Cynthia M. Anderson, Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty, BHSU
Ph.D. Plant Sciences, Montana State (1999)
Current Research:
Fungal Genetics.

Maria C. Bell, M.D.
Clinical Associate Professor, USDSM Sioux Falls Campus
M.D. Medicine, USDSM (1988)
Current Research:
HPV analysis of the Native American population in South Dakota, Interaction of HPV and hormones, andthe use of Guided Imagery in ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Daniel R. Bergey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, BHSU
Ph.D. Biology/Molecular Biology, Texas A&M University (1993)
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.

David J. Bergmann, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, BHSU
Ph.D., Entomology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Recent Publications on PubMed
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.

Indranil Biswas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, USDSM
Ph.D. Microbiology, University of Paris VII, France (1993)
Recent Publications on PubMed
Current Research:
Role of HtrA in expression of virulence factors in Streptococcus pyogenes.
Streptococcus pyogenes, the group A streptococcus (GAS), is an important and common human pathogen which causes a wide variety of diseases including relatively mild, self-limiting infections of the throat and skin as well as severe invasive necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. If the primary infections are left untreated, they may lead to serious autoimmune disorders such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
We will test the hypothesis (generated from our preliminary studies) that functional HtrA is required for the cell surface expression of intact M protein. We will also test whether this requirement is serotype specific (only in M6) or nonspecific (other serotypes). Since M protein is an important virulence factor involved in antiphagocytosis and in generation of anti-myosin cross reactive antibodies in rheumatic heart diseases, it is important to have a better understanding of how surface expression of M protein is regulated.
HtrA has dual functions, acting as a protease and as a chaperone. It is proposed that both functions are needed for the processing/maturation of normal exoproteins in bacteria. We will identify the extracellular virulence factors that are affected in an htrA mutant strain.

Debra L. Carlson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology, Augustana
Ph.D. Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota (1993)
Current Research:
Host-Virus Interactions: Ranid Herpvirus-1 and the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens.
Ranid herpesvirus-1 (RaHV-1) infects the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, and causes the formation of renal tumors. Viral infection and replication, and tumor formation and metastasis are closely related to the life cycle of the frog and occur over a significant period of time. We seek to understand the complex interactions that occur at the cellular level between the virus and its host during this process. Some questions we would like to address include why leopard frogs are only susceptible to the virus at early developmental stages, why only the kidney appears to be infected, how the viral genome maintains itself in the host cell until replication, how the virus disrupts normal cell cycle controls to produce tumors, how temperature triggers viral replication and what virus-specific gene products (if any) control tumor metastasis. We are also interested in characterizing the viral gene products and the timing of their expression during viral replication.

Michael S. Chaussee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, USDSM
Ph.D. Microbiology, University of Oklahoma (1995)
Recent Publications on PubMed
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.

Nandeo Choony, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Mt. Marty
Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, University of Surrey, U.K. (1999)
Current Research:
Dr. Choony will be developing an independent research program in the use of steric buttresses to make kainic acid. Kainic acid and its derivatives are potent GABA-mimetics, showing bioactivity as neuroexcitatory agents, insecticides, and antihelmintics. Kainic acid derivatives act on both glutaminergic and GABA synapses. Neuronal cell death following injection of kainoids has been proposed as an important model for the neuronal cell loss observed in senile dementia.

Bruce Currie, Ph.D.
Professor Pharmaceutical Science, SDSU
Ph.D., Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah
Current Research:
Research interests in general are biologically active peptides and proteases; design and synthesis of neurotransmitter and hormone analogs. Current project: NMDA/glycine antagonists as anticonvulsants.
2 Active Research Projects: The design and synthesis of NMDA/glycine receptor antagonists as potential anticonvulsants and the design and synthesis of beta-bend peptide mimetics.

Maureen R. Diggins-Hutcheson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology, Augustana
Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Northwestern University (1971)
Current Research:
Obesity, Leptin Resistance, and Reproductive Function in the Lethal Yellow Mouse. The overall goal of the current research is to understand the role of leptin resistance in relationship to obesity and decreased fertility in mice and humans. This work concentrates on the role of leptin in normal ovarian function and the negative consequences of leptin resistance on ovarian follicular development, oocyte maturation and viability, and the function of the corpora lutea.

Jetty L. Duffy-Matzner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Augustana
Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, University of California, Davis (1993)
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.

Chandradhar Dwivedi, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor and Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SDSU
Ph.D., Lucknow University, India
Current Research:
Chemopreventive effects of a-santalol on skin cancer development, Chemopreventive effects of flaxseed on colon cancer development, Glutathione reductase and tumor sensitivity to radiation (co-investigator with Dr. Xiangming Guan).

Kathleen M. Eyster, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, USDSM
Ph.D. Physiology, University of Arizona (1984)
Recent Publications on PubMed
Current Research:
The major focus of Dr. Eyster's laboratory is signal transduction in the female reproductive tract. Her laboratory is currently examining how hormones regulate type 2A protein phosphatase, an important enzyme in intracellular signaling, in the rat ovary. Techniques used in these studies include measuring enzyme activity, Western blotting to determine protein content, identifying RNA messages by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and DNA microarray technology. Another project investigates the spread of signal among signal transduction pathways in a global sense using the techniques of genomics and proteomics. Dr. Eyster is also studying the effects of estrogen and testosterone on gene expression in the cardiovascular system.

Xiangming Guan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SDSU
Ph.D., Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas
Current Research:
Develop novel approaches to increase cancer sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Drug metabolism.
Active Research Projects: Design and synthesis of novel glutathione reductase inhibitors. Investigation of glutathione reductase inhibitors as agents to increase cancer sensitivity to chemotherapy. Investigation of glutathione reductase inhibitors as agents to increase cancer sensitivity to radiotherapy.

A. Martin Gerdes , Ph.D.
Director, Cardiovascular Research Institute
Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences
Ph.D., Anatomy, University of Texas (1978)
Current Research:
Dr. Martin Gerdes discovered that chamber dilatation in congestive heart failure is due to a maladaptive change in cardiac myocyte shape. Ongoing work is investigating the molecular signaling related to cellular remodeling in progression to heart failure.

Leland G. Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology , Augustana College
Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Northwestern University (1965)
Current Research:
The regeneration of cilia of sea urchin larvae can be used as an
experimental model for replacement of cilia on damaged ciliated
epithelia. This project will examine cilia regeneration rates under
chemical and physical stresses.

Kaia Kloster, Ph.D.
Director of Vascular Research. Avera Research Institute
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.
Current Research:
Basic science research opportunities in tissue bonding and cardiovascular applications are available in a USDSM-affiliated laboratory based in Sioux
Falls. Research efforts are focused on the use of photoactivated 1,8-naphthalimide compounds, which are capable of crosslinking proteins, for a variety of potential clinical applications. One area of research involves the local delivery and photochemical tethering of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of coronary artery disease and restenosis. A second includes the crosslinking of arterial proteins in the dilated state to address post-angioplasty recoil and limit the proliferative response to post-angioplasty vascular injury, essentially forming an "endogenous" stent. Additionally, significant advances are being made in the development of a tissue adhesive that has demonstrated tremendous promise in a number of tissues and clinical applications.
Various analytical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy,
spectrophotometry, quantitative assays, among others, are being used in our laboratory to advance these areas of research. In vitro bench-top work is followed by organ chamber experimentation and, ultimately, in vivo animal models. Several projects are available and could be tailored to the student's interest and availability. Funding is available to support the research.

Curtis K. Kost Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, USDSM
Ph.D. Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University (1991)
Recent Publications on PubMed
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.

Charles F. Lamb IV, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, BHSU
Ph.D. Physiology, Louisiana State University (1991)
Current Research:
Dr. Lamb's research interests include neural pathways responsible for processing taste information in fishes, and neural development.

David A. Maddox, Ph.D.
Director of Basic Research, Avera Research Institute
Professor of Internal Medicine, USDSM
Ph.D. Physiology, University of Iowa (1973)
Recent Publications on PubMed
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.

Doug McFarland, Ph.D.
Professor, Muscle Biology and Monogastric Nutrition, SDSU
Ph.D., Nutrition, Washington State University (1984)
Current Research:
Our research is focused on determining mechanisms involved in avian skeletal muscle development. This research utilizes a number of cell culture and biochemical techniques. We are examining the effects of growth factors on avian skeletal muscle development using myogenic satellite cells in culture. More specifically, ongoing projects include examination of heterogeneity in the population of satellite cells with respect to growth factor response. Another project is focused on characterization of satellite cells from a genetic line with muscular weakness and abnormal extracellular matrix chemistry. Studies are also underway to examine satellite cells from an animal model of muscular dystrophy.

Robin Miskimins , Ph.D.
Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology , USD
Ph.D., Molecular Biology, University of Arizona (1983)
Current Research:
Dr. Robin Miskimins' research focuses on understanding how white matter (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord develops. Myelin is essential for proper conduction of nerve impulses. Loss of myelin, as in multiple sclerosis, leads to neurological problems. She is studying several aspects of the process by which signals are sent to the specialized cells that produce myelin, causing them to stop dividing and to differentiate. The ultimate aim is to understand enough about normal myelin development to be able to reestablish myelin production in disease states. 

W. Keith Miskimins , Ph.D.
Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology , USD
Ph.D., Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Arizona (1982)
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. 

Suman Mukherjee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SDSU
Ph.D., Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Southern California
Current Research:
Neurotoxicology, Neuropharmacology, Pharmacogenomics.

Srinath Palakurthi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, SDSU
Ph.D. (Pharmaceutics), Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, A.P., India.
Current Research:
Design and Development of Supramolecular Bio vector system as antigen delivery system.

Patrick J. Ronan, Ph.D.
Asst. Prof., USDSM-SF
Ph.D. Biology, USD
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.

Shane K. Sarver, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, BHSU
Ph.D. Zoology, Louisiana State University (1993)
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 Black Hills State University and the proteomics and genomics facilities at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine.

Igor Sergeev, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, SDSU
Ph.D., Institute of Biomedical Problems, Moscow (1984)
D.Sc., Institute of Nutrition, Moscow (1991)
Current Research:
The purpose of my research program is the investigation of the vitamin D endocrine system and calcium signaling. The vitamin D hormone generates a wide array of biological responses (in over 30 tissues) both by classical regulation of gene expression and rapid signal transduction pathways involving membrane receptor. The major thesis of our biochemical and mechanistic studies is that calcium is the principal intracellular messenger involved in signal transduction of rapid actions of the vitamin D hormone. After interaction with its membrane receptor, the hormone rapidly (within seconds) triggers synchronous oscillations of intracellular calcium. Mechanism of the oscillations includes coordinated entry of calcium from theoeextracellular space through specific channels in the plasma membrane and mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores via calcium release channels. Specificity of vitamin D induced calcium signal (coded in amplitude, frequency and/or duration of oscillations) is important in regulation of cellular processes (e.g., insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells, induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells and cellular responses to microgravity in space flight). In our research, we utilize cellular biochemistry approaches, including digital and confocal imaging of intracellular calcium, vitamin D receptors, and calcium channels.

David H. Siemens, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, BHSU
Ph.D. Biology/Ecology, Northern Arizona University (1991)
Current Research:
Gene expression in biologically meaningful contexts: Functional genomics in close wild relative of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana.

Manisha Sonee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SDSU
Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California
Current Research:
Neurobiology, Pharmacogenomics, Intracellular drug delivery

Carlos M. Telleria, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, USDSM
Ph.D. Reprod. Endocrinology, University of San Luis, Argentina (1995)
Recent Publications on PubMed
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.

Patricia M. Tille, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Mt. Marty
Ph.D. Microbiology & Immunology, USD (2002)
Current Research:
Dr. Tille is actively involved in research under the direction of Dr. Martin Gerdes (COBRE Director at USDSM’s Cardiovascular Research Institute) involving molecular studies of myocyte remodeling and the progression to heart failure, as well as a project on the molecular basis for the formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants in clinical infections.

Xuejun Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences Division, USD
M.D. Hubei Medical University, Wuhan, P.R. China (1985)
Ph.D. Dept. of Anatomy & Structural Biology , USD (1998)
Current Research:
A long term goal of research in Dr. Wang's laboratory is to delineate molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of various heart diseases to congestive heart failure. Currently, Dr. Wang's group is working on two main themes: (1) the cause and effect of defective protein degradation pathways in cardiomyopathies; (2) the role of up-regulation of muscle-specific cytoskeletal proteins and the small heat shock proteins in cardiac responses to elevated hemodynamic load. The laboratory employs a variety of in vivo and in vitro approaches including mouse germ line transgenesis, cardiac morphology and physiology analyses, cell culture, adenoviral vector-mediated somatic gene transfer, conventional molecular biology techniques, transcription profiling, and proteomics.

Michael K. Wanous, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology, Augustana
Ph.D. Genetics, University of Missouri (1994)
Current Research:
The aims of the current research are to identify, map to chromosome arm, and study genes that regulate the expression of the genes of the starch biosynthetic pathway in wheat, Triticum aestivum L. 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 such as ethanol. The research focuses on identification and mapping of genes regulating expression of these genes at the transcriptional level. This project represents the first comprehensive search of the wheat genome for these key regulatory genes.

Da-Qing Yang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, USDSM
Ph.D. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Kansas State University (1996)
Current Research:
Regulation of Protein Translation by ATM in Response 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.

Alan Young, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, SDSU
Ph.D., Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto Ontario Canada (1994)
Current Research:
My lab is interested in general aspects of the role of cell migration in health and disease, and in species-specific aspects of domestic-animal immunology. I have two general foci-the development of the immune system in fetal and neonatal life, and the regulation of cell migration through normal and stimulated lymph nodes.
Sheep provide a unique system in which to examine the developing immune system, since the fetus develops in an essentially sterile environment until birth. This allows analysis of the role of foreign microbes in regulating development of the immune system, and permits engraftment of multipotential stem cells from sheep or other species, including humans. In collaborative projects with Harvard University and the University of Basel, we are examining the development of mature cell populations from immature stem cells transplanted into the sheep fetus.
My second interest lies in understanding the role of cell migration in the immune response. The immune system is a unique organ, in that it's component cells are not confined within a single tissue but carry out their function disseminated throughout the body. It is this continual "recirculation" of immune cells that allows the body to simultaneously examine all tissues for infection, and to disseminate "memory" lymphocytes throughout the body to protect against future infection. The lymph node is the basic functional unit of the immune system, and I am interested in examining its role in regulating this cell traffic. In previous experiments, I have identified a unique subset of B cells (antibody-producing cells) found only in sheep and cows, which may play important roles in the defense against intestinal pathogens in these animals. In other studies, we are examining the role of another important cell type, the dendritic cell, in spreading the immune response and memory throughout the body. In collaborative studies, we are attempting to identify dendritic cells which carry pathogenic prion protein in sheep in order to further understand the biology of prion diseases such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE, Mad Cow Disease).

Micheal H. Zehfus, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, BHSU
Ph.D. Biochemistry/Biophysics, Oregon State University (1984)
Current Research:
Presently there are two major research efforts in Dr. Zehfus' lab. The first deals with determining the strength of a backbone hydrogen bond in an alpha helix, and the second deals with determining the thiamine levels (vitamin B1) in various tissues of walleye and salmon taken from Lake Oahe in central South Dakota. He has also done theoretical work on protein domains. At this present time the work on the alpha helix is supported through a grant from the National Science Foundation, and the thiamine studies are done in collaboration with State of South Dakota Game Fish and Parks - McNenny Fish Hatchery with funds from the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Fund.