Students Present Research at 2009 Chemistry Showcase
The 2009 Chemistry Showcase on April 16 featured works presented by Otterbein students at the 237th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 22-26, 2009.
Brian Colopy '10
My name is Brian Colopy and I am originally from Zanesville, Ohio. I went to Bishop Rosecrans High School where I graduated as valedictorian. Outside of science, I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, golf, racquetball, and sand volleyball. I also enjoy dirt bike riding, paintball, archery, playing the guitar, and spending time in my faith.
Inside the realm of science, I am a biochemistry major with a plan to attend medical school. Presenting research in Salt Lake City not only helped me delve into my specific topic more deeply, but it also allowed me to share with others the knowledge I had accrued thus far. The most enjoyable thing about Salt Lake City was being able to work hard, relax, and get to know my colleagues and professors on a more personal level all at the same time.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to illuminate the role of OXPAT protein in the cellular metabolism of neutral lipids. Proteins of the PAT family are specifically positioned to regulate lipid storage and mobilization. When ectopically expressed in CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) fibroblasts, OXPAT targets to lipid storage droplets as well as the cytosol. It has been hypothesized that cytosolic OXPAT resides on a high-density lipid trafficking particle that is analogous in structure and function to serum lipoproteins.
To identify potential functions of OXPAT, RNAi technology is being used to silence the gene in endogenously expressing c2c12 cells. Further observation and analysis of cells' ability to store and transport neutral lipids is also being conducted. It is hypothesized that reducing or removing proteins that interact with OXPAT in the cell will direct futher mechanistic studies. These results indicate a role for OXPAT in neutral lipid metabolism and trafficking.
Shelly Hobbs '09I am originally from Pataskala, Ohio, although now I call home Frazeysburg, Ohio. I went to high school at Licking Heights High School, the same school that my brother, my parents, my aunts and uncles, cousins, my paternal grandparents, and my great grandma attended. Outside of science, I enjoy art of all kinds; painting, sketching, photography, and clay. I am an avid reader of fiction, and I also write poetry and short stories. I am active in the St. Paul's Catholic Church, and I often go horseback riding with my two quarter horses. I enjoy playing most sports, running, and spending time with family and friends.
I will be attending Ohio University Osteopathic Medical School this fall to become a physician. I have also received a full medical scholarship from the United States Air Force, and will have the honor to be a physician in the Air Force once I complete medical school and residency.
This research and the opportunity to attend this meeting in Utah has meant a great deal to me. It has afforded me the opportunity to develop my problem solving abilities. I have developed a project, executed the experimentation to answer those questions, have seen that dream complete, and had a wonderful opportunity to present that research at a national meeting. I have been thrilled with this entire process and have learned so much about what it means to perform research. I have grown so much as a person because of this process.
Abstract: The molecular mechanisms underlying cholesterol storage in cells central to atherosclerosis remain unclear. The PAT proteins are a family of five related proteins involved in the shepherding and regulation of cellular lipid stores. Conflicting findings in the literature have identified several PAT proteins in atheroma or cultured macrophage-like cell lines.
It has been hypothesized that these protins and related family members are involved in the cholesterol storage in macrophage-derived foam cells, a central component in the progression of atherosclerosis. Primary cultures of human macrophages were treated at varying stages of differentiation with oxidized LDL to induce cholesterol storage. Cholesterol and protein assays were conducted to monitor lipid accumulation.
Western blots revealed the increased presence of OXPAT and Adipophilin upon incubation with LDL. Perilipin A, another PAT protein, was not found. These results reveal a role for the PAT proteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Ashley Hyme '09Ashley is a graduate of Westerville South High School. She is a member of the honors program and studied abroad at oxford University in Fall 2008. Outside of science, her interests include Winterguard and DCI. She plans to pursue a career in pharmacy after graduating in June.
Abstract: We have adapted a literature technique for the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles into silica gels for use as a first-year chemistry laboratory exercise. For the gold-nanoparticle gels, a deep ruby red color is produced upon firing of the samples. These samples may be characterized using both UV-visible spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction to obtain particle size estimates.
We have successfully produced various other colors using combinations of gold and silver nanoparticles and nanorods, t hough the integrity of the gels produced was best for the pure gold nanoparticle samples. Through this activity, students learn about sol-gel chemistry, the unique properties of nanoparticles and the importance of gold in the production of ruby-red stained glass.
Natalie Mikita '09I am a senior at Otterbein College. I am originally from Medina, Ohio and attended Highland High School. I play on several recreational league soccer teams, and I love to go see the Columbus Crew play. Next year, I am going to Case Western Reserve University to obtain my PhD in organic and biological chemistry. The trip to Utah has been great for me. I was able to see people talk about their research, and I was able to learn many new things.
Abstract: At Otterbein College, we strive to have a successful and involved American Chemical Society Student Affiliates section. Because of the low participation rates by students, we have focused our efforts on introducing new programmatic activities to foster increased student involvement. These have included an increased number of social activities to promote bonding among students and faculty, as well as additional opportunities for outreach to younger children in the area, more opportunities for interactions with visiting speakers, and enhanced career planning activities, such as taking tours of local industries. Through these activities, we have strengthened our ACS student affiliate section.
Brian Patterson '10
I am originally from Powell, Ohio and attended Olentangy Liberty High School. Outside of a scientific realm, I am interested in music, guitar, and art. My career plans include continuing my education and attending graduate school. This trip has enhanced my experiences as an aspiring scientist.
The ACS Convention was an unequaled opportunity to be exposed to science and ideas from across the country and international, as well. The poster session presentation was the culmination of almost a year's worth of research. It offered the opportunity to scrupulously prepare and share our research with a global audience.
Abstract: Diabetes and obesity are two health concerns that plague millions. Implicated in the etiology of both diseases are neutral lipid storage and lipid trafficking. The droplets as well as a more dense cytosolic pool and is expressed in oxidative tissues (muscle and liver). We propose that this dense pool is analogous to plasma lipoproteins both in terms of structure and function.
Non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of cell lysates reveal a single band migrating at approximately 575 kDa corresponding to a diameter of approximately 15 nm. We are continuing to characterize these droplets with regard to the stoichiometry of OXPAT molecules per particle. The amine crosslinking reagent (bis[sulfosuccinimidyl]suberate) is being used to crosslink proteins found on the dense lipid droplet pool. These data reveal for the first time potential lipoprotein-like structures found inside the cell.
Meghan Wagner '09
I went to Logan Elm High School (Circleville, Ohio). My interests outside of science include traveling, hiking, and enjoying nature. My career plans are currently undecided; however, I am planning on attending the University of Cincinnati to obtain a PhD in Chemistry. This trip has helped me learn as well as share new scientific discoveries.
Abstract: Suramin is a polyanionic drug that has been historically used to treat diseases caused by parasites and has recently been investigated for the use in the treatment of cancer. Suramin is routinely measured using an HPLC method that requires sample preparation; thus, it is a fairly time-consuming method.
Ion-selective electrodes are widely used in the medical field to measure clinically important chemical species and offer the advantages of speed and the ability to using polymer membrane-based electrodes for suramin measurements is examined. The responses of electrodes made with various membrane compositions (different types and weight percentages of ion-exchangeers, plasticizers, and polymers) are characterized with respect to dynamic range, reproducibility, and response time.
Andrew Yu '10
I was born in Westerville and went to Westerville Central High School. I plan to make chemistry research my future career, so this research project and trip to National ACS Meeting have helped me understand the kind of details that are involved in the research process. In my free time, I watch anime and play video games like Rock Band and Halo.
Abstract: Since their development in the late 1980s, polymer-membrane based polyanion-sensitive electrodes have utilized quaternary ammonium ion-exchangers. Although effective, these ion-exchangers have an established selectivity pattern, perferring larger polyanions and those containing sulfonate groups.
This study investigates an alternative ion-exchanger for use in polyanion-sensitive electrodes. The response of polymer-membrane electrodes doped with a guanidinium-based ion-exchanger are characterized toward several polyions, including heparin, suramin, and polyglutamates. Poorer responses with the guanidinium-based ion-exchanger are observed compared to quaternary ammonium salts, except for unfractionated heparin (UFH) at low concentrations.
However, enhanced size discrimination is observed when the guanidinium-based ion-exchangers are immobilized within the membrane via coupling to carboxylated PVC. Larger polyions produce a much higher response than smaller polyions.
