Neuroscience Research Showcase
The Neuroscience Research Showcase is an annual event, sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor as part of Brain Awareness Week, and supported by the Department of Biology, the College of Liberal Arts, and the faculty of the Neuroscience Minor.
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Analyzing the Neuroprotective Effects of Phytoestrogens and Aromatase on Male Zebra Finch Cerebellum Post Lesion
Tony Irovic, Grace Thompson, and Lainy B. Day
(All authors are affiliated with Interdisciplinary Studies: Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi)
Introduction:
- Estradiol (E2) & aromatase (AROM) are neuroprotective
- AROM enzymatically converts testosterone (T) into E2
- E2 alters testicular function and increases stroke and cancer risk
- Phytoestrogens, such as genistein (GEN), are plant derived compounds that have a similar chemical structure to E2 and some E2 -like effects
- GEN may possess the neuroprotective effects of E2 while not having the negative effects
- Zebra finch (ZF) brains are highly plastic, and the cerebellum (CB) has low AROM constitutively
- The CB has high levels of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) for which GEN has high affinity
- CB damage increases E2 via AROM upregulation
- Letrozole (LET) inhibits AROM, blocking the conversion of E2 into T
- ZF males & females have similar level of circulating E2
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Voltage-dependent anion Channels (VDACs) possess a BH3-like Domain Capable of Functionally Complementing the BH3 Domains of Bax and Bcl-xL
Saroj Nepal, Clement Agyemang, Mika Jekabsons, and Bradley W. Jones
(All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi)
Abstract: The Bcl-2 protein family plays a critical role in controlling apoptosis through interactions of multidomain pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bax, Bak), anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1), and BH3-only pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bid, Puma, Noxa). Recent studies have shown that the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels (VDAC) interact with Bax and Bak to regulate apoptosis. We hypothesize VDACs interact with Bax through their N-terminal region, which we discovered is homologous with the BH3 domains of Bcl-2 family proteins. The results show that the N-terminus of VDACs 1 and 2 can functionally replace the BH3 domains of both Bax and Bcl-xL. These findings suggest that VDACs 1 and 2 possess functional BH3 domains, raising the possibility that they are novel members of the Bcl-2 family. Further experiments are needed to determine whether endogenous VDACs 1 and 2 regulate the activities of Bcl-2 family members through their BH3 like N-termini.
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The Effect of Kefir Consumption on Gut and Mental Well-Being
Danh Nguyen, Kate Digges, Emerson Morris, Nicole Hinkley-Kellum, Cas Simpson, Dow McCarty, and Erik F. Y. Hom
(All authors are affiliated with the Department of Biology: Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, University of Mississippi)
Members of the Hom Lab are studying the potential benefits of water kefir consumption on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms and mental health through Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis modulation. Water kefir is a probiotic-rich beverage produced by the fermentation of sugar water using symbiotic aggregates of microbes known as water kefir grains (WKGs). WKGs consist of various yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic bacteria bound together through extracellular polysaccharides. Probiotics are defined as foods or supplements that contain live, beneficial microbes that foster well-being of the consumer. Prebiotics are food sources that support beneficial human microflora. Numerous microbes in kefir are believed to be probiotic (e.g., Lactobacillus sp.) and the kefir liquor is believed to be prebiotic, containing indigestible polysaccharides like kefirin that support a healthy gut. IBS is a mild health disorder affecting the large intestine and occurring in approximately 10%-15% of the US population. Common IBS symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, flatulence, and, in more moderate to severe cases, diarrhea and/or constipation. The gut microbiome is hypothesized to play an important regulatory role on brain health and function. Interestingly, those diagnosed with IBS are three times more likely than healthy individuals to have symptoms of anxiety or depression. We are currently piloting a study of how daily kefir consumption impacts participant-reported changes in IBS-related gastrointestinal symptoms and mental health well-being. We plan to use our preliminary findings as the basis for a larger study on the mental health effects of consuming water kefir in a broader population of college students who identify as moderately or slightly stressed, anxious, or depressed.
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The Effects of Estradiol and Genistein on Cerebellar Neuroprotection in Zebra Finches
Grace Thompson, Tony Irovic, and Lainy B. Day
Poster presented at Annual Neuroscience Showcase University of Mississippi related to neuroprotection of genistein and estradiol post-brain lesion.
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Influences of Dietary Enrichment in Juvenile and Adult Male Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Castanotis) on Cheek Patch Growth and Color
Carley Craig, Mathew Thibodeaux, Mary Tharp, Gabrielle Morris, Woodward Young, Belinda Bagwandeen, and Lainy B. Day
Zebra finches (ZF) are sexually dimorphic. In captive ZFs, enriched diets increase cheek area and alter color, increasing adult male attractiveness. In the wild, breeding and brooding occur when proteinaceous seeds available. Our experiment tests whether supplemental egg food benefits captive non-breeding adults and juveniles.Pre-experiment, adults fed eggs, cuttlebone & bread 2x week. Other facets of our experiment showed enriched diet led to decreased reactive CORT levels and increased body mass, with the largest increase in females.
All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi Department of Biology and Neuroscience Minor.
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Identifying the Distribution of Peptide Hormones Regulating Adrenal and Gonadal Steroids in the Brains of Diploid and Polypoid Treefrogs
Jordan Jackson, Chris J. Leary, and Lainy B. Day
Hypothesis: polyploidization altered the relative expression levels of hormone receptors > altered regulation of circulating hormone levels and influence hormone interactions, or mutation of duplicated receptor coding genes. RNAseq - expression levels and sequences of receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal/ interrenal (HPA/I) axes
All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi Department of Biology.
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Novel tests for motor and spatial deficits in zebra finches verify a role for aromatase and estradiol in improving spatial but not motor outcomes post-cerebellar lesion
Simran Patel, Lainy B. Day, Mathew Thibodeaux, Demetria Tolbert, Chyna-Rae Dearman, Gerald W. Stinson, Joshua Hamer, John C. Garner, and Dwight Waddell
Objective: Test the role of Arom and E2 in recovery of zebra finch posture and spatial learning post-CB lesion.
Simran Patel1,2, Lainy B. Day1, Mathew Thibodeaux1, Demetria Tolbert1,2, Chyna-Rae Dearman1, Gerald W. Stinson1, Joshua Hamer1, John C. Garner3, Dwight Waddell 4 (1 Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University MS; 2 Mississippi INBRE Research Scholar, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS; 3 Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Troy University, Troy, AL 36082; 4 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677)
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The Effects of Acute Hypoxia Exposure on Cognitive Function
John W. Sepko, Zakary Patrick, Parker Wilkerson, Madison Hulsey, and Paul D. Loprizini
Introduction: There is conflicting literature as to the effects of varying levels of hypoxia on cognition. Recent work by Loprinzi et al. (2019) demonstrated that moderate levels of hypoxia exposure increased memory (cognitive) performance. However, research investigating severe hypoxic exposure has shown immediate cognitive impairments (Nation, 2017). To reconcile these mixed findings, the present study aimed to investigate the extent to which varying levels of hypoxia affect cognition. Methods: Eighty-seven participants were recruited using convenience sampling at the University of Mississippi and completed a within-subject study design. The first lab visit was conducted for familiarizing the participant to the lab equipment, the cognitive task utilized, and the study protocol. During the second visit, participants were exposed to three different experimental conditions, Normoxia (20.5% FIO2), Moderate Hypoxia (15.0% FIO2), and Severe Hypoxia (10.5% FIO2) via breathing in lower concentrations of oxygen within a gas mixture for 10 minutes and then completed a Modified Stroop cognitive assessment at the end of each condition. Each counterbalanced condition was separated by a 10-minute resting period to ensure HR and SpO2 values returned to baseline. Overall accuracy and reaction time for each trial were recorded. With accuracy and reaction times as separate outcomes, a one-factor (Condition: Normoxia, Moderate, Severe) repeated measures ANOVA was employed; models were computed separately for the three item types from the Stroop task, including naming, inhibition, and switch. Results: For accuracy of naming, inhibition, and switch trials across the conditions, we observed a main effect of Condition for Naming (F = 4.325, p = .015) and Switch (F = 4.206, p = .016), but not Inhibition (F = 2.304, p = .103). Conclusion: Regarding the effects of hypoxia on Stroop cognitive performance, we provide evidence of cognitive impairment during severe hypoxia exposure.
All authors are affiliated with the Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.
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Sex Differences in the Role of Estradiol on Recovery after Cerebellar Lesion in the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia castanotis)
Mathew Thibodeaux, Chyna-Rae Dearman, and Lainy B. Day
Purpose:
- Test sex differences in a spatial (Escape Maze) and motor task (Log Roll)
- Manipulate E2 and aromatase levels in order to differentiate roles of E2 and aromatase in recovery post-CB lesion
- Confirm steroids aid recovery in spatial but not motor tasks post-CB lesion
- Determine whether steroids differentially influence male and female recovery in cognitive and motor tasks
Mathew Thibodeaux1, Chyna-Rae Dearman1, Lainy B. Day1,2 (1Department of Biology & 2Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi)
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The effects of estradiol and genistein on cerebellar neuroprotection in zebra finches
Grace Thompson, Renee E. Breaux, Emily McFatridge, Sarah Chong, Ethan Zadronzy, Estelle Blair, and Lainy B. Day
Introduction:
- Brain damage causes a secondary wave of degeneration
- Aromatase is upregulated in glia post-injury
- Aromatase (AROM) converts testosterone to estradiol (E2) E2 is neuroprotective and limits cell death
- E2 is linked to cancer, stroke, and male infertility Genistein (GEN) is a soybean phytoestrogen with strong estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) affinity
- Genistein could be used clinically for neuroprotection
- ERβ receptors are abundant in the cerebellum AROM expression in the cerebellum is constitutively low
- Zebra Finch (ZF) brains have high neuroplasticity
- The ZF cerebellum is ideal for neuroplasticity research
All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi Department of Biology.
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Effects of dietary enrichment on behavior and neurogenesis
Belinda J. Bagwandeen and Lainy B. Day
Proposed Research
Graduate Student:Belinda J. Bagwandeen, Biology
Major/minor:Biology
Research advisor:Dr. Lainy Day
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Neuroprotective effects of estradiol and genistein in zebra finch cerebellum
Renee E. Breaux, Sarah Chong, Chyna-Rae Dearman, and Lainy B. Day
Summary of Research Topic
Undergraduate Students:Renee E. Breaux, Biology; Sarah Chong, Biology; Chyna-Rae Dearman, Biology
Major/minor:Biology/Chemistry
Research advisor:Dr. Lainy Day
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Sex Differences on the Role of Estradiol on Recovery after Cerebellar Lesion in the Zebra Finch
Catherine Kania, Tré Echoles, and Lainy B. Day
Work in Progress
Undergraduate Students:Catherine Kania, Biology; Tré Echoles, Neuroscience Minor
Major/minor:Biology
Research advisor:Dr. Lainy Day
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Sex differences in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis’ response to stress in adult HIV Tat transgenic mice
Salahuddin Mohammed, Fakhri Mahdi, and Jason Paris
Completed Research
Graduate Students:Salahuddin Mohammed, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology Major; Fakhri Mahdi, Pharmacology
Major/minor:Pharmacology
Research advisor:Dr. Jason Paris
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Nesting Behavior of Zebra Finches
Asma Obad, Zahra Jiwani, and Lainy B. Day
Work performed by a lab.
Undergraduate students:Asma Obad, Biology; Zahra Jiwani, Biology and Neuroscience Minor
Major/minor:Biology
Research advisor:Dr. Lainy Day
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Premature Age-Related Co-Morbidities In HIV-1 Tat Transgenic Mice That Are Moderated By Aging and Endocrine Status
Alaa N. Qrareya, Fakhri Mahdi, Nicole Ashpole, and Jason Paris
Completed Research
Graduate Students:Alaa N Qrareya, BioMolecular Sciences, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science; Fakhri Mahdi, BioMolecular Sciences, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science; Nicole Ashpole, BioMolecular Sciences, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science
Major/minor:Pharmacology
Research advisor:Dr. Jason Paris
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Acquired Neurogenic Stuttering Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke
Emily B. Robinson and Myriam Kornisch
Summary of Research Topic
Undergraduate students:Emily B. Robinson, Neuroscience Minor
Major/minor:Psychology/Neuroscience
Research advisor:Dr. Myriam Kornisch
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Does access to interactive objects affect corticosterone and stress-related behavioral measures in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)?
Laura West and Lainy B. Day
Proposed Research
Graduate Student:Laura West, Biology
Major/minor:Biology
Research advisor:Dr. Lainy Day
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Mechanistic insights into conformational changes that accompany the binding of negative allosteric modulators to the cannabinoid receptor 1
AyoOluwa Aderibigbe, Pankaj Pandey, and Robert J. Doerksen
Graduate students: AyoOluwa Aderibigbe, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry; Pankaj Pandey, National Center for Natural Products Research
Major/Minor: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Faculty advisor: Robert J. Doerksen, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy -
No Sex Differences in Spatial Memory Ability or Response to Aromatase Inhibition after Cerebellar Lesion in Zebra Finches
Chyna-Rae Dearman, Logan Boutwell, Zahra Jiwani, and Emily McFatridge
Graduate students: Chyna-Rae Dearman, Department of Biology; Logan Boutwell, Department of Biology; Zahra Jiwani, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor; Emily McFatridge, Department of Biology; Jervia Powell, MS INBRE Scholar, Department of Biology, Alcorn State University; Tre Echoles, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Minor, McNair Scholar
Major/Minor: Biology
Faculty advisor: Lainy B. Day, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor -
Effects of intermittent episodes of social stress on reward-seeking and avoidance behaviors
Elizabeth Hewitt, Christopher Lemon, and Alberto del Arco
Undergraduate students: Elizabeth Hewitt, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Minor; Christopher Lemon, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Minor
Major/Minor:
Major: Psychology; Minor: Chemistry, Neuroscience
Faculty advisor: Alberto del Arco, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Sports Recreation Management, School of Applied Sciences -
Exploration of Cerebellar Function in Taeniopygia Guttata Using Spatial Maze and Log Roll
Zahra Jiwani, Catherine Kania, and Perry Mullins
Undergraduate students: Zahra Jiwani, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Minor; Catherine Kania, Department of Biology; Perry Mullins, Department of Biology
Major/Minor: Minor: Neuroscience
Faculty advisor: Lainy B. Day, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor -
Effects of Intermittent Episodes of Social Stress on the Motivation to Seek Rewards
Christopher Lemon and Alberto del Arco
Undergraduate students: Christopher Lemon, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Minor
Major/Minor: Major: Psychology; Minor: Chemistry, Neuroscience
Faculty advisor: Alberto del Arco, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Sports Recreation Management, School of Applied Sciences -
Neuroprotective Effects of Estradiol and Genistein in Zebra Finch Cerebellum
Emily McFatridge, Sarah Chong, Ethan G. Zadrozny, and Estelle Blair
Undergraduate students: Emily McFatridge, Department of Biology; Sarah Chong, Department of Biology, MS INBRE Scholar; Ethan G. Zadrozny, Department of Psychology, MS INBRE Scholar; Estelle Blair, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor, CORE NPN Research Scholar; Chyna-Rae Dearman, Department of Biology
Major/Minor: Minor: Neuroscience
Faculty advisor: Lainy B. Day, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor -
HIV-1 Tat Dysregulates the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Stress Axis and Potentiates Oxycodone-mediated Psychomotor and Anxiety-like Behavior of Male Mice
Salahuddin Mohammed, Fakhri Mahdi, Alaa N. Qrareya, and Jason J. Paris
Graduate students: Salahuddin Mohammed, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Fakhri Mahdi, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Alaa N. Qrareya, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy
Major/Minor: Major: Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy
Faculty advisor: Jason J. Paris, Department of BioMolecular Sciences,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy -
Novel Understanding of Avian Biomechanics and Sonations Using High-Speed Video of the White-Ruffed Manakin (Corapipo Altera Altera)
Luke Nguyen, W. Alice Boyle, Elsie Shogren, and Natasha Bergevine
Undergraduate students: Luke Nguyen, Department of Biology; W. Alice Boyle, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS; Elsie Shogren, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS; Natasha Bergevine, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Major/Minor: Major: Biochemistry
Faculty advisor: Lainy B. Day, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor -
HIV-1 Tat Promotes Age-Related Cognitive, Anxiety-like, and Antinociceptive Impairments in Mice that are Moderated by Aging Endocrine Status
Alaa Qrareya, Fakhri Mahdi, Marc Kaufman, and Nicole M. Ashpole
Graduate students: Alaa N. Qrareya, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Fakhri Mahdi, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Marc Kaufman, Translational Imaging Center, The McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University; Nicole M. Ashpole, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science
Major/Minor: Major: Biology, Neuroscience Minor
Faculty advisor: Jason J. Paris, Department of BioMolecular Sciences,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy -
Effects of repeated intermittent episodes of social stress on the acquisition and extinction of a reward-seeking task
Nikki Sullivan, Hannah Shaffer, and Alberto del Arco
Undergraduate students: Nikki Sullivan, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor; Hanna Shaffer, Department of Biology
Major/Minor: Major: Biology, Neuroscience, Chemistry
Faculty advisor: Alberto del Arco, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Sports Recreation Management, School of Applied Sciences -
Validating Methods for Estimating Endocranial Volume in Manakins (Aves, Pipridae)
Derrick Thornton and Lainy B. Day
Undergraduate students: Derrick Thornton, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor
Major/Minor: Major: Biology, Psychology
Faculty advisor: Lainy B. Day, Department of Biology, Neuroscience Minor