Current Graduate Students in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences
PhD students in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences (CMB) are engaged in research in biomedical sciences at the intersection of animal and human health. Our students study infectious and zoonotic diseases, genetics and genomics, molecular mechanisms of health and disease, virology and bacteriology, among other areas of research.
Armstrong, Alexandra
Armstrong, Alexandra
Alexandra Armstrong
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
B.A., Biology, Kenyon College
Adviser
Dr. Cathy Carlson
Research
My area of research interest is bone and cartilage pathology, including developmental diseases such as osteochondrosis, degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, and novel techniques for cartilage repair utilizing stem cell-derived tissue. I am interested in translational research using animal models that furthers our understanding of both human and animal diseases.
Arnold, Susan
Arnold, Susan
Susan Arnold
Adviser
Dr. Liz Pluhar
Research
My general area of research is in immunotherapy-based cures for primary brain tumors. I focus
on high grade gliomas in dogs, which share many important features with glioblastoma in
people. Our goal is to optimize multimodal immunotherapy-based treatment, consisting of tumor
lysate vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibition, in dogs so that this work can be translated
into human clinical trials. My thesis project is focused on determining why French bulldogs with
high grade gliomas have a uniformly poor response to immunotherapy, which will help to
optimize the treatment and predict outcome in people with similar tumor features.
Auerbach, Ashley
Auerbach, Ashley
Ashley Auerbach
Baker, Julia
Baker, Julia
Julia Baker
Becklin, Kelsie
Becklin, Kelsie
Kelsie Becklin
Degree
B.S. Biology, University of MInnesota Twin Cities
Adviser
Dr. Branden Moriarity
Areas of research interest
My research focuses on generating new models of Ewing sarcoma (ES), an aggressive type of pediatric cancer, using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and genetic engineering strategies. iPSCs provide a unique opportunity to address some fundamental questions surrounding ES etiology, such as the role genomic context (ancestry) plays on the susceptibility of ES and identifying the cell-of-origin through the development of a novel system, inducing the native translocation.
Blanco, Cristina
Blanco, Cristina
Cristina Blanco
B.S., Biology, Unviersity of South Flordia
Adviser
Currently completing requirements of the DVM program
Research
I am a DVM/PhD student interested in ecosystem health sciences, zoonoses, and infectious disease ecology.
Coffey, Emily
Coffey, Emily
Emily Coffey
Adviser
Dr. Eva Furrow
Research
The urobiome refers to the diverse array of microorganisms that inhabit the urinary tract, which has substantial implications for the host in both health and disease. The urobiome of dogs and cats remains largely unexplored. My research investigates the microbial populations of the urinary tract in dogs and cats, both in health and in the context of various disease states.
Publications (selected)
- Coffey EL, Little K, Seelig DM, Rendahl AK, Granick JL. Comparison of immediate versus delayed streak plate inoculation on urine bacterial culture and susceptibility testing in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2020; 1–7.
- Moore AR, Medrano E, Coffey E, Powers B. Clinicopathological Correlation and Prevalence of Increased Copper in Canine Hepatic Cytology. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2019; 55(1): 8-13.
- Moore AR, Coffey E, Leavell SE, Krafsur G, Duncan C, Dowers K, Santangelo KS. Canine bicavitary carcinomatosis with transient needle tract metastasis diagnosed by multiplex immunocytochemistry. Vet Clin Pathol. 2016 Sep; 45(3): 495-500.
Honors/Awards
- Scholarship for Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Disease, 2020
- NIH NIDDK Urobiome Travel Award, 2020
- UMN Council of Graduate Students Career Development Award, 2019
- Comparative and Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Travel Award, 2019
- NIH T32 Research Training Grant in Comparative Medicine and Pathology, 2019-2021 ACVIM Advanced Research Training Fellowship Grant, 2018-2019
- ISCAID-IDEXX Research Award, ACVIM Forum, 2018
- Education Research Committee ACVIM Forum Travel Award, 2018
- Resident Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, 2018
Demos-Davies, Kimberly
Demos-Davies, Kimberly
Kimberly Demos-Davies
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student
Degree
D.V.M., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
B.A., Biological Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder
Adviser
Dr. Davis Seelig
Research
Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause deficits in cancer patients years after treatment is completed. In particular, I am interested in the mechanism behind cognitive deficits including memory loss and impairment of concentration in cancer patients post non brain directed radiation treatment. I am working through a mouse model to explore cognitive and neuroinflammatory effects of target radiation exposure
Awards
CVM Resident & Graduate Student Research Grant, 2020
MVMA Academy Pomeroy DVM/PhD Scholarship, 2020
NIH T32 Fellowship in Comparative Medicine and Pathology, 2020-present
UMN CVM Class of 1961 Scholarship, 2019
UMN CVM Marcella Melby Scholarship, 2018
Publications
Blakeslee, W.W., Demos-Davies K.M., Lemon, D.D., Lutter, K.M., Cavasin, M.A., Payne, S., Long, C.S., McKinsey, T.A., and Miyamoto, S.D. Histone Deacetylase Adaptation in Single Ventricle Heart Disease and a Young Animal Model of Right Ventricular Hypertrophy. Pediatric Res. 82(4): doi:10.1038/pr.2017.126, 2017.
Jeong, M.Y., Lin, T.H., Wennersten, S.A., Demos-Davies, K.M, Cavasin, M.A., Mahaffey, J.H., Monzani, V., Saripalli, C., Mascagni, P., Reece, T.B., Ambardecker, A.V., Granzier, H.L., Dinarello, C.A. and McKinsey, T.A. Histone Deacetylase Activity Governs Diastolic Dysfunction Through a Non- Genomic Mechanism. Science Transl Med. 10 (427): eaao0144, 2018
Di, Da
Di, Da
Da Di
Degree
B.S., Biopharmaceutics, Wuhan University, China
Adviser
Dr. Hinh Ly
Research
(-)ssRNA virus encodes its own RDRP(RNA dependent RNA polymerase) for viral mRNA
transcription and genome replication. But the RDRP of these viruses cannot function alone. for
non-segmented (-)ssRNA virus like rabies virus, it requires accessories protein including P and
N, for segmented virus like influenza, it requires N protein. I am interested in the structural basis
for arenavirus polymerase and its complex with nucleoprotein. I am trying to get protein samples
for cryo-EM study and structural determination. Also, due to the outbreak of SARS-COV2, I am
developing a diagnostic assay based on SARS-COV2 nucleocapsid protein and establishing a
drug screen platform for SARS-COV2 and host protein interactions.
Draper, Garrett
Draper, Garrett
Garrett Draper
Degree
B.S., Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Adviser
Dr. David Largaespada
Research
The genetic tumor predisposition syndrome Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) results from the inheritance of a mutated copy of NF1, a Ras-GAP tumor suppressor gene. Subsequent loss of the remaining wild-type allele in Schwann lineage cells leads to hyperactive Ras signaling, cell proliferation, and the formation of benign plexiform neurofibromas. These benign tumors can progress to lethal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Although NF1 and other mutations have been associated with MPNST formation, their temporal dependence during Schwann cell development using a human cell model has not been studied. I aim to utilize a model of induced MPNSTs (iMPNSTs) for a better understanding of the timing at which these mutations occur during Schwann cell development to result in MPNSTs.
Emmitt, Nicole
Emmitt, Nicole
Nicole Emmitt
Degrees
D.V.M. in progress, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
M.S., Clinical Embryology & Andrology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
B.S., Animal Science, California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Adviser
Dr. Maxim Cheeran
Area(s) of research interest
My areas of research interest are traumatic brain injury (TBI) and addiction behavior. Mild TBI often has long-term sequela, like an increased risk of depression, PTSD, Alzheimer's Disease, and substance use disorder. In our animal models, we have identified long-term learning deficits after mild TBI that is linked to the inflammatory response to injury. My goal is to understand how a history of TBI alters the response to opiate use, and if the increased vulnerability to addiction can be reversed by altering the inflammatory response in the brain.
Martinez, L. A., Gross, K. S., Himmler, B. T., Emmitt, N. L., Peterson, B. M., Zlebnik, N. E., . . . Mermelstein, P. G. (2016). Estradiol facilitation of cocaine self-administration in female rats requires activation of mGluR5. doi:10.1523/ENEURO.0140-16.2016
Estrada, April
Estrada, April
April Estrada
Degree
B.S., Animal Science, California State Polytechnic University
Adviser
Dr. Connie Gebhart
Research
Streptococcus suis is associated with meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis, polyserositis, and septicemia in pigs. My major research objective is to investigate the emergence and increased pathogenesis of S. suis, beginning with a transdisciplinary approach to characterize the diversity of S. suis in the U.S. This approach includes the genomic characterization of potential virulence factors involved in S. suis pathogenicity.
Feser, Colby
Feser, Colby
Colby Feser
CMB Council of Graduate Students Representative
Degree
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Adviser
Dr. Mark Osborn
Research
My area of interest is in manipulation of CRIPSR-Cas9 systems to drive targeted gene regulation. I am making use of the exceptional targeting ability of the CRIPSR nuclease to co-localize effector domains to target loci thereby modulating downstream gene expression. Collectively, this approach is structured to address unmet needs in the fields of cellular engineering, mammalian cell protein production, and genome editing.
Publications
McDonald-Hyman et al. (2018). The vimentin intermediate filament network restrains regulatory T cell suppression of graft-versus-host disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 128(10), 4604-4621. doi: 10.1172/JCI95713. Epub 2018 Aug 14.
Osborn et al. (2018). CRISPR/Cas9-Based Cellular Engineering for Targeted Gene Overexpression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences,19(4), 946. doi:10.3390/ijms19040946
Du et al. Invariant natural killer T cells ameliorate murine chronic GVHD by expanding donor regulatory T cells. Blood. 2017 Jun 8;129(23):3121-3125. doi: 10.1182/blood-2016-11-752444. Epub 2017 Apr 17. PMID: 28416503
Matta et al. Peri-alloHCT IL-33 administration expands recipient T-regulatory cells that protect mice against acute GVHD. Blood. 2016 Jul 21;128(3):427-39. doi: 10.1182/blood-2015-12-684142. Epub 2016 May 24. PMID: 27222477
Govindarajan Thangavelu et al. (2019). Dendritic Cell Expression of Retinal Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 Controls Graft-versus-Host Disease Lethality. J. Immunol., 202(9), 2795-2805. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800899. Epub 2019 Mar 18.
Paz et al. (2019). Targeting PI3Kδ Function for Amelioration of Murine Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease. American J. Transplant., 19(6):1820-1830. doi: 10.1111/ajt.15305. Epub 2019 Mar 19.
Saha et al. (2019) Donor and Host B7-H4 Expression Negatively Regulates Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Lethality. JCI Insight, 4(19) doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.127716.
Garwood, Tyler
Garwood, Tyler
Tyler Garwood
Degrees
M.S., Wildlife & Fisheries Science, South Dakota State University
B.S., Wildlife Ecology & English, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Adviser
Dr. Tiffany Wolf
Research
To inform management strategies aimed at boosting moose populations, I am utilizing data from RADseq and ddPCR analyses to associate meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenius) transmission sites with landscape features. I also use metabarcoding techniques to identify immediate gastropod hosts of the meningeal worm. I collaborate extensively with the Grand Portage Indian Reservation biologist, where my samples are collected.
Geng, Qibin
Geng, Qibin
Qibin Geng
Degrees
M.S., Microbiology & Virology, Wuhan University, China
B.S., Biotechnology & Biopharmaceutics, Southern Medical Univeristy, China
Adviser
Dr. Fang Li
Research
Currently, I am investigating the structures and functions of coronavirus-surface proteins that mediate receptor recognition and cell entry of viruses.
Isakson, Sara
Isakson, Sara
Sara Isakson
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
B.S., Biological Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz
Adviser
Dr. David Largaespada
Research
Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) is a common tumor predisposition syndrome characterized by a variety of debilitating clinical manifestations. Many mouse models have been developed to better understand the disease, but none of these models display the complexity of disease seen in humans. In partnership with the biotechnology company Recombinetics, Inc., we have developed a novel swine model of NF1 that fully recapitulates the human disease. I am working to characterize the disease phenotype in these genetically engineered pigs with the goal of using them as a preclinical model to better inform treatment strategies for human NF1 patients. I am also using genetically engineered human Schwann cell lines to elucidate the precise cell signaling aberrations associated with peripheral nerve tumors in NF1 patients. This research will ideally lead to the development of novel therapies to be further tested in our preclinical models.
Publications
Isakson, S. H., Katzman, S. D., & Hoyer, K. K. (2012). Spontaneous Autoimmunity in the Absence of IL-2 Is Driven by Uncontrolled Dendritic Cells. The Journal of Immunology, 189(4), 1585 LP-1593.
Katzman, S. D., Hoyer, K. K., Dooms, H., Gratz, I. K., Rosenblum, M. D., Paw, J. S., Isakson, S.H., Abbas, A. K. (2011). Opposing functions of IL-2 and IL-7 in the regulation of immune responses. Cytokine, 56(1), 116–121.
Presentations
Isakson, SH, Coutts, A, William, K, et al. A porcine model of neurofibromatosis type I-associated nervous system tumors. Soc. Neuro-Oncology Annual Scientific Meeting, San Francisco, CA. Nov. 2017
Isakson SH, Malhotra D, Jenkins, MK. Qualitative effects of thymic atrophy on self-reactive CD4+ T cells. UMN CVM Research Days, St. Paul, MN. October 2014.
Isakson SH, Malhotra D, Jenkins, MK. Qualitative effects of thymic atrophy on self-reactive CD4+ T cells. Merial-NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium, Ithaca, NY. August 2014.
Awards
Brain Tumor Program Travel Award, 2017
CMB Student Travel Award, 2017
NIH Comparative Medicine and Pathology Training Fellowship, 2017
First Place Poster Presentation Points of Pride Research Day October 2014
Merial-NIH Summer Scholars Award 2014
Jaeger, Anna
Jaeger, Anna
Jahan, Nusrat
Jahan, Nusrat
Nusrat Jahan
Degrees
M.S., Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Cloud State University
B.S., Microbiology, North South University, Bangladesh
Adviser
Dr. Peter Larsen
Research
My research explores the molecular epidemiology of zoonotic foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the rodent pests from food animal operations and urban premises.
Publications
Jahan, N. A., Lindsey, L. L., & Larsen, P. A. (2020). The Role of Peridomestic Rodents as Reservoirs for Zoonotic Foodborne Pathogens. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
Johnson, Abigail
Johnson, Abigail
Abigail Johnson
Degrees
M.S., Immunology, University of Cincinnati
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Adviser
Dr. Tim Johnson
Research
My research focuses on identifying potential probiotics that can combat/prevent colonization of pathogens associated with commercial turkey production, pathogen inhibition performance in probiotic bacteria which will aid in faster screening of future probiotic candidates and the development of a commercial.
Awards
USDA National Needs Fellowship in Poultry Health and Production 2018-2021
Kirk, Natalie
Kirk, Natalie
Natalie Kirk
DVM, Colorado State University
M.S., Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Univ. of IL
Research
Larson, Christina
Larson, Christina
Christina Larson
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
B.A., Biology, University of Minnesota-Morris
Adviser
Dr. Carolyn Fairbanks
Research
Acute pain arises with injury, illness, and surgery, and may transform into chronic pain if it is not appropriately treated. Pain is undertreated in some species due to lack of appropriate and safe analgesics. The focus of my research is developing new animal models in support of evaluating novel analgesics for efficacy vs. side effects in mice, rats, pigs, and cats. Aspects of this work will provide data supporting future clinical trials in humans.
Publications
Larson CM, Peterson C, Kitto K, Wilcox GL, and Fairbanks CA. Sustained-release buprenorphine causes acute tolerance in the mouse. E J Pharmacol. 2020[in press]
Larson CM, Wilcox GL, Fairbanks CA. Defining and Managing Pain in Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Research. Comp Med. 2019; 69(6):510-519. doi:10.30802/AALAS-CM-19-000099
Larson CM, Wilcox GL, Fairbanks CA. The Study of Pain in Rats and Mice. Comp Med. 2019;69(6):555-570. doi:10.30802/AALAS-CM-19-000062
Whitten TV, Brayshaw G, Patnayak D, Alvarez J, Larson CM, Root Kustritz M, Holzbauer SM, Torrison J, Scheftel JM. Seroprevalence of Brucella canis antibodies in dogs entering a Minnesota humane society, Minnesota, 2016-2017. Prev Vet Med. 2019;168:90-94. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.04.015
Larson CM, Peterson C, Bruce D, Kitto K, Wilcox G, and Fairbanks C. (2018). Peripherally restricted opioid combination therapy reduces pain behavior in mouse and pig. J Pain. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.12.188
Li, Manci
Li, Manci
Manci Li
Adviser
Dr. Peter Larsen
Degrees
B.S., Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Colorado State University
Research
My research interest revolves around Alu retrotransposons—a primate-specific mobile genetic element that act as regulators of gene expression, playing a wide variety of roles in human health and disease. Currently, I am working on the roles of retrotransposons in circadian rhythm and neuroepigenetics and Alu polymorphisms and the outcome and clinical manifestations of COVID-19. I also work on detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions deer using real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC).
Publication
- Tennant, J. M., Li, M., Henderson, D. M., Tyer, M. L., Denkers, N. D., Haley, N. J., Mathiason, C. K., & Hoover, E. A. (2020). Shedding and stability of CWD prion seeding activity in cervid feces. PloS one, 15(3), e0227094. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227094
Awards
- COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant (2020)
Luong, Nhungoc
Luong, Nhungoc
Nhungoc Luong
Degree
B.S., Biology, Concordia University, Saint Paul
Adviser
Dr. Julie Olson & Dr. Michael Murtaugh
Research
Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted from most cell types and constantly taken up by other cells, thus mediating intercellular communication. Exosomes can contain a wide range of materials including mRNAs, miRNAs, and proteins. My research focuses on the exosomes secreted from microglia during viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and how they might contribute to the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease such as human multiple sclerosis.
Publications
Singh, A., Mor , S.K., Jindal, N., Patnayak, D., Sobhy, N.M., Luong, N., Goyal, S.M. (2016). Detection and molecular characterization of astroviruses in turkeys. Archives of Virology
Aboubakr, HA., Nauertz, A., Luong, N., Agrawal, S., El-Sohaimy, S.A., Youssef, M.M., Goyal, S.M. (2016). In vitro antiviral activity of clove and ginger aqueous extracts against feline calicivirus, a surrogate to human norovirus. Journal of Food Protection.
Presentations
Luong, N. and Olson, JK. (2018) Exosomes secreted by microglia during virus-induced demyelinating disease contribute to viral persistence and neuroinflammation. ASV Meeting, Bethesda, MD (Oral)
Luong, N. and Olson, JK. (2018) Exosomes secreted by microglia during virus-induced demyelinating disease contribute to neuroinflammation. Institute of Molecular Virology Symposium, Minneapolis, MN (Oral)
Luong, N. and Olson, JK. (2017). Role of exosomes secreted from microglia in demyelinating disease. Wis-e-sota, Lacrosse, WI. (Oral)
Luong, N. and Olson, JK. (2017). Role of exosomes from microglia secreted by microglia in virus-induced demyelinating disease. PNI retreat, Saint Paul, MN. (Oral)
Luong, N. and Olson, JK. (2017). Exosomes secreted from virus- infected microglia can activate an inflammatory response in the central nervous system. CVM Point of Research, Saint Paul, MN. (Poster)
Luong, N and Olson, JK (2017). Exosomes from virus-infected microglia can activate an inflammatory response in the central nervous system. Amer. Assn. for Immunol. Conference, Washington, D.C.
Luong, N and Olson, JK (2017). Exosomes from virus-infected microglia can activate an inflammatory response in the central nervous system. Amer. Assn. for Virol. Meeting, Madison, WI.
Luong, N., Penm, S., and Olson, JK. (2016). Exosomes can transfer viral components between cells. iCOMOS 2nd Conference, Minnesota
Luong, N., Trudeau, M.,Verma, H., Mor, S.K., Erber, J., Goyal, S.M. (2014). Cultivation and molecular characterization of U.S. strains of porcine sapelovirus. Leman Swine Conference
Awards
American Society for Virology Student Travel Award, 2018
Development Initiative Grant sponsored by Coca-Cola, 2018
Student Service Fees Event Grant, 2018
Amer. Soc. for Virol. Student Travel Award, 2017
Amer. Assn. of Immunol. Laboratory Travel Grant, 2017
NIDA PharmacoNeuroImmunology Fellowship, 2016-2018
Matson, Anders
Matson, Anders
Anders Matson
Degree
B.S., Biology, Augsburg College
Adviser
Dr. Chris Burlak
Area(s) of research interest
My research interests are genetic engineering and transplant immunology. My research is currently focused on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create a porcine organ donor that elicits a lower immune response from humans as compared to non-genetically engineered donors. This research allows me to explore the efficiency of the CRISPR Cas9 system and the potential for off target mutations. This work has resulted in the ability to characterize and optimize CRIPSR efficiency at gene-targeting sites. Characterization of the genetically engineered porcine donors involves pre-transplant immunologic screening that determines the potential for immune rejection between the non-human primate recipient and porcine donor. My research also includes post-transplant immunologic monitoring of the xenograft recipients. While we have made great progress in genetic engineering, the islet cells we transplant still under go an eventual immune assault. I work with our immune monitoring team to unravel the complexities of B and T cell activation in response to xenografts.
Munsey, Anna
Munsey, Anna
Anna Munsey
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.A., Biology, University of Virginia
Advisers
Dr. Andres Perez & Dr. Kim VanderWaal
Research
My research is focused on understanding the epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease in endemic countries.
Murphy, Hannah
Murphy, Hannah
Hannah Murphy
Advisers
Dr. Yuying Liang and Dr. Hinh Ly
Research
My research focuses on the gene expression of arenaviruses, specifically Lassa fever virus. Lassa fever virus causes severe to fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans and has no vaccine or effective drug treatment. I am also involved in the research of using trisegmented arenavirus (Pichinde virus) vector to develop vaccines against various animal and human diseases.
Oppler, Scott
Oppler, Scott
Scott Hunter Oppler
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student, currently in D.V.M. curriculum
Degree
B.S., Biology & Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Areas of research interest
My area of research interest is metabolic diseases, especially Type 1 diabetes, and the refinement of animal models used in the transitional research to study them. I am interested in translational research that helps advance the development of novel and optimization of current therapies for these diseases.
Oram, Marissa
Oram, Marissa
Marissa Oram
Degree
B.A., Chemistry, College of St. Benedict
Adviser
Dr. Anja-Katrin Bielinsky
Research
Genome instability is a major driver of cancer genome evolution. Replication stress is the primary source of genome instability when stalled replication forks are processed into DNA double strand breaks. Cancer cells live under chronic replication stress and, therefore, they must have adopted replication stress tolerance pathways. We hypothesize that replication stress tolerance can also lead to drug resistance making effective cancer therapies unattainable. We have shown that the yeast ubiquitin ligase, Slx5/8, promotes replication stress tolerance by allowing cells to enter mitosis with under replicated DNA. Now, we want to understand the role of the mammalian ortholog, RING finger protein 4 (RNF4), in response to replication stress. This research will lead to a better mechanistic understanding of replication stress tolerance and chemoresistance which could reveal potential anti-cancer drug targets.
Park, Haeree
Park, Haeree
Haeree Park
Degrees
B.S. Pre-veterinary Studies, University MA-Amherst
DVM/PhD in progress, University of Minnesota
Phung, Gwen
Phung, Gwen
Gwen Phung
Adviser
Dr. Jeffrey Miller
Research
I am interested in studying the interactions between natural killer cells (NK cells) and
suppressive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment which include myeloid-derived
suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). More specifically, my current project
examines the reciprocal interactions between induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK
cell (iNK) that are currently being tested clinically (NCT03841110), with MDSCs and Tregs, in
order to investigate if the lack of in vivo persistence of the iNKs is due to suppressive immune
cells. With better understanding, we hope to improve the efficacy of iNKs as a cancer
immunotherapy.
Pope, Emily
Pope, Emily
Emily Pope
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student
Degree
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota
Adviser
Dr. David Largaespada
Research
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in humans and dogs. When a patient presents with macrometastases, long term survival drops precipitously to less than 20%. We hypothesize that this may trigger extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in a subset of metastatic cells that prevents chemotherapy and immune cells from penetrating into the tumor. My research focuses on characterizing adaptations in the ECM and tumor microenvironment in response to chemotherapy.
Presentations
- Razzoli, M., Nuyuyki-Dufe, K., Gurney, A., Erickson, C., McCallum, J., Spielman, N., Marzullo, M., Patricelli, J., Kurata, M., Pope, E., Touma, C., Palme, R., Largaespada, D., Allison, D., Bartolomucci, A. Social stress regulates lifespan in mice. Aging Cell, e12778. doi: 10.1111/acel.12778.
- Shu, J., Li, L., Sarver, A., Pope, E., Varshney, J., Thayanithi, V., Spector, L., Largaespada, D., Steer, C., Subramanian, S. Imprinting defects at human 14q32 locus alters gene expression and is associated with the pathobiology of osteosarcoma. Oncotarget 7(16):21298-314. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.6965.
Awards
- NIH Musculoskeletal T32 Training Grant, 2020
- Vaughn Larson Memorial Scholarship, 2020
- Dr. Jack Walther Leadership Award, 2019
- Auxiliary to the AVMA Legacy Scholarship, 2019
- Nestle Purina Leadership Award, 2018
Quintana, Ruth
Quintana, Ruth
Ruth Quintana
Degree
B.S., Biology, University of Puerto Rico Piedras
Adviser
Dr. Alonso Guedes
Area of research interest
My current research focuses on neuro-immune interactions relevant for chronic pain and opioid mechanisms. Specifically, we study the role of calcium signaling in glia and its involvement in nociception, opioid antinociception and opioid tolerance using mouse models of chronic pain.
Robbins, Gabrielle
Robbins, Gabrielle
Gabrielle Robbins
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student, currently in D.V.M. curriculum
Degree
B.S., Animal Science, North Carolina State University Raleigh
Adviser
Branden Moriarity and Bruce Walcheck
Research
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bone diagnosed in children and adolescents. Patient outcome and treatment options have not improved over the last four decades and continue to focus on tumor resection and combination chemotherapy. Immunotherapy has shown promise in other cancer types but remains relatively unexplored for osteosarcoma. My research aims to utilize cutting-edge genome engineering tools to modify NK cells by knocking out inhibitory genes and integrating novel NK cell Chimeric Antigen Receptors to improve their potential as an effective osteosarcoma treatment.
Sanchez, Shania
Sanchez, Shania
Shania Sanchez
Degree
B.S. Biology, University of New Mexico
Adviser
Completing laboratory rotations
Smith, Emily
Smith, Emily
Emily Smith
Degrees
M.P.H., Epidemiology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
B.A., Biology & History, University of Missouri Columbia
Adviser
Dr. Tim Johnson
Research
My research focuses on the ecology, evolution, and epidemiology of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) in turkeys. I use comparative genomics to identify similarities and differences across ORT strains that will allow us to develop more effective autogenous vaccines.
Springer, Kelsey
Springer, Kelsey
Kelsey Springer
Steinhoff, Magie
Steinhoff, Magie
Magie Steinhoff
Degrees
M.B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
B.S., Animal Sciences, University of Missouri - Columbia
Adviser
Dr. Chris Burlak
Areas of research interest
My research at the Schulze Diabetes Institute is focused on altering surface glycan expression of porcine cells through genetic engineering. Our goal is to produce a donor organ that is less immunoreactive when used in xenotransplantation. Specifically, my goal is to increase the level of ɑ2,6 sialylation on pig cells to inhibit activation of human B cells in response to porcine cells.
Strell, Phoebe
Strell, Phoebe
Degree Treeful, Amy
Treeful, Amy
Amy Treeful
Degrees
M.S., Comparative and Molecular Biosciences, University of Minnesota
B.S., Biology, University of Minnesota
B.A., East Asian Studies, University of Minnesota
Adviser
Dr. Steven Friedenberg
Research
Hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Autoimmune Addison's Disease (AAD), is a life-threatening endocrinopathy that occurs spontaneously in both humans and dogs. AAD is rare in humans but as much as 100X more common in high risk dog breeds. Human medicine has benefitted from the identification of an autoantibody biomarker for the disease, which can be detected prior to advanced disease stage. Such a biomarker has yet to be identified for the canine counterpart of the disease. My thesis research seeks to fill this gap by identifying an autoantibody biomarker for canine AAD and to develop it into an early screening tool.
Publications
Treeful, A.E., Rendahl, A.K., Friedenberg, S.G., DLA class II haplotypes show sex-specific associations with primary hypoadrenocorticism in Standard Poodle dogs. Immunogenetics. On-line 09 April 2019. Doi: 10.1007/s00251-019-01113-0
Steven G. Friedenberg, Daniella Vansteenkiste, Oriana Yost, Amy E. Treeful, Kathryn M. Meurs, Debra A. Tokarz, Natasha J. Olby. A de novo mutation in the EXT2 gene associated with osteochondromatosis in a litter of American Staffordshire Terriers. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. (2018). Feb 27.
Cummings, C., Walder, J., Treeful, A., Jemmerson, R., (2006). Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein 1 binds cytochrome c and inhibits antibody detection of the apoptotic marker in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis. 11 (7), 1121-9.
McNiel, EA., Madrill, NJ., Treeful, AE., Buoen, LC., Weber, AF. (2006). Comparison of cytogenetics and polymerase chain reaction based detection of the amelogenin gene polymorphism for the diagnosis of freemartinism in cattle. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 18(5), 469-72.
Jemmerson, R., LaPlante, B., Treeful, A., (2002). The Release of Intact Monomeric Cytochrome c from Apoptotic and Necrotic Cells. Cell Death and Differentiation. 9(5), 538-48.
Treeful, AE, Friedenberg SG. (2020 May). Identifying autoantibody biomarkers for canine autoimmune Addison's disease. Accepted at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Immunologists, Immunology 2020™. Honolulu, HI.
Treeful, AE, Friedenberg SG. (2019 October). Identifying autoantibody biomarkers for canine autoimmune Addison's disease. Presented at Points of Pride Research Days, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.
Immunology 2020™ Trainee Poster Award, American Association of Immunologists, 2020
Nominee, Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, CMB Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2020
Truckenbrod, Emily
Truckenbrod, Emily
Emily Truckenbrod
Degrees
D.V.M., Cornell University
B.S., Biology, Iowa State University
Adviser
Dr. Stephen Jameson
Research
I am interested in understanding the mechanisms governing peripheral immune tolerance to self. Defining these mechanisms is critical for optimal prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease and for safely and effectively triggering a directed autoimmune response against tumor-associated self-antigens. To clarify these mechanisms, we are using a mouse model to examine the CD8+ T cell response to a melanocyte/melanoma-associated enzyme.
Awards
NIH Comparative Medicine and Pathology Training Fellowship
WTS Thorp Memorial Scholarship
Wanner, Nicole
Wanner, Nicole
Nicole Wanner
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
B.A., Biology, Lawrence University
Adviser
Dr. Chris Faulk
Area of research interest
My area of research interest is epigenetic gene regulation, including epigenetic biomarkers of health and disease and how the epigenome changes in response to environmental input. Epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation can affect gene expression in ways that are both responsive to the environment and, in some cases, heritable between generations. My thesis work is focused on understanding the epigenetic actions of cannabidiol (CBD), the primary non-psychoactive component of cannabis, using the Agouti viable yellow (Avy) environmental biosensor mouse model.
Witschen, Patrice
Witschen, Patrice
Patrice Witschen
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
B.S., Biology, University of Minnesota - Duluth
Adviser
Dr. Kaylee Schwertfeger
Research
My research seeks to understand how breast cancer cells interact with and alter their environment to ultimately support disease progression. Currently my work focuses on hyaluronan (HA), which is a primary component of the extracellular matrix present within tumor tissues. By understanding HA signaling associated with inflammation, new therapeutic approaches can be developed for the treatment of breast cancer.
Awards
First Place Poster Presentation Points of Pride Research Day October, 2019
NIH COmparative MEdicine and Pathology T32 Training Grant, 2019
Howard Hughes Medical Research Fellowship- Renewal, 2016
Howard Hughes Medical Research Fellowship-Burroughs Wellcome Fund, 2015
Merial-NIH T35 Summer Training Program, 2014
Publications
Witschen, PM, Sharkey, LC, Seelig, DM, et al. (2020). Diagnosis of canine renal lymphoma by cytology and flow cytometry of the urine. Vet Clinic Pathol, 00: 1-6.
Bohrer LR, Chaffee TS, Chuntova P, Brady NJ, Witschen PM, Kemp SE, … Schwertfeger KL (2016). ADAM17 in tumor associated leukocytes regulates inflammatory mediators and promotes mammary tumor formation. Genes & Cancer, 7(7-8), 240-253
Yang, Huixin
Yang, Huixin
Huixin Yang
Degree
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University
Adviser
Dr. Lou Mansky
Research
My research mainly focuses on the molecular and structural nature of HIV particle assembly. I am interested in virus particle biogenesis and use a combination of traditional and sophisticated state-of-the-art experimental approaches. This work will reveal potential new targets for developing antiviral compounds.
Young, Jared
Young, Jared
Jared Young
Degrees
B.S. Animal Sciences, West Texas A&M University
Adviser
Currently completing requirements of the DVM program