Anneke Klomp, Ben Lee, and Dr. Scott Steffensen, Neuroscience Department Introduction In this study we wanted to determine the effect that Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1𝛃) would have in changing the effects that methamphetamines have on dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (reward center of the brain). It has been well established previously that methamphetamines increases dopamine […]
Search Results for: role
Examining the Potential Role of GPR18 and GPR119 in Learning and Memory
Brandon Anderson, James Kranewitter-Call, and Dr. Jeffrey Edwards, Physiology and Developmental Biology Introduction Many mental disorders plague our society. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have greatly impacted many victims and their families. Despite the seriousness and pervasiveness of Alzheimer’s, there is still no effective treatment for it nor the accompanying dementia. GPR18 and GPR119 are G-protein […]
The role of Nr4a1 in maternal obesity induced beta cell expansion
PI: Jeffery S. Tessem Evaluation of academic objectives The academic objectives of this Mentoring Environment Grant (MEG) were to 1) train undergraduate students in the scientific process to prepare them in careers as physicians and scientists, and 2) to examine the relationship between in utero Nr4a1 beta cell specific deletion during maternal overnutrition and obesity […]
The role of LKB1 in Obesity-induced Skeletal Muscle Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
PI: David Thomson Evaluation of Academic Objectives The incidence of obesity and the health consequences that accompany it have increased rapidly over the past decade. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in its development will be crucial in developing novel treatment strategies for obesity and associated disorders. Low-grade inflammation likely plays a major role in many […]
Role of Sigma Receptors in Low-dose Methamphetamine Modulation of Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens
Marchant, Gilbert Role of Sigma Receptors in Low-dose Methamphetamine Modulation of Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Faculty Mentor: Scott Steffensen, Psychology Introduction Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive drug of abuse and METH use is a growing problem in the United States. The current dogma states that psychostimulants such as METH attack the mesocorticolimbic dopamine […]
The Role of peripheral mechanisms on DA enhancement in the rodent brain
Christian Carr and Scott Steffensen, Department of Psychology Introduction Dopamine is an important brain neurotransmitter regarding brain disorders such as substance abuse, Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra (SN) are inhibited by DA via DA D2 autoreceptor […]
The Role of Dopamine in Vasocontricting Cytokines and Restless Leg Syndrome
Jared Peterson and Scott Steffensen, Department of Psychology Introduction Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is characterized by strong and often unpleasant urges to move ones legs while at rest and affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population1. The exact cause of RLS is not known, and the mechanism by which the urges are generated is poorly […]
The role of Nr4a1 in β-cell glucose stimulated insulin secretion and cellular survival
Kevin Garland and Jeffery Tessem, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Science In 2010, diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in America, and as of 2014, 9% of the world’s adult population was affected by it. In both Type I (T1D) and Type II diabetes (T2D), a loss of β-cell mass and overall […]
Defining the role of Nr4a3 in β-cell function by analysis of full body knockout
Kener, Kyle Defining the role of Nr4a3 in β-cell function by analysis of full body knockout Faculty Mentor: Jeffery Tessem; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science The prevalence of diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate. Both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) lead to an eventual destruction of β-cells and an inability […]
The role of PAS kinase and Cbf1 in Cellular Metabolism
Pattison, Jenny Adele The role of PAS kinase and Cbf1 in Cellular Metabolism Faculty Mentor: Julianne H. Grose, Mircobiology and Molecular Biology Introduction The most recent National Institute of Health report concludes that 68.8% of American adults are considered to be overweight or obese1. With this trend in obesity, metabolic diseases such as heart disease, […]