Entamoeba histolytica is a pathogenic parasite responsible for amoebiasis, a severe diarrheal disease prevalent in developing countries. Our research investigates the parasite's mechanisms of pathogenesis, focusing on trogocytosis – a process in which the amoeba "bites off" pieces of host cells. We have previously demonstrated that E. histolytica evades the host's complement-mediated immune response by acquiring the host cell's complement regulatory protein CD59 during trogocytosis. To elucidate the mechanism behind this transfer, we are generating human cells that stably express fluorescently tagged CD59 (CD59-mCherry). To achieve this, we have PCR amplified the lentiviral vector and CD59-mCherry insert. Currently, we are troubleshooting the Gibson assembly process, which involves the removal of template DNA and subsequent purification of the vector and insert PCR products. The purified fragments will then be used for Gibson assembly. Following successful cloning and validation, the resulting fluorescently labeled cells will be used in live imaging studies to track CD59 localization during trogocytosis. This will provide insights into how E. histolytica processes this key complement regulator.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a human beta herpesvirus, establishes lifelong infection in the host. HCMV is a leading cause of complications during fetal development and causes significant morbidity and mortality during hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplants. Specifically, HCMV can alter cellular proliferation, differentiation cytokines and transcription factors by controlling the cell cycle. TNFSF10 is a key cytokine involved in regulating the cell cycle, which may interact with a proposed viral latency factor, HCMV UL4. In this study, we will confirm this interaction in fibroblasts and look at the mechanism of how the virus regulates this cytokine. To accomplish this, we will introduce TNFSF10 into pcDNA 3.1 and perform a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine mRNA levels of UL4 and TNFSF10 giving us how much of the gene is transcribed or expressed. Next, a linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) will be performed to measure levels of TNFSF10 secreted. We will look at these effects both during infection and when UL4 is expressed alone. Once completed, our research will demonstrate the effects of HCMV UL4 on regulating TNFSF10 in the cell. Understanding how HCMV infection controls the cells is important for; the health of infected individuals, and the future production of antiviral medication and vaccines for HCMV, as well as other herpesviruses.

Interactions between plant species vary from negative (competitive) to positive (facilitative). While competition has been extensively studied, recent research highlights the prevalence of facilitation. Understanding facilitative mechanisms is crucial for predicting plant population dynamics. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi forms symbiotic relationships with plants, providing nutrients in exchange for carbon. However, their role in altering plant interactions remains less explored. AMF colonizes approximately 80 percent of vascular plants, forming interconnected hyphal networks between plant roots. Evidence suggests that plants can transfer nutrients through these networks, facilitating plant interactions. I hypothesize that AMF colonization enhances facilitative interactions between native legume A. americanus and invasive grass species B. hordeaceus. Specifically, I predict greater AMF abundance in plants grown in live soil compared to sterilized soil, leading to increased seed production in B. hordeaceus when grown with A. americanus in live soil. To test this hypothesis, a greenhouse experiment manipulating soil microbial community (sterile vs. live field soil) and A. americanus density (0 and 12 individuals per pot) was utilized. B. hordeaceus above ground biomass will be collected at seed set. Plant performance will be assessed by drying and weighing above ground biomass and counting seeds. Comparisons between no-background control pots and those with A. americanus will determine facilitative or competitive effects. AMF abundance will be measured by cleaning roots with 10% KOH, staining with Schaeffer’s ink, and quantifying AMF structures via microscope. Results will elucidate the role of AMF in mediating plant-plant interactions and contribute to our understanding of facilitative mechanisms in grassland ecosystems.

Interest in space exploration has been rising over the past decades. A sustainable life without plants is impossible; therefore, growing healthy plants in the space environment is essential for long-term space missions. However, plants are exposed to unique stresses in space, like lack of gravity and high-energy space radiation. Furthermore, Mars and Moon regoliths, soil like dusty material found on the surface of Mars and Moon, lack organic matter that plants would need to grow. On Earth, plants exist together with their specific microbiome that helps them to thrive in various environments. Plant-associated microbes can provide nutrients to plants and improve their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this project, we are exploring the potential of plant-root microbe interactions to improve plant health in the lunar regolith. Brachypodium distachyon and Setaria viridis plants, inoculated with a bacterial synthetic community, were grown in lunar regolith and plants were evaluated for their biomass. We observed that a small synthetic community can improve plant health in the lunar regolith and support their growth. We expect our results to contribute to finding practical solutions to improve plants' health in space.