbial ecology, especially concerning microbial transformations of nitrogen and methane in the environment. Also, he is studying the succession of heterotrophic bacteria on the gills of rainbow trout using a combination of traditional and molecular techniques. Dr. Bergmann's recent publications on PubMed Top

John Brannian, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Women's Health Center Professor, Dept. of Ob/Gyn, USDSSM

Ph.D., Physiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine
M.A., Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha
B.S., Iowa State University

Current Research: Our interest is ovarian physiology and human infertility. We are particularly interested in the impact of obesity, leptin, and insulin resistance on ovarian function and fertility. A major focus is polycystic ovary syndrome, which is the major cause of anovulatory infertility among women. Top

Subhash C. Chauhan, Ph.D., Scientist, Cancer Biology Research Center
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USDSSM

Ph.D., Major Reproductive Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, India
M.S., Zoology, H.N.B. Garhwal University
B.S., Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Shrinagar, Garhwal, India

Current research: Dr. Chauhan's primary research interest is to identify and characterize the diagnostic and therapeutic targets for gynecological malignancies (ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancer). The main focus of his research is to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of cell-cell adhesion and anti-adhesion molecules that cause gynecological cancers. This research is aimed for the identification and characterization of biomarkers that aberrantly express or localize in cancer cells of reproductive tract in order to develop newer tools for early disease diagnosis. Top

Postdoctorate, Microbiology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Mont.
Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Oklahoma
B.S., Microbiology, University of Minnesota

Current Research: Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for a variety of human diseases ranging in severity from uncomplicated pharyngitis or "strep throat" to life-threatening invasive diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for severe outcomes of infection are complex, S. pyogenes secretes many proteins to the extracellular environment that contribute to virulence. Dr. Chaussee's laboratory uses a variety of genetic approaches, including functional genomics, to study the function of streptococcal exoproteins and their role in pathogenesis. Top

Jetty L. Duffy-Matzner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Organic Chemistry, Augustana College

Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of California-Davis
B.S., Boise State University

Current Research: The pursuit of novel ionophoric macromolecules based upon 3,4-linked tetrahydrofurans. The purpose of this project is to explore the synthesis of compounds such as the novel tetraester macrocyclic compound. These polyesters will be generated from 3,4-derivatized tetrahydrofurans, unlike many known 2,5-substituted tetrahydrofuran macrocycles, such as nonactin. The biological importance and ion selectivity of the new series of tetraester macrocycles would then be examined. Top

Kristi Egland, Scientist, Ph.D., Signal Transduction Institute, Cancer Biology Research Center Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ob/Gyn. and Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

Current research: Identifying specific breast cancer proteins for use as targets of immunotoxin therapy. Top

Paul Gillman Egland, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology and Chief Health Professions Advisor, Augustana College

Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Iowa
Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Iowa
B.A., Biology, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa

Current research: The genetic mechanism of interspieces communication between the human dental plaque bacteria Streptococcus gordonii and Veillonella atypica. Top

Alexandre Erkine, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, USDSSM

Ph.D., St. Petersburg State University, Russia

Current Research: Dr. Erkine's primary research interest is transcriptional regulation in context of chromatin. Malfunction of genes is the cause of, or at least is implicated in, cancer, heart failure, brain damage and variety of other diseases. Since DNA always functions as a dynamic complex with histones, our investigation of chromatin alterations at gene promoters lies at the heart of biomedical research. As a model system we study mechanisms of regulation of genes expressing molecular chaperones, which form a defense system of cells compensating variety of stress conditions. Although our research is applicable to medicine, in essence it is the fundamental molecular biology. Our model object is yeast cells, because it is an easy-to-handle organism to study processes taking place in all eukaryotic cells including human. We publish our research in high impact factor journals, which opens perspective graduate students doors to continue carriers in prestigious academic or industrial environments.

Ph.D., Physiology, University of Arizona

Current Research: The major foci of Dr. Eyster’s laboratory are endocrinology and reproduction. Three research projects are under investigation. The first project focuses on the genomics of endometriosis. Endometriosis is an estrogen-regulated disease that causes infertility and pain in affected women. This research searches for genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The second project focuses on the effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system. Women develop cardiovascular disease at a later age than men, typically after the menopause. This research addresses the hypothesis that estrogen has direct protective effects on the cardiovascular system when the vasculature is healthy, and that estrogen exacerbates cardiovascular disease when the blood vessels are unhealthy. The third project examines hormonal regulation of signal transduction in the ovary. Techniques used in these projects include DNA microarray analysis, real time RT-PCR, Western blot, and cell culture. Dr. Eyster's recent publications on PubMed Top

William S. (Bill) Harris, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Director, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Institute Professor, Internal Medicine/Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

Current Research: Dr. Harris’s research has focused primarily on fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids), lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease. He has been the Principal Investigator on three NIH R01 projects focusing on omega-3 fatty acids and human lipoprotein metabolism. He has recently been examining the effects of these oils on cardiac function in healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular disease. In 2004, Dr. Harris proposed that blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may be a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been testing that hypothesis in epidemiological investigations. Future studies will focus on the role of omega-3 fatty acids and other lipid-lowering drugs in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, and on the cellular mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids impact myocardial function. Top

Meena Jaggi, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Signal Transduction Institute Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ob/Gyn and Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

Current research: The primary focus of Dr. Jaggi's research is to identify and evaluate the functional significance of cell-cell adhesion molecules known as cadherins and catenins in normal development and cancer progression and to understand the regulation of cadherin/catenin complex activity by protein kinase D1 (PKD1/PKCmu) signaling. We have identified a novel interaction between E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex and protein kinase D1 (PKD1), an important modulator of several kinase signal-transduction pathways in benign and malignant human diseases. Downstream signaling of the E-cadherin/beta-catenin and PKD1 interaction alters malignant phenotype of cancer cells. Dr. Jaggi's laboratory is currently delineating molecular mechanisms involved in the beta-catenin and PKD1 interaction and in regulation of integrity of cell junctions and cell proliferation. Another project investigates the alteration of signal transduction pathways in prostate, colon, breast and gynecological cancers using genomic and proteomic techniques. The laboratory employs a variety of in vivo and in vitro approaches including cell culture, transfection, gene cloning, molecular biology techniques, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, reporter assays, cell cycle, cell adhesion, motility and proliferation assays. Dr. Jaggi's recent publications on PubMed. Top

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Ph.D., Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University
B.S., Pharmacy, South Dakota State University

Current Research: The current reseach is designed to test the hypothesis that the sustained reduction in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) following early transient inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) involves increased activity of the GABAergic neurotransmitter system in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The specific aims of the project are to: 1. Determine whether transient inhibition of the RAS results in a sustained reduction of blood pressure that is associated with increased expression and function of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the PVN. 2. Determine whether transient inhibition of the RAS results in a sustained reduction of blood pressure that is associated with increased expression and function of GABAA receptors in the PVN. Dr. Kost's recent publications on PubMed Top

Charles F. Lamb IV, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Biology, Black Hills State University

Ph.D., Physiology, Louisiana State University
M.S., Zoology, Louisiana State University
B.A., Zoology/Fisheries, Humbolt State Univ., Arcata, Ga.

Current Research: Dr. Lamb's research interests include neural pathways responsible for processing taste information in fishes, and neural development. Top

Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
Ph.D., Pharmacology, University of North Carolina
B.A., Biology/Chemistry, Concordia College, Moorehead, Minn.

Current Research: Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the platelet function (with Dr. Bill Harris). Top

M.D., Chengde Medical College, Chengde, China
Ph.D., Physiology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China
M.S., Physiology, Anhui College of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China

Current Research: Neurohumoral control of cardiovascular functions: (1) Interactions of neurotransmitters/modulators in central autonomic pathways and central mechanisms involved in altered autonomic functions in cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, diabetes. (2) Interactions of neurotransmitters/modulators within the hypothalamus in endocrine regulations and their roles in regulation of cardiovascular functions in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Neuroimmunoregulation: (1) Autonomic regulations of cytokine generation and release and their roles in cardiovascular diseases. (2) Central and peripheral actions of cytokines on neuro-endocrine functions and their roles in regulation of cardiovascular functions. Morphometry of normal and diseased hearts. Top

Carol M. Lushbough, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, University of South Dakota

M.A., Computer Science, University of South Dakota
M.A., Mathematics, University of South Dakota

Current Research: Many emerging computational opportunities in bioinformatics require access to multiple repositories, community databases and project databases for use in domain-specific research, typically conducted upon subsets of all relevant data. Because each data source is accessed with a distinct query language and returns results in unique formats, researchers must either rely on a small number of primary data sources or exert large efforts to learn multiple specifications. The bioextract server is a federated database service designed to consolidate and serve data extracts from accessible, heterogeneous, biomolecular databases. It offers a central distribution point for uniformly format-ted data from various data sources. The basic operations of the bioextract server allows researchers via a Web browsers to: specify data sources; select clean-ing and analytic tools; flexibly query the sources with a full range of relational operators; determine download formats for their resulting extracts; save workflow, name and keep query results persistent for re-use. Data sources may be classified as public or belonging to specific research groups. This provides collabora-tive groups with the ability to share distributed data without having to make that data public. Top

David A. Maddox, Ph.D., Director of Basic Research, Avera Research Institute Professor of Internal Medicine, USDSSM

Current Research: Obesity is associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high blood lipid levels, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. The primary focus of Dr. Maddox's research is the pathogenesis of obesity-linked kidney disease using a genetic model of obesity, the obese Zucker rat. Studies are aimed at examining the early molecular events leading to the development of kidney failure and examining new treatments, both dietary and pharmacologic, to prevent and possibly reverse obesity-linked kidney disease. Techniques that will be used include real time PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, DNA microarrays, and image analysis, as well as a variety of chemical and radioimmunoassay techniques. Dr. Maddox's recent publications on PubMed Top

Ph.D., Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India

Current Research: Staphylococcus aureus (also known as Staph, Superbug or MRSA) is one of the major opportunistic commensal pathogens in both community and clinical associated settings causing disease in human with substantial morbidity and mortality. Staphylococcus expresses a large number of virulence factors, which are regulated by a wide range of global regulatory systems that enable them to establish infections and cause diseases. Major focus of our laboratory is to identify effective anti-staphylococcal agents based on using two approaches. First approach is targeting transcriptional regulators - by understanding the molecular mechanism of virulence gene regulation by staphylococcal specific Sar-family proteins and S. aureus pathogenesis. Second approach is to develop metal oxides derivate nanoparticles based therapeutic agents capable of limiting the ability of Staphylococcus or Gram-positive organisms to cause disease. Top

Ph.D., University of North Carolina
B.S., Illinois College

Current Research: Many problematic human viruses, such as Influenza and HIV, are of zoonotic origin. How these viruses ‘jump’ the species barrier from an animal host into the human population is poorly understood. Dr. McRoy’s lab is using the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) as a model system to study molecular determinants of host range expansion. Of particular interest is the evolutionarily conserved Class I fusion protein mechanism, found in viruses such as Influenza and HIV as well as MHV, and its potential role in mediating species jumps. Top

Keith Miskimins, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Director, Cancer Biology Research Center Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

Current Research: Dr. Keith Miskimins is interested in mechanisms that regulate growth of both normal and cancer cells. His research is currently focused on proteins that regulate cell cycle progression. A major goal is to understand how the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27 is regulated and how this regulation is altered in breast cancer cells. Top

Karen Munger, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology, USDSSM Chief, Division of Research, Internal Medicine, Avera Research Institute & VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Ph.D., Physiology/Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego

Current Research: Basic science research opportunities in renal physiology are available in a USD-affiliated laboratory located in Sioux Falls. Dr. Munger is interested in the role of the NMDA calcium channel in normal kidney function. NMDA has been described in the brain and is involved in plasticity and learning. NMDA is also responsible for damage sustained after ischemia (“stroke”). Dr. Munger has recently discovered the NMDA receptor in the rat kidney and is investigating the role of NMDA in normal renal function in rats. The renal NMDA receptor is regulated by protein intake and is involved in normal hemodynamics and growth in the kidney. Various analytical and surgical techniques are used in the laboratory including whole kidney clearances techniques, small animal surgery, gel electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, real time PCR, microscopy, and quantitative analysis. Many student projects are available. Top

George K. Mwangi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, University of Sioux Falls

Ph.D., University of New Hampshire

Current Research: Chemical sensor based on dopamine molecular imprinted polymers The aim of this research is to develop a chemical sensor that is selective and specific for dopamine. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger between the nerve cells in the mammalian brain. It also plays an important role in the function of the renal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. Therefore the development of dopamine quantification in blood and other biological systems is very important. The specific binding sites for dopamine will be created in polymers during the imprinting process. Molecular Imprinted polymer (MIP) microspheres will be synthesized via precipitation polymerization. The dopamine print molecule, the principal monomer, N-Isopropyl acrylamide or vinyl caprolactum, and the functional monomer methacrylic acid will be dispersed in the solvent by sonication. The crosslinker, stabilizer and initiator will then be added to this mixture. The functional monomer will form a complex with the dopamine print molecule and following polymerization, their functional groups will be held in position by the crosslinked polymeric structure. Removal of the print molecule will reveal sites that have a molecular memory, which will allow the polymer to selectively rebind the dopamine analyte. Top

Timothy (Tim) O'Connell, Ph.D., Scientist, Cardiovascular Research Center, Signal Transduction Institute/ Assistant Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

Ph.D., Pharmacology, University of Michigan
B.S., Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago

Current research: Studying α1-adrenergic receptor regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and function during both developmentand disease using both α1-AR knockout mice and cultured adult mouse myocytes. Top

Jason Petersen, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, USDSSM; Research Scientist, Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Ph.D., Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of South Dakota
B.S., Biology, Bethel College, St. Paul, Minn.

Current Research: The ultraviolet component of sunlight induces DNA damage which can be lethal or mutagenic to cells. In response to this threat, cells have developed mechanisms of DNA repair. The current aim of Dr. Petersen’s research is to use molecular map-based cloning to identify and characterize genes involved in these DNA repair processes in the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Top

Linda Qvarnemark, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, Dakota Wesleyan University

Patrick J. Ronan, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, USDSSM, Sioux Falls Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas
Ph.D., Biology, University of South Dakota
M.A., University of South Dakota
B.A., Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.

Current Research: Dr. Ronan's research is directed at understanding the mechanisms underlying stress-induced behavioral disorders, such as depression and sleep disorders. In order to study the roles genes play in stress and anxiety he is employing the strategy of using non-replicationg viral vectors to introduce short DNA constructs to discreet regions of the rat brain that can silence the expression of target genes by a process known as RNA interference. This is an approach that could perhaps be used for gene therapy in humans. Students could be involved in behavioral testing, both assessing anxiety as well as arousal state (sleep studies). Limited data analysis along with EEG analysis as well as some stereotactic surgery if desired would pe possible. Basic histology techniques will be taught including tissue preservation, sectioning, staining, and mounting. Other lab techniques include immunohistochemistry and Western Blot analysis for detection of proteins in tissues, in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure mRNA expression, fluorescent microscopy, including confocal microscopy, and working with recombinant DNA constructs. Top

Shane K. Sarver, Ph.D., CCBR Director and Professor, Biology, Black Hills State University

Ph.D., Zoology, Louisiana State University
M.S., Fisheries, Humbolt State University
B.S., Biology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Current Research: The development of a research program in the evolutionary genetics of the genes responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The neurological diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are diseases of animals with a curious underlying biology. The current project takes a new approach to the TSE problem, specifically examining the evolutionary genetics of the genes responsible for TSE's, particularly in deer and elk (chronic wasting disease or CWD) and the previously unstudied American bison. This research involves the molecular genetics laboratory at BHSU and the proteomics and genomics facilities at USD school of medicine. Top

Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planc Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
Postdoctoral Fellow, USDA, University of Montana
Ph.D., Biology/Ecology, Northern Arizona University
M.S., Northern Arizona University
B.A., Biology, University of California, Los Angeles

Current Research: Gene expression in biologically meaningful contexts: Functional genomics in close wild relative of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Top

Ph.D., Quantitative Biology, University of Texas-Arlington
M.S., Zoology, Louisiana State University
B.S., Zoology, Washington State University

Current research: Dr. Smith is interested in the conservation, ecology, and systematics of reptiles and amphibians and in conservation biology, ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, biogeography, and biostatistics. Current research involves work on the distribution, abundance, and biogeography of the herpetofauna of the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. He also contributes to research on the herpetofauna of the Rocky Mountains, as well as to research on the conservation biology of the West Indian snake, Alsophis antiguae, and other endangered, threatened and endemic herpetofauna of Antigua, Lesser Antilles. Top

Garth M. Spellman, Ph.D., Research Facutly, CCBR/WestCore, Black Hills State University

Carlos M. Telleria, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Reproductive Endocrinology/Endocrine-related Cancer, USDSSM

Current Research: The major area of research undertaken in Dr. Telleria's laboratory deals with the molecular mechanisms by which steroid and peptide hormones control function, survival and physiological death (apoptosis) of ovarian cells. In vivo, ex-vivo and in-vitro experimental approaches are used combined with state-of-the-art techniques for the study of apoptosis and gene expression. The ultimate goal is to understand the mechanisms of ovarian cell death to be able to i) reestablish function in cases of infertility caused by luteal dysfunction and corpus luteum inadequacy, in which the primary problem is the insufficient quantity or duration of progesterone secretion that leads to repetitive pregnancy losses; and ii) accelerate cell death in the case of ovarian cancer, which is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death among women and the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Dr. Telleria's recent publications on PubMed Top

Patricia M. Tille, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Molecular Biology, University of Sioux Falls

XJ Wang, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Director of MD/PhD Program, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

MD - Hubei Medical University (Wuhan University School of Medicine), Wuhan, China
Ph.D. - University of South Dakota
Distinctions
• International Society for Heart Research (ISHR) - American Section Young Investigator Award
• Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Young Investigator Award
• American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
• American Heart Association Scientist Development Award
• American Heart Association Established Investigator Award

Current Research: Protein quality control in the heart. The cause and effect of defective protein degradation pathways in cardiomyopathies.
Dr. Wang's Web page. Top

Visiting Scientist, John Innes Centre, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Missouri-Columbia
Ph.D., Genetics, University of Missouri-Columbia
M.S., Plant Breeding, Texas A&M University
B.S., Agronomy/International Agriculture, University of Minnesota

Current Research: The goal of the research is to identify, map to chromosome arm, and study interactions of the genes that regulate the transcription of the genes of the starch biosynthetic pathway in bread wheat. The genes encoding the enzymes in the starch biosynthetic pathway contribute to the production of starch, which is the main energy source of human nutrition worldwide and also the starting point in the production of renewable biofuels.
Dr. Wanous's Web page. Top

Current Research: (1) Rational design, synthesis and evaluation of potential inhibitors of Class II Giardia fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase for alternative treatment of giardiasis and (2) Investigation of potential drug targets for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections. Top

Ph.D., Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Kansas State University
M.S., Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, P.R. China

Current Research: Regulation of protein translation by ATM in tesponse to insulin. The objective of this research is to further explore the cytoplasmic function of ATM protein in regulation of protein translation in insulin signaling pathways. Our hypothesis is that ATM, in response to insulin, may phosphorylate multiple protein translational factors, in addition to 4E-BP1, to regulate cell growth and proliferation. The Specific Aims of this project are: I. Characterization of upstream kinases that regulate ATM activity in insulin signaling pathways. II. Characterization of downstream substrates of ATM which regulate protein translation in response to insulin. Top

Michael H. Zehfus, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemistry, Black Hills State University

Ph.D., Biochemistry/Biophysics, Oregon State University
M.S., Biochemistry, University of Chicago
A.B., Chemistry, Ripon College, Ripon, Wis.

Current Research: Presently there are two major research efforts in Dr. Zehfus' lab. The first deals with analyzing the thiamine levels (vitamin B1) in various tissues of walleye and salmon taken from Lake Oahe in central South Dakota; the second deals with determining the strength of a backbone hydrogen bond in an alpha helix. Right now the main effort in Dr. Zehfus’ lab has been in the development of a non-radioactive assay for the thiaminase, the enzyme that is responsible for the destruction of thiamine in fish. Top