Mentors and Projects

NK cell Immunotherapy for Canine and Human Cancers. Our lab is actively involved in developing cancer immunotherapies for humans and companion animals. A current focus is on manipulating and engineering human and canine natural killer (NK) cells to enhance their recognition and killing of tumor cells. One of our generated receptors expressed in engineered human NK cells is currently being tested in clinical trials by Fate Therapeutics. We are attempting to apply this same approach in dogs. This involves characterizing canine NK cells, which are not well understood at this time, as well as designing and testing recombinant receptors and tumor-targeting antibodies. The summer scholar will be involved in these novel studies to help advance our goal of developing effective immunotherapies for cancer in dogs.

P.I. Dr. Bruce Walcheck, walch003@umn.edu 

Role of Gut Microbiome on Hypertension. Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke, the first and third most frequent cause of death in the United States and affects 700 million people worldwide.  Despite decades of research, the underlying cause of hypertension in most cases remains unknown.  New strategies are required to control high blood pressure and in the present project, we will examine the role of the gut microbiome on blood pressure regulation in two animal models of hypertension. Our lab has demonstrated a role of the central hypothalamic median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) in the hypertensive response to both Angiotensin II (AngII) and DOCA (water soluble form of aldosterone) treated rats.  We now propose a MnPO-gut microbiome axis in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We will examine the intestinal microbiome in two rodent models of hypertension in MnPO lesioned and control rats to address the following AIMs:  1) What are the effects on the microbiome in chronic hypertensive rats? 2) Does MnPO lesion restore the microbiome while attenuating hypertension in the rat? 3) Does ileal transplantation from MnPO lesioned rats prevent or treat hypertension?  The following hypothesis will be tested:  MnPO lesion prevents the changes in gut microbiota and increased blood pressure in hypertensive rats. In order to test this hypothesis, MnPO lesioned instrumented rats will be treated with either AngII or DOCA, and cross-transplanted with ileal content during the hypertensive treatment.  Continuous measurements of blood pressure will be made via radio-telemetry.  Direct microbiota analyses from jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon will be performed.

P.I. Dr. John Collister, colli066@umn.edu 

Regulation of Cancer Cell Proliferation. An in-depth understanding of RNA helicase A is crucial for the development of targeted therapies against cancer and AIDS. Our lab has documented RNA helicase A plays a major role in proliferation of canine osteosarcoma and human ovarian cancer and this activity is commandeered by HIV-1 in lymphocytes. In the nucleus, RNA helicase A is necessary for epigenetic modification of select mRNAs encoding stress-active transcription factors and HIV structural proteins. The epigenetic modification licenses specialized translation enabling cells to thrive under stress. The anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells can be eliminated by inhibiting RNA helicase A's synthesis, activity, or accumulation in the cytosol.  In the cytosol, RNA helicase A is necessary to initiate the specialized translation pathway and form polyribosomes. Studies in POX virus-infected cancer cells identified RNA helicase A may form unique granular structures designated “antiviral granules” that significantly reduced nascent protein synthesis - evidence of virus-host standoff.  Experiments are warranted to define components of the RNA helicase A complexes in cancer cells' polyribosomes or antiviral granules and in normal somatic cell counterparts. This will entail the Summer Scholar becoming expert in protocols we have established in our lab to isolate the complexes and identify components using high pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrophotometry; and visualizing the complexes by microscopy. The opportunity includes contributing to the preparation of manuscript sections for publication.

P.I. Dr. Kathleen Boris-Lawrie, kbl@umn.edu 

HIV Use of Host Cell Epigenetic Processes. Host RNA sensors are the front-line to detect viral nucleic acids and trigger successful innate antiviral responses.  Host mark their primary RNAs as 'self' by epigenetic modifications and thereby are not detected by the host RNA sensors. TMG-Cap is an epigenetic mark on host noncoding RNAs and select mRNAs, but also HIV mRNAs. How HIV evades detection by host RNA sensors is a major open issue.  We have shown that eliminating TMG-Cap from HIV RNA attenuates replication by three-orders of magnitude. The results posit the hypothesis that HIV commandeers TMG-Cap to evade detection from host RNA sensors. To test this hypothesis, we identified a new drug treatment that eliminates TMG-Cap from viral RNA in monocyte derived macrophages and primary CD4+ T cells.  The Summer Scholar will work with lab members on the quantitative measures of the innate immune responses using reporter and protein arrays, and RNA analysis of host RIG-I, MAVS and selected proinflammatory cytokines mRNAs (e.g. IL-18, IL-6, CXCL10, CD169 and IFN-β and IFN-α) by RT-qPCR and microarrays.  Biostatistics tests will be deployed to validate conditions of elevated innate responses relative to positive and negative controls. The results are expected to document the hypothesis and expose a new molecular mechanism for pandemic virus to evade host antiviral response. 

P.I. Dr. Kathleen Boris-Lawrie, kbl@umn.edu 

MRI Characterization of Growth Plate Necrosis. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a childhood hip disorder that can cause joint deformity and osteoarthritis. LCPD is caused by interruption of blood supply to the developing femoral head, which leads to necrosis of bone marrow, bone, and growth cartilage. It has previously been found that layers of the growth plate are injured following onset of femoral head ischemia, which leads to disruption of normal bone growth in the femoral neck. These changes are potentially important factors in the pathogenesis of LCPD. The goal of this summer scholars project is to analyze quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology data of a piglet model of LCPD to characterize the temporal changes in the growth plate following acute ischemic injury to the femoral head. Piglets with surgically induced femoral head ischemia were imaged with quantitative MRI before and 0 to 14 days after onset of ischemia, and femoral head specimens were collected for histological analysis. The summer scholar will assist with analyzing these data to do a detailed characterization of MRI and histological changes in the growth plate and metaphysis.

P.I. Dr. Casey Johnson, johm5037@umn.edu 

Genetic Assessment of Equine Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common pathologic arrhythmia in horses and is an important cause of poor performance. The overall prevalence of AF is estimated to be around 0.02-0.03% of race starts. The risk of AF increases to over 2% in Standardbred racehorses over four years of age and those with poor performance. Due to the short duration of AF in many cases, it is likely that many cases resolve prior to a diagnosis of AF being made. Diagnosis of AF is made using an electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluation. Most racehorses with AF have structurally normal hearts making identification of horses before they develop AF practically impossible. Our goal is to identify markers that can be used to predict horses that will develop AF using a combination of resting ECGs and genetics. The objectives of this project are to: 1) identify horses with and without cardiac arrhythmias, including AF, and 2) select variants for and develop a genotyping assay to identify horses at high risk of AF. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a genetic test for early identification of horses at risk of AF. High risk horses can then be monitored more closely using ECGs to provide exercise recommendations. Additionally, this will allow breeders to make educated breeding decisions to reduce the number of high AF genetic risk foals. Furthermore, racehorses with AF are a naturally occurring animal model for lone atrial fibrillation in humans, and understanding the genetic bases of AF in horses may identify genomic regions of interest for exploration in humans.

P.I. Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst, durwa004@umn.edu 

Evaluation of methods to decrease pressure ulcers in dogs. Multiple orthopedic diseases require splints, braces, or orthotics for treatment. However, pressure ulcers or other wounds from these treatments are common and can be quite severe resulting in amputation of digits or the limb. Little is known about pressures generated in different types of bandages or bandage materials. Our primary objective is to determine the bandage type with the best pressure relief of the calcaneus. For this project, 10 normal dogs based on orthopedic examination will be recruited. A random rear limb will be chosen and fitted with pressure sensors and base bandage with base readings. The splint will be formed using fiber glass casting tape and hook and loop fasteners will be adhered to the fiberglass and marked for identical positioning during replacement. Four pressure relieving bandages will be placed (1.2 cm of extra cast padding, surgical sponge donut, 1/2 inch memory foam, and 1/2 inch felt) in random order. Pressures at the wound surface and surrounding area will be measured and evaluated for pressure reduction and dogs will be walked across a pressure walkway from 1.0-1.3 m/s. The student will have the opportunity to be first author on a manuscript if they show the appropriate interest and preparation for the project. In addition, the student will be assisting in other projects including validation of a scoring system for pressure sores in dogs, evaluating the pressure changes during walking with splints placed in multiple ways and the effect on gait using a pressure sensitive walkway, evaluating the pressures using different types of splint materials, evaluation of types of pressure release bandages to treat sores. Some of these will require work with cadavers where others will be with live dogs with owner consent. 

P.I. Dr. Wanda Gordon-Evans, wgordone@umn.edu

Animal models of pediatric orthopedic diseases. The primary focus of the lab is to develop large animal models of human orthopedic disorders. Ongoing projects aim to improve the currently available animal models of Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD). To accomplish these goals the lab evaluates both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques to induce lesions mimicking the human disease then conducts extensive MRI evaluations to follow lesion progression. Final evaluation usually involves histopathology. The lab also has an emerging line of research involving stem cell mediated repair of focal cartilage defects which provides additional opportunities for training.

P.I. Dr. Ferenc Toth, ftoth@umn.edu

Neuroinflammation associated with sequential traumatic brain injury in a rodent model. A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and most patients recover without significant CNS pathology. However, these patients are susceptible to the development of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric complications after a ‘second hit’ or repetitive TBI, which is common among soldiers and athletes. The present study hypothesizes that a second injury after an initial mild TBI will result in an enhanced neuroinflammatory response, which persists longer and results in greater behavioral deficits. This summer we will be working on a closed-head injury model. Characterizing the inflammation post injury and determining if sequential injuries have a long-term effect on brain function. We also posit that treatment with a stem cell therapy will decrease the window of susceptibility for the second hit to elicit an exaggerated immune response in the brain.

P.I. Dr. Maxim Cheeran, cheeran@umn.edu

Targeting early drivers of oral carcinogenesis in Fanconi anemia. Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare, predominantly autosomal recessive condition caused by impaired response to DNA damage and increased risk of cancer. FA patients show >500-fold increase in head and neck cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This condition develops at a much younger age in FA patients than in non-FA patients and has become a major cause of FA patient mortality. The reason for the high incidence of OSCC in FA patients is unclear as they rarely have any of the common behavioral risk factors associated with OSCC, such as tobacco and alcohol use. A key step in OSCC is breaching of the basement membrane by transformed epithelial cells and interaction of these cells with the sub-basement membrane stromal microenvironment, facilitating tumor cell migration and invasion through the extracellular matrix. Results from non-FA and FA patients show that expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) is substantially increased in the epithelium from normal to dysplasia to early invasive OSCC. Knockout of MCT1 in non-FA OSCC cell lines prevented invasion in 3-dimensional (3D) organotypic cultures and altered metabolic responses. The goal of this project is to determine if MCT1 plays a similar role in the progression of OSCC in FA patients. Invasion of FA cell lines with and without MCT1 expression will be assessed in organotypic culture assays and changes in metabolic activity determined using a Seahorse instrument. Changes in other markers associated with OSCC progression will be evaluated using immunofluorescence labeling. These studies will advance our understanding of OSCC progression in FA patients and determine if MCT1 can be targeted to slow or block the progression of this disease.

P.I. Dr. Erin Dickerson, edickers@umn.edu 

Developing tools for genetic disease discovery in domestic animals. Genetic diseases are on the rise in domestic animals due to human intervention and breeding practices. Advances in whole-genome sequencing technology have opened the door to increasingly accessible genetic research and genetic testing. Genetic tests are used as to diagnose sick animals and guide breeding decisions. Our goal is to create tools that standardize and simplify the discovery of new disease-causing genetic variants in domestic animals. This project focuses on evaluating best practices for categorizing variants as pathogenic and likely to cause a disease. Following the creation of these guidelines, they will be used to prioritize potentially causative variants for diseases of interest in horses including Idiopathic Renal Hematuria in Arabians, Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, myotonia in foals, and hemochromatosis. The long-term goal of this work is the creation of an all-inclusive genomic data processing pipeline for the rapid identification of disease-causing variants. This pipeline can be applied to existing genetic diseases with no known causes as well as newly arising conditions. Providing the domestic animal genomics and veterinary communities with an accessible and high-powered tool will improve animal welfare through the identification and elimination of genetic diseases.

P.I. Dr. Molly McCue, mccu0173@umn.edu

MRI of Bone Repair Following Ischemic Injury to the Femoral Head.  Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a childhood hip disorder that can cause joint deformity and osteoarthritis. LCPD is caused by interruption of blood supply to the developing femoral head, which leads to necrosis of bone marrow, bone, and growth cartilage. There is a clinical need for new, noninvasive imaging techniques to detect ischemic injury and its subsequent repair in the femoral head to better stage LCPD, advance understanding of the disease pathogenesis, and ultimately inform treatment decisions and evaluate new therapies. The goal of this summer scholars project is to measure the response of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to the repair process in the femoral head following its revascularization using a piglet model of LCPD. Piglets with surgically induced femoral head ischemia will be imaged with quantitative MRI after onset of revascularization and repair. The femoral heads will then be collected for micro-CT and histological analysis to validate the MRI findings. The summer scholar will assist with data collection and analysis for different elements of this project.

P.I. Dr. Casey Johnson, john5037@umn.edu

Early detection of canine osteosarcoma. Many cancers, including osteosarcoma, are diagnosed when advanced, limiting treatment options and

worsening prognosis. Early detection is essential to improving outcome. Non-invasive blood tests, called liquid biopsies, are being investigated for

use in early cancer detection. Exosomes are microvesicles containing cargo associated with tumor biology. Exosomes can be efficiently enriched

from biological samples, and can be utilized to determine aspects of disease behavior. One focus of our lab is the use of exosomal gene

signatures for early disease detection and predicting disease behavior. We are investigating exosomal gene signatures for predicting the risk of

osteosarcoma development in otherwise healthy at-risk dogs. The student will work with lab members to process blood samples, enrich exosomes

from serum/plasma, perform exosome characterization using methods including PCR and Western blot, prepare samples for RNA sequencing,

and perform data analysis. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop diagnostic tests to inform disease management and reduce the impact of

cancer through early detection and strategic prevention.

P.I. Dr. Kelly Makielski, makie001@umn.edu

Biosecurity considerations and practices of professionals managing cervid health. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a 100% fatal neurological disease of cervids. It is caused by a transmissible prion protein that can be easily transmitted by direct and indirect routes. Recalcitrant to degradation, it can persist on contaminated environmental surfaces for years. It is also well known that prion proteins can easily contaminate equipment (including medical equipment) and prion-contaminated equipment can be a source of infection to other individuals. Given the rapid spread of CWD across North America, how are veterinary and natural resource professionals who are handling cervids for research or health purposes managing biosecurity? What are they considering when making choices on use of equipment and disinfection practices? Is there risk of anthropogenic transmission from contaminated equipment related to current biosecurity practices? These are important questions that this project aims to address using a structured survey of veterinary and natural resource professionals. The student involved with this project will work with a small, multidisciplinary team to assemble, analyze, and interpret these survey data, as well as disseminate findings via scientific presentation and publication. 

P.I. Dr. Tiffany Wolf, wolfx305@umn.edu

Apian Foulbrood Epidemiology. European foulbrood (Melissococcus plutonius), often referred to simply as EFB, is a bacterial disease that affects western honey bee (Apis mellifera) brood. European foulbrood is found on all continents where Apis mellifera is kept, making it a concern to beekeepers everywhere (Ellis 2008). European foulbrood can be confused with another bacterial disease, American foulbrood (Paenibacillus larvae), commonly referred to as AFB, because they have similar life cycles and colonies infected by both show comparable signs of disease. However, European foulbrood is far less serious than American foulbrood because EFB does not form spores, while AFB larvae does. Consequently, European foulbrood can be treated, but American foulbrood cannot. Beekeepers must be able to identify European foulbrood and differentiate between it and American foulbrood to manage their colonies effectively and prevent the spread of both diseases. The proposed project will predominantly conducting a focused literature search related to EFB epidemiology in the northern Midwest states including EFB prevalence, distribution, risk factors, diagnostic tools, prevention and treatment. After identifying gaps in existing research and the needs of beekeepers, research hypotheses will be generated and a grant proposal will be generated. If the student is interested, they will be invited to ride with the UMN Bee Squad to experience a hive exam and testing for EFB in the field.

P.I. Dr. Melinda Wilkins, wilki510@umn.edu 

Assessing Safety Training Materials for Veterinary Students. Veterinary Medicine is a dangerous occupation where injuries and bites are common. Increasingly there is concern about students working on intern/externships and the inherent risks associated with working with large production animals. As a result, many employers are reluctant to take students due to injury and liability risk. The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) proposes to partner with the College of Veterinary Medicine Faculty (Drs. Godden, Goldsmith, and Yoder) to develop training materials for veterinary students. UMASH has developed training materials such as animal handling, hazard identification and needle-stick prevention. In addition, UMASH has partnered with Ag Health and Safety Alliance (Sheridan and Gibbs) to develop training materials for veterinary technicians. We are asking for student support to help characterize the problem with externships, identify the most common health and safety issues, and assemble existing resources. This will involve a literature review of injuries, assemble safety materials, and identify gaps in training materials. A survey of current students and externship supervisors to identify risks or injuries on farms will be conducted. This will inform our educational and training efforts. The student will work with our outreach partners (Ag Health and Safety Alliance) to assemble and develop a draft training guide for review. CVM faculty will review content and provide feedback and guidance. Our anticipated outcomes include survey results of veterinary students and externship providers, identification of safety and training materials, recognition of gaps in training, and an assembled partnership to support future health and safety training efforts for veterinary students.

P.I. Dr. Jeff Bender, bende002@umn.edu

Identification of anti-parasitic compounds from shipworm symbiotic bacteria. Apicomplexan parasites are obligate intracellular parasites that are the causative agents of many human diseases including cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis and malaria. Development of new therapeutic options for these diseases is a medical and veterinary imperative. Shipworms are marine mollusks that survive by burrowing into and eating wood. They harbor several species of symbiotic bacteria in their gills. These bacteria are cultivable and produce many bioactive compounds with unknown functions. Previous work in my lab isolated a compound from a shipworm symbiont bacterium that was highly effective against multiple apicomplexan parasites. The goal of this summer project is to cultivate several species of shipworm symbiotic bacteria and test them for the production of compounds with activity against the apicomplexan parasites Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma.

P.I. Dr. Roberta O’Connor, ocon0586@umn.edu

Immune drivers of PRRSV evolution. Genetic variation and the presence of multiple co-circulating genetic strains, or "lineages" is the norm for many pathogens, particularly for rapidly evolving viruses, like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Immune response to one lineage may not be completely protective to different lineages. This study will assess the cross-immunity generated by porcine B-lymphocytes to a related lineage. The goal of the project is to elucidate the potential for immune-mediated competition amongst co-circulating lineages and determine how immunity influences evolution of PRRSV. The project will explores how immunity-driven factors (humoral immunity), such as vaccination or prior infection, may impose selective pressure on viral evolution and alter the transmission dynamics for multi-lineage pathogens. The project will advance our understanding of the evolution, transmission, and persistence of highly diverse virus lineages in the swine population.

P.I. Dr. Maxim Cheeran, cheeran@umn.edu

Improving viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus IVb (VHSv IVb) disease control strategies. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) is an important disease of many species of wild and farmed marine and freshwater finfish in the Northern Hemisphere. The multidisciplinary team of Drs. Nick Phelps, Marie Culhane, Catherine Alexander, Rosemary Marusak and research scientists Mr. Peter Bonney and Ms. Kaitlyn St. Charles are conducting multi-year research to fill current knowledge gaps related to VHS virus genotype IVb disease transmission within propagated fish and, ultimately, determine and deliver to finfish producers and animal health professionals, control strategies that can enhance early detection of VHS IVb and support fish movement decisions in the Great Lakes region. To successfully fulfill this purpose, one of our proposed activities includes conducting multiple experimental VHS IVb challenge and transmission studies using yellow perch in a biosecure containment facility. We seek a student scholar to join our team for the summer of 2024 to help us conduct the VHS IVb challenge trials and generate data on disease state durations, transmission patterns, and disease-induced mortality.

P.I. Dr. Nick Phelps, phelp083@umn.edu

Chytrid fungus in salamanders. Amphibians play a critical role in maintaining the function and resilience of ecosystems. The global spread of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been associated with global amphibian population declines and local extinctions, representing the greatest recorded loss of biodiversity ascribable to a disease. However, an emerging chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), has been responsible for high levels of mortality in salamander populations in Europe, and an introduction into the United States could cause significant threats to amphibian biodiversity. The summer scholar’s student will contribute to efforts to conduct surveillance for Bsal and develop a risk model to support decision-making around management in the event of an introduction. We will use these outputs to inform surveillance activities and targeted science communication activities that serve as a basis for a statewide response plan.

P.I. Dr. Amy Kinsley, carr0603@umn.edu 

Big Data for Small Animals: Training artificial intelligence models to understand current treatments and outcomes for bacterial pneumonia. The Companion Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (CAVSNET) is a comprehensive disease surveillance system that collates US veterinary practice data and electronic health record (EHR) systems into a secure database and transforms data into a common data model for research and surveillance purposes to improve pet health. Large scale measurement of companion animal data is hampered by logistical challenges of accessing data within and across the many diverse veterinary EHR systems. The veterinary profession lacks required standard diagnostic coding. Often the details of the patient encounter (e.g., diagnosis, indication for prescriptions) are recorded only in free-text fields rather than in discrete, easily searchable fields. Most clinics do not require veterinarians to complete structured fields (e.g., diagnosis, master problem list, etc.). Methodologies that overcome these obstacles to data collection are critical to improve clinical patient care and detect and understand infectious and chronic diseases. To access key clinical findings, diagnoses, diagnostics, procedures, and treatments from free-text fields, unstructured medical notes must be structured for analysis. Natural language processing (NLP) is a machine learning tool used to acquire concepts from free-text notes. The focus of this project is to capture currently inaccessible medical record data from large veterinary datasets to provide data about a specific companion animal disease, bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia in cats and dogs has been a focus on antimicrobial stewardship efforts to improve antimicrobial prescribing for this condition. The International Society of Companion Animal Infectious Diseases has published prescribing guidelines for respiratory conditions in cats and dogs. These guidelines delineate recommended first-line therapies for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. Large scale studies to determine whether veterinarians adhere to these guidelines, and if not how their prescribing habits differ, is labor intensive and requires a new approach. Overcoming the challenges of accessing prescribing data for various disease conditions from large datasets is a goal of CAVSNET. The summer scholar will annotate a sample of veterinary records to identify key concepts, such as diagnosis, treatment, and outcome data. The annotated records will be used by our informatics partners to train an NLP model, which will then be applied to the larger dataset. Using knowledge of disease distribution in the veterinary patient population, consensus recommendations for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, and realities of available structured data fields, the student will outline key questions to be answered with CAVSNET data and develop an analytic approach(es) that could be applied to answer these questions.

P.I. Dr. Jennifer Granick, grani003@umn.edu

White Tail Deer Disease Ecology.  Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic and wild animals have also become infected. SARS-CoV-2 studies in white-tailed deer (WTD, Odocoileus virginianus) show evidence of deer-to-deer and human-to-deer transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants in free-ranging deer populations in multiple US states, including Minnesota. We have a project to conduct targeted surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in White-Tailed Deer. Targeted surveillance involves disease sampling and placing GPS tracking devices on ~40 deer in each of 3 sites in the greater Twin Cities metro area, and resampling those deer. I am looking for a motivated student who would be interested in: 1) Resighting the collared deer using VHF telemetry (so visually make sure they are doing ok using a tracking box and antenna to locate the collared deer) or setting up a camera trap study; and 2) Developing a behavioral study on the deer during resighting, and/or working on a literature review of SARS-CoV-2 in White-Tailed Deer, and/or analyzing any baseline prevalence results that have come in, and/or working with the movement data that will be coming in from the GPS collars and to liaise with Park staff for outreach purposes.

P.I. Dr. Meggan Craft, craft@umn.edu

An International Public Health Experience. The Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) is a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) collaborating center on capacity building of veterinary services and a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reference center for veterinary public health. In those capacities, CAHFS conducts research and outreach activities in international settings focused on applied field epidemiology. The activities involved development (preparation, organization, review) of training material, and discussion of applied projects. Areas of work include selected regions of Latin America, Southeast and Central Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. The student will collaborate with the CAHFS team in the preparation of those activities.

P.I. Dr. Andres Perez, aperez@umn.edu 

Genetic Resistance to Aflatoxin Poisoning. Poultry, particularly ducks and turkey are highly sensitive to the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1).  Susceptibility and/or resistance to AFB1 is a threshold trait governed principally by glutathione S transferase (GST)-mediated detoxification.  In the turkey, this is most likely due to dysfunction in hepatic GSTs.  Wild turkeys are unique in that studies have found them to be comparatively more resistant to aflatoxicosis than their commercial counterparts. Gene expression studies have examined the response of the liver transcriptome in birds exposed to AFB1 and identified deferentially expressed genes in treated birds. In addition to protein coding genes, genes that produce non-coding RNAs are also affected. One class are the small RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) that are only 15-22 nucleotides in length. These single-stranded RNAs are thought to function primarily in posttranscriptional gene-silencing by base pairing with target mRNAs. A high throughput sequencing effort was applied to the small RNA fraction of samples collected for commercial and wild turkeys exposed to AFB1 and matched controls. The current study was designed to look at one class on non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) expressed in turkey liver, to characterize their differential expression in the context of aflatoxin exposure, and to predict important miRNA/mRNA interactions. We hypothesize that AFB1 exposure alters miRNA expression and that this response is different based on genetic background. This bio-computation project will work with a small RNA sequencing dataset, results of a primary analysis, and results of prior analysis of mRNA expression to identify promising gene candidates for further investigation.

P.I. Dr. Kent Reed, reedx054@umn.edu 

Transforming Dairy Cattle Lameness Management. Our project aims to develop innovative and transformative approaches for early detection and reduction of lameness on US dairy farms. Central to this goal is the implementation of an integrated data framework (IDF) that allows for the automatic collection of autonomous camera-based locomotion scores and HL data as well as further integration with other data streams, such as cow- and herd-level data and genomic data. Our multi-disciplinary team will address current using a collection of novel, innovative approaches carried out across six intertwined objectives. We will use an integrated data framework (IDF) that contains observational data consisting of genomic and pedigree, HL, farm records, and autonomous camera-based locomotion (AUTO) data. Our first objective is to develop genetic evaluations for lameness and HL based on AUTO and HL data. In objective 2, we will investigate the utility of AUTO and HL data as an alternative and more reliable method of assessing lameness status during animal welfare assessments on US dairy farms. In objective 3, we will determine whether trends in AUTO scores can be used to identify cows ‘at risk’ of becoming lame and if this earlier detection and intervention reduces lameness duration and prevalence. To ensure the economic feasibility of AUTO adoption, objective 4 will evaluate the economic impacts of its use. In objective 5, we will ensure the long-term success of our project by engaging farm-level stakeholders and supporting the creation of lameness working groups consisting of farm personnel and farm advisors. Using mixed methods, we will evaluate the effectiveness of these groups and understand the support needed to adopt lameness management changes. In our last objective, we will create online resources and bilingual certificate-style courses for farm workers and advisors. Course content will be informed by the knowledge generated in this project. In summary, with support from FFAR and our matching partners, we will deliver new, innovative, and industry-changing tools for reducing lameness on US dairy farms. The student will have a supportive role in data collection and data management along with creation of resources.

P.I. Dr. Gerard Cramer, gcramer@umn.edu

Oceanic noise pollution and cetacean stranding events. An increasing number of studies indicate that oceanic noise pollution stemming from naval and offshore mining activities is associated with mass stranding events of both whales and dolphins. Naval sonar pings and mining-associated blasts are hypothesized to generate shock waves that propagate through water, ultimately concussing cetaceans and contributing to mass stranding events. The Larsen and Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO) Lab is launching a collaborative research project with the University of California, Santa Cruz that focuses on testing the hypothesis of acoustic brain trauma in whales and dolphins using a combination of protein amplification assays and DNA epigenomic sequencing. The Summer Scholar student will work with Dr. Peter Larsen and the MNPRO research team to generate critical data that will inform global whale and dolphin conservation efforts. 

P.I. Dr. Peter Larsen, plarsen@umn.edu

Investigating the genetic basis of behavior in assistance (service) dogs. Assistance (service) dogs (ADs) are specially trained to mitigate a disability for one individual, including guide dogs who assist people with visual impairments, hearing dogs who alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds, medical alert dogs that alert to drops in heart rate, drops in blood sugar, or allergens in food, or mobility assistance dogs that retrieve dropped objects and get help in emergency situations. Throughout the world, there are AD training organizations that breed, raise, and train dogs for a variety of assistance careers. Access to ADs for people with disabilities is hindered by a supply-demand issue – there are not enough successful ADs for the number of people who need them. This is largely because, while AD organizations breed and raise dogs for assistance work, about 40-60% of dogs are removed from programs before client placement due to behavioral issues such as reactivity, body sensitivity, and work ethic, or health issues such as hip dysplasia and allergies. Our goal is to develop a predictive genetic test for AD success using behavioral data and genetic information. The objectives of this project are to: 1) identify the behavioral differences between different service careers, 2) identify the major health concerns in AD populations, and 3) determine the heritability of behavior in ADs. Organizations can use this knowledge to eliminate potential service dogs from programs if problematic behaviors are observed earlier in the process. Our long-term project will use this information to develop a genetic predictive test for overall service dog success for categories of AD careers.

P.I. Dr. Molly McCue, mccu0173@umn.edu

A review of hormone-assisted antler hardening and casting in castrated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and caribou (R. tarandus caribou). The antler cycle of male deer is closely linked to the reproductive cycle and controlled by seasonal fluctuation of hormone levels (particularly androgens). This can be complicated by the need to castrate male cervids in human care for breeding and behavioral management. Reindeer producers have found that subcutaneous implants of estradiol benzoate and progesterone (Synovex-C, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) will enable normal hardening and shedding of antlers in castrated Rangifer spp. However, there is variability in reported dosing and timing for this therapeutic. The Minnesota Zoo has utilized Synovex-C in Rangifer spp. since 1994, with shifting doses and application dates over time. The goal of this project is to review doses, seasonality of dosing, duration from dose to antler hardening, duration from dose to antler casting, and comparison of hardening and shedding dates in treated males versus intact male herd mates. The goal is to make clinical recommendations after reviewing 29 years of applications and outcomes. The Summer Scholar engaged in this program will learn about the cervid antler cycle, as well as how to approach and solve some of the common issues in zoo medicine such as reproductive management of non-domestic wildlife in human care, management of behavior challenges of wildlife in human care, and development of therapeutic guidelines for non-domestic species for which research is lacking. The Summer Scholar will be expected to complete this project on site at the Minnesota Zoo. The project also offers the opportunity to gain experience with clinical zoo medicine within the time frame of the project. The Summer Scholar will be encouraged to participate in clinical activities during case rounds and procedures in the morning, allowing the afternoons to be utilized for the summer scholar project activities. The goal is to provide additional context around the clinical applications, challenges, and goals of zoo medicine that will help the summer scholar have a better understanding of their project’s impact and relevance to the field. Interested potential Summer Scholars may review the following reference for more information on the medical care of reindeer and the antler cycle (Vet Clin Food Anim 37 (2021) 221–236).

P.I. Dr. Michelle Willette, wille203@umn.edu 

Genetic basis of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis in racehorses. Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) is a common muscle disease affecting 5-10% of Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and 10-25% of Standardbred (STDB) racehorses. It is characterized by repeated episodes of rapid muscle cell necrosis, leading to severe muscle pain and sometimes fatal renal complications and/or electrolyte imbalances. Affected horses lose six to eight training days per episode, and 17% of TBs are unable to race again in a season. RER is an important cause of poor performance and affects animal welfare. Diagnosis of RER is based on the subjective presence of clinical signs and repeated serum muscle enzyme measurements. Despite strong evidence of an underlying genetic basis, no causative alleles have been identified. Preliminary work performed by our group suggests there are 600 to 800 alleles affecting RER risk in these breeds. Our goal is to identify functional alleles with a large contribution to disease risk, genes associated with the disease, and biological pathways that underlie it using bioinformatic techniques. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a genomic prediction model capable of predicting RER lifetime disease-risk based on genotypes. Specifically, horses can be assigned a risk category based on their disease probability and category-specific recommendations can be made. The model can be used as a genetic test to identify high-risk horses before clinical signs develop, allowing for early medical intervention, altered management practices, and informed breeding and buying decisions.

P.I. Dr. Molly McCue, mccu0173@umn.edu 

Effect of milk bottle and hutch cleaning procedures on dairy heifer morbidity. The goal of this research project is to determine whether

various cleaning products and procedures applied to calf hutches and milk bottles reduce morbidity on heifer raiser facilities. This project will

involve collecting samples from dairy hutches and milk bottles; and testing the samples using a variety of microbiological assays. The project

involves public-private partnerships and sampling on commercial heifer raiser facilities.

P.I. Dr. Noelle Noyes, nnoyes@umn.edu

Alopecia in captive macaques an evaluation of risk factors and interventions. Alopecia in non-human primates is a multifaceted disorder

that has been associated with a variety of factors including but not limited to seasonality, stress, aging, and disease. In the absence of seasonal-,

age-, or physiologic-related causes, alopecia can serve as an important marker in the assessment of captive primate welfare. Identifying and

understanding the underlying causes of alopecia is critical as it may provide insight into sources of stress impacting overall well-being. We will

perform and assess the accuracy and consistency of alopecia scoring in macaques Investigate the relationship between alopecia and various

environmental and animal characteristics. Environmental characteristics include factors such as animal demographic, density, rank, and the sex-

and temperament makeup of their environments. Evaluation of novel interventions aimed at reducing alopecia.

P.I. Dr. Melanie Graham, graha066@umn.edu

Postoperative peritoneal fluid analysis in horses following exploratory celiotomy for strangulating and non-strangulating

gastrointestinal lesions. Recurrent abdominal pain is the most common complication in the immediate postoperative period following abdominal

exploratory surgery for colic. Only a small percentage of these horses require an additional surgery; however, identifying those requiring an

additional surgery is a diagnostic challenge. Peritoneal fluid analysis is a major diagnostic tool utilized to determine the need for the initial

exploratory celiotomy upon presentation. However, postoperative peritoneal fluid values and trends in horses clinically affected with strangulating

and non-strangulating gastrointestinal disease are lacking in the literature. The objective of the proposed study is to better characterize and

understand the peritoneal fluid changes that occur postoperatively in horses following colic surgery. Horses undergoing colic surgery will be

enrolled once informed client consent is obtained. Complete blood counts will be performed preoperatively, 72 hours postoperatively, and 168

hours postoperatively. Abdominocentesis will be performed and peritoneal fluid lactate, total protein, and total nucleated cell count with differential

will be measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The proposed study will provide pilot data to better understand peritoneal fluid changes

postoperatively in horses following surgical correction of strangulating and non-strangulating lesions. Ultimately, this data will markedly impact and

provide guidance to a clinician’s decision of if and when to pursue relaparotomy in the event a horse experiences colic in the early postoperative

period. The student will assist with ongoing data collection and is welcome to observe colic surgery. The student will assist in analyzing and

interpretating data. Based on this analysis the student will then propose a study design that could be performed to validate or refute their findings.

P.I. Dr. Jenna Young, j-young@umn.edu

Developing One Health-Centric Food Safety Solutions in Poultry. A significant focus in the animal food sustainability realms is to provide maximum protection of the microbiological safety of its products – from ingredients to fully–cooked food – sold in the markets to meet diverse consumer needs. Food safety goals for these products cannot be achieved unless we evaluate the product outcomes in the context of the environment and the animal. This concept of integrated health of the consumer, production animal, and the environment has been the driving force of Dr. Johny’s research. All levels of this tripartite research happen in his laboratories and animal trials. A heavy thrust is given to the food safety segment in controlling or inactivating zoonotic bacterial pathogens of significance to human health, using microbial interference strategies. This strategy also involves identifying and applying probiotic bacteria, vaccines, phytobiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics and other emerging options.

P.I. Dr. Anup Johny, anupjohn@umn.edu