Michael D. P. Boyle

GCAT-SEEKquence: Genome Consortium for Active Teaching of Undergraduates through Increased Faculty Access to Next-Generation Sequencing Data

To transform undergraduate biology education, faculty need to provide opportunities for students to engage in the process of science. The rise of research approaches using next-generation (NextGen) sequencing has been impressive, but incorporation of such approaches into the undergraduate curriculum remains a major challenge. In this paper, we report proceedings of a National Science Foundation–funded workshop held July 11–14, 2011, at Juniata College. The purpose of the workshop was to develop a regional research coordination network for undergraduate biology education (RCN/UBE). The network is collaborating with a genome-sequencing core facility located at Pennsylvania State University (University Park) to enable undergraduate students and faculty at small colleges to access state-of-the-art sequencing technology. We aim to create a database of references, protocols, and raw data related to NextGen sequencing, and to find innovative ways to reduce costs related to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. It was agreed that our regional network for NextGen sequencing could operate more effectively if it were partnered with the Genome Consortium for Active Teaching (GCAT) as a new arm of that consortium, entitled GCAT-SEEK(quence). This step would also permit the approach to be replicated elsewhere.

Regulation of protein H expression in M1 serotype isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes

Protein H is an immunoglobulin-binding protein expressed by certain M1 serotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes. In a recent study of invasive group A isolates, it was found that none of the 16 M1 serotype isolates analyzed expressed protein H on their surface despite the presence of the protein H gene (sph) in approximately one-third of the isolates. Selection of stable protein H-expressing variants could be achieved by infection of prtH(+) non-expressing strains into a mouse skin and recovering bacteria from the spleen. This effect was independent of the transcription regulator Mga, since a similar effect was noted in an mga(-) mutant. Thus, host passage of S. pyogenes can lead to stable high level expression of Protein H.

Application of immunoproteomics to analysis of post-translational processing of the antiphagocytic M protein of Streptococcus

This review will focus on the treatment and prevention of schizophrenia in children and adolescents. Neurodevelopmental theories suggest that loss of gray matter and defective synaptic function are major etiological factors in this disease. The efficacy of current antipsychotic medications has been discussed, however, these drugs produce serious side effects and may adversely affect the developing brain. We propose a novel therapeutic approach, termed neuroenhancement, that aims to promote neuronal survival and optimize neuronal function through the use of drugs. The goal is to enhance glucose metabolism in the brain, which would support higher functional activity in neurons and provide neuroprotection. Future drug development for the treatment of childhood schizophrenia should focus more on optimization of neuronal function rather than tranquilization and symptomatic relief.

“Shovel-ready” Sequences as a Stimulus for the Next Generation of Life Scientists

Genomics and bioinformatics are dynamic fields well-suited for capturing the imagination of undergraduates in both research laboratories and classrooms. Currently, raw nucleotide sequence is being provided, as part of several genomics research initiatives, for undergraduate research and teaching. These initiatives could be easily extended and much more effective if the source of the sequenced material and the subsequent focus of the data analysis were aligned with the research interests of individual faculty at undergraduate institutions. By judicious use of surplus capacity in existing nucleotide sequencing cores, raw sequence data could be generated to support ongoing research efforts involving undergraduates. This would allow these students to participate actively in discovery research, with a goal of making novel contributions to their field through original research while nurturing the next generation of talented research scientists.