UMSS20 Natural Sciences
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UMSS20 Social Sciences and Humanities
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Links provided will take viewers to UMaine’s Kaltura video gallery. Presentations available for viewing by UMaine users only are noted (*).
0802. In Planta Examination of CRISPR-Cas9 Editing on Minichromosomes
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Ben Moore. Mentor(s): Ek Han Tan.
Abstract: Synthetic biology is a burgeoning field that is currently underexplored. Naturally occurring minichromosomes are suitable targets to examine synthetic biology techniques. In Arabidopsis thaliana, minichromosomes are genetic artifacts left behind after centromere mediated genome elimination, a haploid induction system that has been characterized in this species. Our goal is to show that minichromosomes can be edited, modified, or transferred with no unfavorable consequences to the organism that hosts it. CRISPR-Cas9 (CRISPR) is a tool used for precise genome editing in plants and animals. We are investigating to see if CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to modify an Arabidopsis minichromosome, Mini1a. First, to study Mini1a stability, this line was propagated to the F10 generation. Second, we transformed paired single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) with the nickase version of Cas9 to test if the minichromosomes can be modified. We will perform DNA sequencing across the CRISPR sgRNA sites to determine if there were any changes made. Third, to test if Mini1a can be transferred via haploid induction, GFP-tailswap inducer lines that contain Mini1a were isolated and crossed with Ler gl1 line. We hope to show that that precise in planta manipulation of minichromosomes is feasible via CRISPR-Cas9 and that minichromosomes are viable platforms for chromosome engineering in plants.
0814. Biophysical and social drivers of tick exposure risk due to climate change in Maine
Graduate Presentation.
Author(s): Brittany Schappach
Mentor(s): Allison Gardner
Abstract: Climate change is an ongoing global issue, and in Maine, increased annual mean temperatures, decreased snowfall, and warming winters are being recorded. These changes in climate have likely contributed to the increased densities of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and expansion into novel areas in Maine. This range expansion has resulted in an increase in reported cases of tickborne disease such as of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis across the state. Since blacklegged ticks are expanding into novel areas, there are currently at-risk populations that may lack knowledge of tickborne disease prevention. To prevent increased tickborne disease cases, this study aims to determine different Maine winter conditions and their effects on tick survival, identify current pathogen presence through small mammal trapping, and pilot an educational focus group about ticks and personal protection measures. To identify abiotic factors that limit blacklegged tick expansion, we are monitoring an outdoor tick overwintering enclosure in Orono from November – May 2021 to assess monthly tick mortality and hourly temperatures and using indoor temperature-controlled experiments to explore the effects of temperature variance on tick mortality. Current pathogen presence will be determined by collecting tissue biopsies of small mammals across the state. Lastly, we will use a One Health framework to facilitate a pilot focus group to educate the gaps in knowledge and behaviors of an at-risk population in Maine. These aims will provide insight for more accurate tick expansion prediction models, current pathogen presence in the state, and determine risk assessment and provide education of at-risk populations.
0820. Feedbacks between wood structure and function drive forest tree responses to extreme drought
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Maddie Eberly, Ruth Van Kampen, Kelly French, Jay Wason. Mentor(s): Jay Wason.
Abstract: Climate change is expected to cause more frequent and severe drought in Maine. Measuring how trees store and access water during drought and how that relates to wood anatomy can improve our understanding of drought induced tree mortality. To study how water storage impacts tree responses to drought, we studied the cellular structure and function of wood from red maple (Acer rubrum), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), red oak (Quercus rubra), and white pine (Pinus strobus). We quantified the ability of different wood types to store and release water during drought and how wood formation and anatomy is driven by drought stress. We found variation in wood type and cell size is a driving influence in the total water storage and water released from branches. Additionally, we investigated how xylem of American beech that was formed during a drought year influenced the total water storage and water released from the main stem of the tree. With this information, we are able to determine how drought conditions influence wood anatomy and how that feeds back to influence future responses to drought through water storage dynamics.