Angela K. Stoeckman

A gene of unknown function, Gohir.A02G161000.1, identified in Gossypium hirsutum was studied using computational sequence and structure bioinformatics tools. The associated protein GhRUS4-A0A1U8JPV7 (UniProt A0A1U8JPV7) is predicted to be a plastid-localized, transmembrane root UVB-sensitive 4 (RUS4) protein with a newly identified potential dimerization surface. Evidence from homology and sequence conservation suggest involvement in auxin transport and pollen maturation.

A gene of unknown function identified in Gossypium hirsutum , Gohir.A03G0737001.1, was studied using sequence and bioinformatic tools. The encoded protein (referred to here as GhCPP1-A0A1U8HKT6) was predicted to function as a Chaperone-like protein of protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (CPP1), which is involved with initiation of photochemical reactions of chlorophyll biosynthesis. Sequence analysis indicates it is embedded in the chloroplast envelope membrane through four transmembrane regions and contains a J-like domain that is structurally similar to the J domain of DnaJ/Hsp40 "holdase" chaperone proteins.

Undergraduate laboratory courses are vital for both enhancing student learning and preparing students for their future careers. Despite their importance, laboratory courses are often met with a lack of enthusiasm from students. For pre‐health students specifically, laboratory courses are commonly seen as part of a check‐list that needs to be completed in order to achieve future education or a career, instead of seeing the information that is taught in laboratories as essential preparation. A one‐semester biochemistry laboratory module was designed to demonstrate the real‐life applications of experimental techniques. This laboratory module introduced students to common clinical measurements and included learning metabolite analysis through hands‐on experiments, connections to simulated patient visits, generation of a research question, and implementation of a student‐designed independent experiment. Surveys indicate that this approach was helpful in creating a greater understanding of the applicability of undergraduate laboratory concepts appealing specifically to pre‐health students. Additionally, students found this module to provide a variety of gained benefits, knowledge, and confidence in performing scientific techniques. The outcomes of this laboratory module indicate its success and potential to be used in curricula as an effective way to engage pre‐health students in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory.

Background: One of the most prevalent causes of cancer fatalities is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which has been linked to metabolic syndrome. Circulating levels of the saturated fatty acid palmitate are elevated in metabolic syndrome and lead to cellular stress. Materials and Methods: Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and migration assays, we characterized the response of rat hepatoma cells to palmitate treatment. Results: We detected a 60% increase in secretion of C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) which was dose-dependent and coincided with apoptosis. We measured expression of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and observed a 4.5-fold increase on apoptotic hepatoma cells. Furthermore, we assayed migration of hepatoma cells and saw a 2-fold increase in the number of migrating cells towards CXCL1. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HCC cells secrete CXCL1 in response to metabolic syndrome signals and may promote the progression of cancer through apoptosis recovery or metastasis.

Several models suggest ways to expose undergraduates at minority serving institutions or institutions with limited research infrastructures to the iterative process of research. Apprentice‐based research experiences allow students to work one‐on‐one with a research mentor in the hands‐on discovery process, but with teaching being a priority for faculty at the aforementioned institutions, financial, spatial, and time limitations for research progress exist. Course‐based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide opportunities for a greater number of undergraduates to become familiar with the questions, techniques, and failure involved in research. However, designing projects that a group of students can complete in a semester can be challenging. Inclusive Research Education Communities are intended to promote retention in STEM courses for early college students but have limited benefit for upper‐level courses. We sought to create an iterative CURE between fall semester BIOL3900 at the University of North Texas and spring semester CHE397 at Bethel University (Saint Paul, MN) to promote collaboration between unique learning communities. The research goal was to use a tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) transient expression system as a platform to test gene functions and to engineer valuable bioproducts in plant vegetative tissues. The outcomes of this 2‐year integrative module included novel discoveries leading to publications in peer‐reviewed journals, cost benefits due to shared resources, continual movement of the project, course‐based training for future independent research projects, and improved student attitudes about research. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):565–572, 2019.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) in the liver. Here, we explore the composition of hepatic LDs in a rat model of AFLD. Five to seven weeks of alcohol consumption led to significant increases in hepatic triglyceride mass, along with increases in LD number and size. Additionally, hepatic LDs from rats with early alcoholic liver injury show a decreased ratio of surface phosphatidylcholine (PC) to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). This occurred in parallel with an increase in the LD association of perilipin 2, a prominent LD protein. To determine if changes to the LD phospholipid composition contributed to differences in protein association with LDs, we constructed liposomes that modeled the LD PC:PE ratios in AFLD and control rats. Reducing the ratio of PC to PE increased the binding of perilipin 2 to liposomes in an in vitro experiment. Moreover, we decreased the ratio of LD PC:PE in NIH 3T3 and AML12 cells by culturing these cells in choline-deficient media. We again detected increased association of specific LD proteins, including perilipin 2. Taken together, our experiments suggest an important link between LD phospholipids, protein composition, and lipid accumulation.

The functional role of IL-1 family member 10, recently renamed IL-38, remains unknown. In the present study we aimed to elucidate the biological function of IL-38 and to identify its receptor. Heat-killed Candida albicans was used to stimulate memory T-lymphocyte cytokine production in freshly obtained human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects. The addition of recombinant IL-38 (152 amino acids) inhibited the production of T-cell cytokines IL-22 (37% decrease) and IL-17 (39% decrease). The reduction in IL-22 and IL-17 caused by IL-38 was similar to that caused by the naturally occurring IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra) in the same peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultures. IL-8 production induced by IL-36γ was reduced by IL-38 (42% decrease) and also was reduced by IL-36Ra (73% decrease). When human blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells were used, IL-38 as well as IL-36Ra increased LPS-induced IL-6 by twofold. We screened immobilized extracellular domains of each member of the IL-1 receptor family, including the IL-36 receptor (also known as “IL-1 receptor-related protein 2”) and observed that IL-38 bound only to the IL-36 receptor, as did IL-36Ra. The dose–response suppression of IL-38 as well as that of IL-36Ra of Candida -induced IL-22 and IL-17 was not that of the classic IL-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra), because low concentrations were optimal for inhibiting IL-22 production, whereas higher concentrations modestly increased IL-22. These data provide evidence that IL-38 binds to the IL-36R, as does IL-36Ra, and that IL-38 and IL-36Ra have similar biological effects on immune cells by engaging the IL-36 receptor.