1
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Marshall AG, Neikirk K, Stephens D, Garza-Lopez E, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Doe YJ, Campbell D, Fears L, Alghanem A, Spencer EC, Scudese E, Owens B, Vang C, Morton DJ, Conley Z, Hinton A. A workshop to showcase the diversity of scientists to middle school students. Adv Physiol Educ 2024; 48:186-192. [PMID: 38234295 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00117.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Identity matters in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) because it can affect an individual's long-term sense of belonging, which may in turn affect their persistence in STEMM. Early K-12 science classes often teach students about the foundational discoveries of the field, which have been predominately made, or at least published, by White men. This homogeneity can leave underrepresented individuals in STEMM feeling isolated, and underrepresented K-12 students may feel as though they cannot enter STEMM fields. This study aimed to examine these feelings of inclusivity in STEMM through an interactive workshop that asked middle schoolers to identify scientists from images of individuals with various racial and gender identities. We found that a plurality of students had a positive experience discussing diversity in science and recognizing underrepresented individuals as scientists.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We observed positive sentiments from middle school students following a workshop that showcased diversity in science. This workshop uniquely encourages students to recognize that physiologists and scientists today are much more diverse than textbooks typically demonstrate and can be adapted for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Yelena Janumyan Doe
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Desmond Campbell
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Letimicia Fears
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ahmad Alghanem
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ali Al Arini, Ar Rimayah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Estevão Scudese
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Laboratory of Biosciences of Human Motricity, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Sport Sciences and Exercise Laboratory, Catholic University of Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Beverly Owens
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland Early College High School, Shelby, North Carolina, United States
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States
| | - Derrick J Morton
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Zachary Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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2
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Beasley HK, Vue Z, McReynolds MR, Garza-Lopez E, Neikirk K, Mungai M, Marshall AG, Shao B, Benjamin JI, Wanjalla CN, Williams CR, Murray SA, Jordan VK, Shuler HD, Kirabo A, Hinton A. Running a successful STEMM summer program: A week-by-week guide. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38462753 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
While some established undergraduate summer programs are effective across many institutions, these programs may only be available to some principal investigators or may not fully address the diverse needs of incoming undergraduates. This article outlines a 10-week science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) education program designed to prepare undergraduate students for graduate school through a unique model incorporating mentoring dyads and triads, cultural exchanges, and diverse activities while emphasizing critical thinking, research skills, and cultural sensitivity. Specifically, we offer a straightforward and adaptable guide that we have used for mentoring undergraduate students in a laboratory focused on mitochondria and microscopy, but which may be customized for other disciplines. Key components include self-guided projects, journal clubs, various weekly activities such as mindfulness training and laboratory techniques, and a focus on individual and cultural expression. Beyond this unique format, this 10-week program also seeks to offer an intensive research program that emulates graduate-level experiences, offering an immersive environment for personal and professional development, which has led to numerous achievements for past students, including publications and award-winning posters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melanie R McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jazmine I Benjamin
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Celestine N Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Clintoria R Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Shuler Consulting, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Beasley HK, Actkins KV, Marshall AG, Garza-Lopez E, Wanjalla C, Scudese E, Kirabo A, Liu K, Hinton A. A quick guide to networking for scientists. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:1-4. [PMID: 37968220 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Networking is an important skill for finding social relationships relevant to one's career. However, networking can be difficult to navigate as different social situations and career levels require unique skill sets. Here, we provide tips for effective networking at conferences, dinners, and other events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ky'Era V Actkins
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Estevão Scudese
- Laboratory of Biosciences of Human Motricity (LABIMH) of the Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sport Sciences and Exercise Laboratory (LaCEE), Catholic University of Petrópolis (UCP), Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kaihua Liu
- Department of Anatomy of Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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4
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Stephens DC, Mungai M, Crabtree A, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Vang L, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Vue N, Marshall AG, Turner K, Shao JQ, Sarker B, Murray S, Gaddy JA, Davis J, Damo SM, Hinton AO. Protocol for isolating mice skeletal muscle myoblasts and myotubes via differential antibody validation. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102591. [PMID: 37938976 PMCID: PMC10663959 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolation of skeletal muscles allows for the exploration of many complex diseases. Here, we present a protocol for isolating mice skeletal muscle myoblasts and myotubes that have been differentiated through antibody validation. We describe steps for collecting and preparing murine skeletal tissue, myoblast cell maintenance, plating, and cell differentiation. We then detail procedures for cell incubation, immunostaining, slide preparation and storage, and imaging for immunofluorescence validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique C Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kyrin Turner
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jian-Qiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Bishnu Sarker
- School of Applied Computational Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, TN 15260, USA
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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5
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Vue Z, Ajayi PT, Neikirk K, Murphy AC, Prasad P, Jenkins BC, Vang L, Garza-Lopez E, Mungai M, Marshall AG, Beasley HK, Killion M, Parker R, Anukodem J, Lavine K, Ajijola O, Mobley BC, Dai DF, Exil V, Kirabo A, Su YR, Tomasek K, Zhang X, Wanjalla C, Hubert DL, Phillips MA, Shao JQ, McReynolds MR, Glancy B, Hinton A. Human Heart Failure Alters Mitochondria and Fiber 3D Structure Triggering Metabolic Shifts. bioRxiv 2023:2023.11.28.569095. [PMID: 38076993 PMCID: PMC10705476 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
This study, utilizing SBF-SEM, reveals structural alterations in mitochondria and myofibrils in human heart failure (HF). Mitochondria in HF show changes in structure, while myofibrils exhibit increased cross-sectional area and branching. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses indicate concomitant dysregulation in key pathways. The findings underscore the need for personalized treatments considering individualized structural changes in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Peter T. Ajayi
- Muscle Energetics Laboratory, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Alexandria C. Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801
| | - Praveena Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801
| | - Brenita C. Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Mason Killion
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Remi Parker
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Josephs Anukodem
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Kory Lavine
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Olujimi Ajijola
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bret C. Mobley
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232 USA
| | - Dao-Fu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vernat Exil
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. of Cardiology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yan Ru Su
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kelsey Tomasek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Xiuqi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - David L. Hubert
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Mark A. Phillips
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Jian-qiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Melanie R. McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801
| | - Brian Glancy
- Muscle Energetics Laboratory, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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6
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Marshall AG, Neikirk K, Stephens D, Garza-Lopez E, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Janumyan Doe Y, Campbell D, Fears L, Alghanem A, Spencer EC, Scudese E, Owens B, Vang C, Morton DJ, Conley Z, Hinton A. A workshop on mitochondria for students to improve understanding of science and hypothesis forming. Adv Physiol Educ 2023; 47:823-830. [PMID: 37650143 PMCID: PMC10854815 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00116.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
There remains a clear deficiency in recruiting middle school students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine fields, especially for those students entering physiology from underrepresented backgrounds. A large part of this may be arising from a disconnect between how science is typically practiced at a collegiate and K-12 level. Here, we have envisioned mitochondria and their diverse subcellular structures as an involver for middle school students. We present the framework for a workshop that familiarizes students with mitochondria, employing three-dimensional visual-spatial learning and real-time critical thinking and hypothesis forming. This workshop had the goal of familiarizing middle school students with the unique challenges the field currently faces and better understanding the actuality of being a scientist through critical analysis including hypothesis forming. Findings show that middle school students responded positively to the program and felt as though they had a better understanding of mitochondria. Future implications for hands-on programs to involve underrepresented students in science are discussed, as well as potential considerations to adapt it for high school and undergraduate students.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we employ a workshop that utilizes blended and tactile learning to teach middle schoolers about mitochondrial structure. By creating an approachable and fun workshop that can be utilized for middle school students, we seek to encourage them to join a career in physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Yelena Janumyan Doe
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Desmond Campbell
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Letimicia Fears
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ahmad Alghanem
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Estevão Scudese
- Laboratory of Biosciences of Human Motricity (LABIMH) of the Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Sport Sciences and Exercise Laboratory (LaCEE), Catholic University of Petrópolis (UCP), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beverly Owens
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland Early College High School, Shelby, North Carolina, United States
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States
| | - Derrick J Morton
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, California, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Zachary Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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7
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Neikirk K, Barongan T, Shao B, Spencer EC, Kabugi K, Conley Z, Vang L, Vue M, Vang N, Garza-Lopez E, Crabtree A, Alexander S, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Killion M, Stephens D, Owens B, Martinez D, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Jenkins F, Vang C, Morton DJ, Shuler H, Murray SA, Damo S, Vue Z, Hinton Jr A. A pilot study on our non-traditional, varied writing accountability group for historically excluded and underrepresented persons in STEMM. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22335. [PMID: 38144282 PMCID: PMC10746396 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Underrepresented faculty have higher burnout rates and lower grant attainment rates when compared with their non-minority counterparts. Many in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines, including underrepresented individuals, often have difficulty dedicating time to the writing process, with trainees often being relegated to laboratory tasks in their training years, resulting in a lack of practice in academic writing. Notably, past studies have shown that grant attainment rates of underrepresented individuals are lower than their majority counterparts. Here, we sought to consider a mechanism targeted to underrepresented individuals, although applicable to everyone, to help overcome traditional barriers to writing in STEMM. The authors have hosted a writing accountability group (WAG) that uniquely provides a format focused on physical activity and different forms of writing to strengthen both career development and award/funding attainment. Our objectives were to evaluate this unique format, thus creating a resource for individuals and institutions to learn about WAGs and expand upon the framework to formulate their own WAG. To do this, we performed a small pilot study (n = 21) to investigate attitudes towards the WAG. We present the results of a survey conducted among underrepresented WAG participants, which spanned different career stages and was highly diverse demographically. Our results show that following attendance of our WAG, individuals did not note a significant change in scales pertaining to John Henryism (high-effort coping), resilience, sense of belonging, or grit. However, significant increases were noted in the self-perceived ability to handle stress, confidence in applying for awards, appreciation for mentoring, and satisfaction of WAGs. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that our unique WAG format can have some positive results as a career and writing development opportunity and may be able to support underrepresented individuals in attaining funding at higher education institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elsie C. Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kinutha Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zachary Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mason Killion
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Beverly Owens
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland Early College High School, Shelby, NC, USA
| | - Denise Martinez
- Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Felysha Jenkins
- Department of Basic Sciences, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM, USA
| | - Derrick J. Morton
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton Jr
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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8
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Marshall AG, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Neikirk K, Stephens D, Wanjalla CN, Damo SM, Trejo J, Rodriguez-Aliaga P, Headley CA, Shuler H, Liu K, Smith N, Garza-Lopez E, Barongan T, Scudese E, Spencer E, Heemstra J, Vazquez AD, Murray SA, Hinton A. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Laboratory: Strategies to Enhance Inclusive Laboratory Culture. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3766-3772. [PMID: 37922871 PMCID: PMC10986851 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Building a diverse laboratory that is equitable is critical for the retention of talent and the growth of trainees professionally and personally. Here, we outline several strategies including enhancing understanding of cultural competency and humility, establishing laboratory values, and developing equitable laboratory structures to create an inclusive laboratory environment to enable trainees to achieve their highest success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Celestine N Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Center Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA; Fisk University, Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Nashville, TN 37208 USA
| | - JoAnn Trejo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Colwyn Ansel Headley
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University; Winston-Salem, NC 27110 USA
| | - Kaihua Liu
- Department of Anatomy of Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nathan Smith
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Estevão Scudese
- Laboratory of Biosciences of Human Motricity (LABIMH) of the Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro Brazil; Sport Sciences and Exercise Laboratory (LaCEE), Catholic University of Petrópolis (UCP), Brazil
| | - Elsie Spencer
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Jennifer Heemstra
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Chemistry, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Cell Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA.
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA.
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9
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Vue Z, Neikirk K, Vang L, Garza-Lopez E, Christensen TA, Shao J, Lam J, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Crabtree A, Anudokem J, Rodriguez B, Kirk B, Bacevac S, Barongan T, Shao B, Stephens DC, Kabugi K, Koh HJ, Koh A, Evans CS, Taylor B, Reddy AK, Miller-Fleming T, Actkins KV, Zaganjor E, Daneshgar N, Murray SA, Mobley BC, Damo SM, Gaddy JA, Riggs B, Wanjalla C, Kirabo A, McReynolds M, Gomez JA, Phillips MA, Exil V, Dai DF, Hinton A. Three-dimensional mitochondria reconstructions of murine cardiac muscle changes in size across aging. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H965-H982. [PMID: 37624101 PMCID: PMC10977873 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00202.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
With sparse treatment options, cardiac disease remains a significant cause of death among humans. As a person ages, mitochondria breakdown and the heart becomes less efficient. Heart failure is linked to many mitochondria-associated processes, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, insulin signaling, autophagy, and oxidative stress. The roles of key mitochondrial complexes that dictate the ultrastructure, such as the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), in aging cardiac muscle are poorly understood. To better understand the cause of age-related alteration in mitochondrial structure in cardiac muscle, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and serial block facing-scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to quantitatively analyze the three-dimensional (3-D) networks in cardiac muscle samples of male mice at aging intervals of 3 mo, 1 yr, and 2 yr. Here, we present the loss of cristae morphology, the inner folds of the mitochondria, across age. In conjunction with this, the three-dimensional (3-D) volume of mitochondria decreased. These findings mimicked observed phenotypes in murine cardiac fibroblasts with CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of Mitofilin, Chchd3, Chchd6 (some members of the MICOS complex), and Opa1, which showed poorer oxidative consumption rate and mitochondria with decreased mitochondrial length and volume. In combination, these data show the need to explore if loss of the MICOS complex in the heart may be involved in age-associated mitochondrial and cristae structural changes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article shows how mitochondria in murine cardiac changes, importantly elucidating age-related changes. It also is the first to show that the MICOS complex may play a role in outer membrane mitochondrial structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Trace A Christensen
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Jacob Lam
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Josephs Anudokem
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Benjamin Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Benjamin Kirk
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Serif Bacevac
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Dominique C Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Kinuthia Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ho-Jin Koh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Alice Koh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Chantell S Evans
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Brittany Taylor
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Anilkumar K Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Tyne Miller-Fleming
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ky'Era V Actkins
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Elma Zaganjor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Nastaran Daneshgar
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Bret C Mobley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Blake Riggs
- Department of Biology at San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Melanie McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jose A Gomez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Mark A Phillips
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
| | - Vernat Exil
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Dao-Fu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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10
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Barongan T, Neikirk K, Shao B, Vue N, Spencer EC, Kabugi K, Conley Z, Vang L, Vue M, Vang N, Garza-Lopez E, Crabtree A, Alexander S, Dal A, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Killion M, Stephens DC, Martinez D, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Jenkins F, Davis J, Damo SM, Morra CN, Murray SA, Vang C, Morton DJ, Vue Z, Shuler H, Hinton A. Project Strengthen: An STEMM-focused career development workshop to prepare underrepresented minority students for graduate school. iScience 2023; 26:107766. [PMID: 37736045 PMCID: PMC10509704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) programs are aimed to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) fields. However, limited programs and eligibility requirements limit the students who may apply to similar programs. At Winston-Salem State University, we piloted a series of workshops, collectively termed Project Strengthen, to emulate some of the key aspects of MARC programs. Following the workshop, Project Strengthen students showed a significant increase in their understanding of essential educational development skills, such as writing personal statements, applying to graduate school, studying for the GRE, and seeking summer internships. This suggests Project Strengthen may be a potential lower cost comparable option than MARC to make up for current deficiencies in preparedness for graduate school. We also provide educational materials from Project Strengthen, including a clear framework for this seminar series, six ready-made PowerPoints to share with trainees that have been demonstrated to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elsie C. Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
- Teachers College, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
| | - Kinutha Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zachary Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angyth Dal
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mason Killion
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dominique C. Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Denise Martinez
- Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Felysha Jenkins
- Department of Basic Sciences, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Steven M. Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christina N. Morra
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
- Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM, USA
| | - Derrick J. Morton
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University; Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
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11
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Shao B, Killion M, Oliver A, Vang C, Zeleke F, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Garza-Lopez E, Shao JQ, Mungai M, Lam J, Williams Q, Altamura CT, Whiteside A, Kabugi K, McKenzie J, Koh A, Scudese E, Vang L, Marshall AG, Crabtree A, Tanghal JI, Stephens D, Koh HJ, Jenkins BC, Murray SA, Cooper AT, Williams C, Damo SM, McReynolds MR, Gaddy JA, Wanjalla CN, Beasley HK, Hinton A. Ablation of Sam50 is associated with fragmentation and alterations in metabolism in murine and human myotubes. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.20.541602. [PMID: 37292887 PMCID: PMC10245823 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.20.541602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Sorting and Assembly Machinery (SAM) Complex is responsible for assembling β-barrel proteins in the mitochondrial membrane. Comprising three subunits, Sam35, Sam37, and Sam50, the SAM complex connects the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes by interacting with the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex. Sam50, in particular, stabilizes the mitochondrial intermembrane space bridging (MIB) complex, which is crucial for protein transport, respiratory chain complex assembly, and regulation of cristae integrity. While the role of Sam50 in mitochondrial structure and metabolism in skeletal muscle remains unclear, this study aims to investigate its impact. Serial block-face-scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) and computer-assisted 3D renderings were employed to compare mitochondrial structure and networking in Sam50-deficient myotubes from mice and humans with wild-type (WT) myotubes. Furthermore, autophagosome 3D structure was assessed in human myotubes. Mitochondrial metabolic phenotypes were assessed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-based metabolomics to explore differential changes in WT and Sam50-deficient myotubes. The results revealed increased mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagosome formation in Sam50-deficient myotubes compared to controls. Metabolomic analysis indicated elevated metabolism of propanoate and several amino acids, including ß-Alanine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, along with increased amino acid and fatty acid metabolism in Sam50-deficient myotubes. Furthermore, impairment of oxidative capacity was observed upon Sam50 ablation in both murine and human myotubes, as measured with the XF24 Seahorse Analyzer. Collectively, these findings support the critical role of Sam50 in establishing and maintaining mitochondrial integrity, cristae structure, and mitochondrial metabolism. By elucidating the impact of Sam50-deficiency, this study enhances our understanding of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Mason Killion
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Ashton Oliver
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Faben Zeleke
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jian-Qiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jacob Lam
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Qiana Williams
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Christopher T Altamura
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Aaron Whiteside
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435 USA
| | - Kinuthia Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jessica McKenzie
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Alice Koh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Estevão Scudese
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Ho-Jin Koh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209
| | - Brenita C Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Anthonya T Cooper
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Clintoria Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435 USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Melanie R McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Celestine N Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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12
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Stephens DC, Mungai M, Crabtree A, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Neikirk K, Bacevac S, Vang L, Vue Z, Vue N, Marshall AG, Turner K, Shao J, Murray S, Gaddy JA, Wanjalla C, Davis J, Damo S, Hinton AO. Creating Optimal Conditions for OPA1 Isoforms by Western Blot in Skeletal Muscle Cells and Tissue. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.20.541601. [PMID: 37292669 PMCID: PMC10245902 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.20.541601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OPA1 is a dynamin-related GTPase that modulates various mitochondrial functions and is involved in mitochondrial morphology. There are eight different isoforms of OPA1 in humans and five different isoforms in mice that are expressed as short or long-form isoforms. These isoforms contribute to OPA1's ability to control mitochondrial functions. However, isolating OPA1 all long and short isoforms through western blot has been a difficult task. To address this issue, we outline an optimized western blot protocol to isolate 5 different isoforms of OPA1 on the basis of different antibodies. This protocol can be used to study changes in mitochondrial structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique C. Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Serif Bacevac
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kyrin Turner
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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13
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Stephens DC, Mungai M, Crabtree A, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Vang L, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Vue N, Marshall AG, Turner K, Shao JQ, Sarker B, Murray S, Gaddy JA, Davis J, Damo SM, Hinton AO. Components of Isolated Skeletal Muscle Differentiated Through Antibody Validation. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.20.541600. [PMID: 37292961 PMCID: PMC10245929 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.20.541600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Isolation of skeletal muscles allows for the exploration of many complex diseases. Fibroblasts and myoblast play important roles in skeletal muscle morphology and function. However, skeletal muscles are complex and made up of many cellular populations and validation of these populations is highly important. Therefore, in this article, we discuss a comprehensive method to isolate mice skeletal muscle, create satellite cells for tissue culture, and use immunofluorescence to validate our approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique C. Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kyrin Turner
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jian-qiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Bishnu Sarker
- School of Applied Computational Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, TN, 15260, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Steven M. Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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14
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Stephens DC, Crabtree A, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Neikirk K, Mungai M, Vang L, Vue Z, Vue N, Marshall AG, Turner K, Shao J, Murray S, Gaddy JA, Wanjalla C, Davis J, Damo S, Hinton AO. Optimizing In Situ Proximity Ligation Assays for Mitochondria, ER, or MERC Markers in Skeletal Muscle Tissue and Cells. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.20.541599. [PMID: 37292700 PMCID: PMC10245739 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.20.541599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Proximity ligation assays (PLA) use specific antibodies to detect endogenous protein-protein interactions. PLA is a highly useful biochemical technique that allows two proteins within close proximity to be visualized with fluorescent probes amplified by PCR. While this technique has gained prominence, the use of PLA in mouse skeletal muscle (SkM) is novel. In this article, we discuss how the PLA method can be used in SkM to study the protein-protein interactions within mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites (MERCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique C. Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kyrin Turner
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232 USA
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, 37212 USA
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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15
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Stephens DC, Crabtree A, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Mungai M, Vang L, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Vue N, Marshall AG, Turner K, Shao JQ, Sarker B, Murray S, Gaddy JA, Hinton AO, Damo S, Davis J. In the Age of Machine Learning Cryo-EM Research is Still Necessary: A Path toward Precision Medicine. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300122. [PMID: 37246245 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Machine learning has proven useful in analyzing complex biological data and has greatly influenced the course of research in structural biology and precision medicine. Deep neural network models oftentimes fail to predict the structure of complex proteins and are heavily dependent on experimentally determined structures for their training and validation. Single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) is also advancing the understanding of biology and will be needed to complement these models by continuously supplying high-quality experimentally validated structures for improvements in prediction quality. In this perspective, the significance of structure prediction methods is highlighted, but the authors also ask, what if these programs cannot accurately predict a protein structure important for preventing disease? The role of cryoEM is discussed to help fill the gaps left by artificial intelligence predictive models in resolving targetable proteins and protein complexes that will pave the way for personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique C Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kyrin Turner
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jian-Qiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Bishnu Sarker
- School of Applied Computational Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
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16
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Marshall AG, Garza-Lopez E, Vue Z, Vang L, Hinton A. Sam50 is Associated with Fragmentation and Alterations in Metabolism in Human and Murine Myotubes. Microsc Microanal 2023; 29:1189-1191. [PMID: 37613698 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
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17
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Vue Z, Garza-Lopez E, Neikirk K, Vang L, Hinton A. Decrease in Mouse Skeletal Muscle During Aging is Due to Altered Mitochondrial Networks and the MICOS Complex. Microsc Microanal 2023; 29:1199-1200. [PMID: 37613237 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zer Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- University of Iowa, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, United States
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18
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Garza-Lopez E, Vue Z, Katti P, Neikirk K, Biete M, Lam J, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Rodman TA, Christensen TA, Salisbury JL, Vang L, Mungai M, AshShareef S, Murray SA, Shao J, Streeter J, Glancy B, Pereira RO, Abel ED, Hinton A. Correction: Garza-Lopez et al. Protocols for Generating Surfaces and Measuring 3D Organelle Morphology Using Amira. Cells 2022, 11, 65. Cells 2023; 12:1356. [PMID: 37408281 PMCID: PMC10216418 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the original publication [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Prasanna Katti
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Michelle Biete
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Jacob Lam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Taylor A Rodman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Trace A Christensen
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Salisbury
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Salma AshShareef
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 52013, USA
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jennifer Streeter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Brian Glancy
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Renata O Pereira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - E Dale Abel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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19
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Marshall AG, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Vang L, Barongan T, Evans Z, Crabtree A, Spencer E, Anudokem J, Parker R, Davis J, Stephens D, Damo S, Pham TT, Gomez JA, Exil V, Dai DF, Murray SA, Entman ML, Taffet GE, Hinton AO, Reddy AK. Cardiovascular hemodynamics in mice with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 mediated cytoprotection in the heart. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1064640. [PMID: 37229235 PMCID: PMC10203617 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1064640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many studies in mice have demonstrated that cardiac-specific innate immune signaling pathways can be reprogrammed to modulate inflammation in response to myocardial injury and improve outcomes. While the echocardiography standard parameters of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, fractional shortening, end-diastolic diameter, and others are used to assess cardiac function, their dependency on loading conditions somewhat limits their utility in completely reflecting the contractile function and global cardiovascular efficiency of the heart. A true measure of global cardiovascular efficiency should include the interaction between the ventricle and the aorta (ventricular-vascular coupling, VVC) as well as measures of aortic impedance and pulse wave velocity. Methods We measured cardiac Doppler velocities, blood pressures, along with VVC, aortic impedance, and pulse wave velocity to evaluate global cardiac function in a mouse model of cardiac-restricted low levels of TRAF2 overexpression that conferred cytoprotection in the heart. Results While previous studies reported that response to myocardial infarction and reperfusion was improved in the TRAF2 overexpressed mice, we found that TRAF2 mice had significantly lower cardiac systolic velocities and accelerations, diastolic atrial velocity, aortic pressures, rate-pressure product, LV contractility and relaxation, and stroke work when compared to littermate control mice. Also, we found significantly longer aortic ejection time, isovolumic contraction and relaxation times, and significantly higher mitral early/atrial ratio, myocardial performance index, and ventricular vascular coupling in the TRAF2 overexpression mice compared to their littermate controls. We found no significant differences in the aortic impedance and pulse wave velocity. Discussion While the reported tolerance to ischemic insults in TRAF2 overexpression mice may suggest enhanced cardiac reserve, our results indicate diminished cardiac function in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zoe Evans
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Elsie Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Josephs Anudokem
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Remi Parker
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Thuy T. Pham
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jose A. Gomez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Vernat Exil
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. of Cardiology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Dao-fu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Mark L. Entman
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - George E. Taffet
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Anilkumar K. Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
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20
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Robertson GL, Riffle S, Patel M, Bodnya C, Marshall A, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Shao J, Vue Z, Hinton A, Stoll MS, de Wet S, Theart RP, Chakrabarty RP, Loos B, Chandel NS, Mears JA, Gama V. DRP1 mutations associated with EMPF1 encephalopathy alter mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic programs. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260370. [PMID: 36763487 PMCID: PMC10657212 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria and peroxisomes are dynamic signaling organelles that constantly undergo fission, driven by the large GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1; encoded by DNM1L). Patients with de novo heterozygous missense mutations in DNM1L present with encephalopathy due to defective mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission (EMPF1) - a devastating neurodevelopmental disease with no effective treatment. To interrogate the mechanisms by which DRP1 mutations cause cellular dysfunction, we used human-derived fibroblasts from patients who present with EMPF1. In addition to elongated mitochondrial morphology and lack of fission, patient cells display lower coupling efficiency, increased proton leak and upregulation of glycolysis. Mitochondrial hyperfusion also results in aberrant cristae structure and hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Peroxisomes show a severely elongated morphology in patient cells, which is associated with reduced respiration when cells are reliant on fatty acid oxidation. Metabolomic analyses revealed impaired methionine cycle and synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. Our study provides insight into the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cristae maintenance and the metabolic capacity of the cell, as well as the disease mechanism underlying EMPF1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stellan Riffle
- Vanderbilt University, Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mira Patel
- Vanderbilt University, Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Caroline Bodnya
- Vanderbilt University, Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Vanderbilt University, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Vanderbilt University, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Vanderbilt University, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Vanderbilt University, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Maria S. Stoll
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pharmacology and Center for Mitochondrial Diseases, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sholto de Wet
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Physiological Sciences, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Rensu P. Theart
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ram Prosad Chakrabarty
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ben Loos
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Navdeep S. Chandel
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jason A. Mears
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pharmacology and Center for Mitochondrial Diseases, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Vivian Gama
- Vanderbilt University, Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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21
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Marshall AG, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Murray SA, Martinez D, Crabtree A, Conley ZC, Vang L, Davis JS, Powell-Roach KL, Campbell S, Dal AB, Shao B, Alexander S, Vang N, Vue N, Vue M, Shuler HD, Spencer EC, Morton DJ, Hinton A. Using champion-oriented mindset to overcome the challenges of graduate school: impact of workshop for graduate school skills on underrepresented minority retention. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6617593. [PMID: 35749569 PMCID: PMC9375733 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to increase diversity, a glaring underrepresentation of minorities (URM) persists in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Graduate school can be a stressful step in the STEM pipeline, especially for students previously unaware of the structure and challenges of postgraduate education. To promote successful minority participation in STEM and prepare prospective students for the impending challenges of applying for and attending graduate school, we developed a workshop based on the mentoring and fostering of a champion-oriented mindset entitled, "The Trials and Tribulations of Graduate School: How Do You Make an Impact?." Students from the HBCU Winston-Salem State University attended the workshop, and a pre/post-a 10-point Likert scale-based survey was administered. The questions used in this seminar were newly designed by the authors as program evaluations. The results suggest that the workshop was well-received by the students and provided information that they considered helpful to help navigate the graduate school process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | | | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Denise Martinez
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Zachary C Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jamaine S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Keesha L Powell-Roach
- Department of Community and Population Health, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Susan Campbell
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences , VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Angyth B Dal
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, United States.,Shuler Consulting, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, United States
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Derrick J Morton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States.,Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA 91007, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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22
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Marshall AG, Vue Z, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Neikirk K, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Murray SA, Martinez D, Crabtree A, Conley ZC, Vang L, Davis JS, Powell-Roach KL, Campbell S, Brady LJ, Dal AB, Shao B, Alexander S, Vang N, Vue N, Vue M, Shuler HD, Spencer EC, Morton DJ, Hinton A. The role of mentoring in promoting diversity equity and inclusion in STEM Education and Research. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6609773. [PMID: 35713493 PMCID: PMC9302695 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of mentoring derives from active and respectful listening and the willingness to learn and accept opportunities for personal growth. This shapes every trainee and their destined path in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The act of cultivating rapport, asking, and pondering meaningful questions, and receiving constructive feedback are critical to support a productive mentoring relationship. Successful mentoring in STEM can be established and allow mentees, especially underrepresented minorities (URMs), to flourish in an environment where they feel welcomed and supported. However, mentees from underrepresented groups often experience inadequate mentoring due to a mentor's lack of awareness, poor trainings themselves, or lack of understanding of the mentee's hardships. It is important for mentors and mentees to work together to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM education through creativity, authenticity, and networking. We analyzed data obtained from students who attended a recent workshop that are interested in going to graduate school. Our results show that despite low initial expectations for the workshop, many students were satisfied in the knowledge they gleaned. The future and role of diversity in STEM within these underrepresented groups lies in community support and an important role that they can play in the lives of others through DEI initiatives and throughout their careers all of which involves positive mentoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | | | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Denise Martinez
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Zachary C Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jamaine S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Keesha L Powell-Roach
- Department of Community and Population Health, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 37232, United States
| | - Susan Campbell
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 2406, United States
| | - Lillian J Brady
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
| | - Angyth B Dal
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, United States.,Shuler Consulting, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, United States
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Derrick J Morton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States.,Department of Biomedical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA 91007, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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23
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Marshall AG, Vue Z, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Neikirk K, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Murray SA, Martinez D, Crabtree A, Conley ZC, Vang L, Davis JS, Powell-Roach KL, Campbell S, Brady LJ, Dal AB, Shao B, Alexander S, Vang N, Vue N, Vue M, Shuler HD, Spencer EC, Morton DJ, Hinton A. An effective workshop on "How to be an Effective Mentor for Underrepresented STEM Trainees". Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6609432. [PMID: 35709418 PMCID: PMC9258687 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an increase in programming to promote persons excluded by their ethnicity or race (PEER) scholars, minorities remain underrepresented in many STEM programs. The academic pipeline is largely leaky for underrepresented minority (URM) scholars due to a lack of effective mentorship. Many URM students experience microaggressions and discrimination from their mentors due to a lack of quality mentorship training. In this workshop, we provide a framework to show trainees what effective mentoring looks like. Mentees, especially URM trainees, can flourish in effective mentoring environments where they feel welcomed and can comfortably develop new ideas without feeling threatened by external factors. Effective mentoring environments provide motivational support, empathy, cultural competency, and training. This workshop explains facets of effective mentoring to students, as well as highlights to URM trainees why mentors can serve as valuable resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | | | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Denise Martinez
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Zachary C Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jamaine S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Keesha L Powell-Roach
- Department of Community and Population Health, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Mempohis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Susan Campbell
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Lillian J Brady
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Angyth B Dal
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, United States.,Shuler Consulting, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, United States
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Derrick J Morton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States.,Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA 91007, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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24
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Marshall AG, Brady LJ, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Murray SA, Martinez D, Shuler HD, Spencer EC, Morton DJ, Hinton A. The importance of mentors and how to handle more than one mentor. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6571933. [PMID: 35446416 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Working with multiple mentors is a critical way for students to expand their network, gain opportunities, and better prepare for future scholastic or professional ventures. However, students from underrepresented groups (UR) are less likely to be mentored or have access to mentors, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We developed and implemented a workshop, to provide the necessary foundation for students to be better prepared for establishing future mentorships throughout graduate and professional school. METHODS Faculty well-versed in the area of effective mentorship from multiple universities developed and delivered a 1.5-hour workshop to address the roles of a mentor, especially when it comes to UR students, and how students may effectively work with multiple mentors. This workshop was delivered to a group of students from the, Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Winston-Salem State University, and a pre/post- A 10-point Likert scale-based survey was administered where 1 was strongly disagree and 10 was strongly agree. The questions used in this seminar were newly designed by the authors as program evaluations. RESULTS We analyzed the raw data with nonparametric tests for comparison within paired samples. Wilcoxon matched-pairs and signed-rank tests showed statistically significant growth in student self-ratings related to the workshop learning objectives. CONCLUSIONS The 'How to Handle More than One Mentor to Achieve Excellence' workshop was well received as a component of pre-graduate and pre-professional training. Incorporating workshops like this may increase student preparedness around developing and cultivating healthy mentorship relationships throughout STEM training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Lillian J Brady
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, IA City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Denise Martinez
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, IA City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27110, USA.,Shuler Consulting, Winston-Salem, NC, 27110, USA
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Derrick J Morton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA.,Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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Phillips MA, Arnold KR, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Marshall AG, Morton DJ, McReynolds MR, Barter TT, Hinton A. Combining Metabolomics and Experimental Evolution Reveals Key Mechanisms Underlying Longevity Differences in Laboratory Evolved Drosophila melanogaster Populations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031067. [PMID: 35162994 PMCID: PMC8835531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evolution with Drosophila melanogaster has been used extensively for decades to study aging and longevity. In recent years, the addition of DNA and RNA sequencing to this framework has allowed researchers to leverage the statistical power inherent to experimental evolution to study the genetic basis of longevity itself. Here, we incorporated metabolomic data into to this framework to generate even deeper insights into the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying longevity differences in three groups of experimentally evolved D. melanogaster populations with different aging and longevity patterns. Our metabolomic analysis found that aging alters mitochondrial metabolism through increased consumption of NAD+ and increased usage of the TCA cycle. Combining our genomic and metabolomic data produced a list of biologically relevant candidate genes. Among these candidates, we found significant enrichment for genes and pathways associated with neurological development and function, and carbohydrate metabolism. While we do not explicitly find enrichment for aging canonical genes, neurological dysregulation and carbohydrate metabolism are both known to be associated with accelerated aging and reduced longevity. Taken together, our results provide plausible genetic mechanisms for what might be driving longevity differences in this experimental system. More broadly, our findings demonstrate the value of combining multiple types of omic data with experimental evolution when attempting to dissect mechanisms underlying complex and highly polygenic traits such as aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Phillips
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Kenneth R. Arnold
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (K.R.A.); (T.T.B.)
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Hinton and Garza-Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA;
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Derrick J. Morton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Melanie R. McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Thomas T. Barter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (K.R.A.); (T.T.B.)
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.)
- Hinton and Garza-Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Garza-Lopez E, Vue Z, Katti P, Neikirk K, Biete M, Lam J, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Rodman TA, Christensen TA, Salisbury JL, Vang L, Mungai M, AshShareef S, Murray SA, Shao J, Streeter J, Glancy B, Pereira RO, Abel ED, Hinton A. Protocols for Generating Surfaces and Measuring 3D Organelle Morphology Using Amira. Cells 2021; 11:65. [PMID: 35011629 PMCID: PMC8750564 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High-resolution 3D images of organelles are of paramount importance in cellular biology. Although light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have provided the standard for imaging cellular structures, they cannot provide 3D images. However, recent technological advances such as serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) provide the tools to create 3D images for the ultrastructural analysis of organelles. Here, we describe a standardized protocol using the visualization software, Amira, to quantify organelle morphologies in 3D, thereby providing accurate and reproducible measurements of these cellular substructures. We demonstrate applications of SBF-SEM and Amira to quantify mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA;
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.); (T.A.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Prasanna Katti
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (P.K.); (B.G.)
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA; (K.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Michelle Biete
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA; (K.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Jacob Lam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (J.L.); (M.M.); (S.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.); (T.A.R.); (L.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.); (T.A.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Taylor A. Rodman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.); (T.A.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Trace A. Christensen
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (T.A.C.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Jeffrey L. Salisbury
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (T.A.C.); (J.L.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.); (T.A.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (J.L.); (M.M.); (S.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Salma AshShareef
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (J.L.); (M.M.); (S.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 52013, USA;
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Jennifer Streeter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (J.L.); (M.M.); (S.A.); (J.S.)
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Brian Glancy
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (P.K.); (B.G.)
| | - Renata O. Pereira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (J.L.); (M.M.); (S.A.); (J.S.)
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - E. Dale Abel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (J.L.); (M.M.); (S.A.); (J.S.)
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA;
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Z.V.); (H.K.B.); (A.G.M.); (T.A.R.); (L.V.)
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Shuler H, Cazares V, Marshall A, Garza-Lopez E, Hultman R, Francis TK, Rolle T, Byndloss MX, Starbird CA, Hicsasmaz I, AshShareef S, Neikirk K, Johnson PEC, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Williams A, Hinton A. Intentional mentoring: maximizing the impact of underrepresented future scientists in the 21st century. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6324567. [PMID: 34283236 PMCID: PMC8326955 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mentoring is a developmental experience intended to increase the willingness to learn and establish credibility while building positive relationships through networking. In this commentary, we focus on intentional mentoring for underrepresented mentees, including individuals that belong to minority racial, ethnic and gender identity groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) fields. Intentional mentoring is the superpower action necessary for developing harmony and comprehending the purpose and value of the mentor/mentee relationship. Regardless of a mentor's career stage, we believe the strategies discussed may be used to create a supportive and constructive mentorship environment; thereby improving the retention rates of underrepresented mentees within the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston- Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Victor Cazares
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Hinton and Garza Lopez Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Rainbo Hultman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Tiffany Rolle
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.,American Society for Human Genetics, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mariana X Byndloss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Innes Hicsasmaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Salma AshShareef
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Natural Sciences, The University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA
| | | | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aislinn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Hinton and Garza Lopez Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Marshall A, Pack AD, Owusu SA, Hultman R, Drake D, Rutaganira FUN, Namwanje M, Evans CS, Garza-Lopez E, Lewis SC, Termini CM, AshShareef S, Hicsasmaz I, Taylor B, McReynolds MR, Shuler H, Hinton AO. Responding and navigating racialized microaggressions in STEM. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6287574. [PMID: 34048540 PMCID: PMC8175228 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is commonly thought that microaggressions are isolated incidents, microaggressions are ingrained throughout the academic research institution (Young, Anderson and Stewart 2015; Lee et al. 2020). Persons Excluded from science because of Ethnicity and Race (PEERs) frequently experience microaggressions from various academicians, including graduate students, postdocs and faculty (Asai 2020; Lee et al. 2020). Here, we elaborate on a rationale for concrete actions to cope with and diminish acts of microaggressions that may otherwise hinder the inclusion of PEERs. We encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) departments and leadership to affirm PEER scholar identities and promote allyship by infusing sensitivity, responsiveness and anti-bias awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angela D Pack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah Afua Owusu
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Therapeutic Advancement Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rainbo Hultman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David Drake
- Department of Endodontics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Maria Namwanje
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Chantell S Evans
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Samantha C Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Christina M Termini
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Salma AshShareef
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Innes Hicsasmaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Brittany Taylor
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Melanie R McReynolds
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of BiologicalSciences, 601 South Martin Luther King Drive, WBA Science Building, room 217, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, USA
| | - Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Hinton AO, Termini CM, Spencer EC, Rutaganira FUN, Chery D, Roby R, Vue Z, Pack AD, Brady LJ, Garza-Lopez E, Marshall AG, Lewis SC, Shuler HD, Taylor BL, McReynolds MR, Palavicino-Maggio CB. Patching the Leaks: Revitalizing and Reimagining the STEM Pipeline. Cell 2021; 183:568-575. [PMID: 33125882 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We identify problematic areas throughout the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline that perpetuate racial disparities in academia. Distinct ways to curtail these disparities include early exposure and access to resources, supportive mentoring networks and comprehensive training programs specifically for racially minoritized students and trainees at each career stage. These actions will revitalize the STEM pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Internal Medicine and Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Hinton and Garza Lopez Family Consulting Company, Iowa City, IA
| | - Christina M Termini
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | - Daphney Chery
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - ReAna Roby
- Fisk-Vanderbilt Center of Excellence, Peabody College Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Angela D Pack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Lillian J Brady
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Internal Medicine and Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Samantha C Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Brittany L Taylor
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Melanie R McReynolds
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ; Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ.
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Garza-Lopez E, Lopez JA, Hagen J, Sheffer R, Meiner V, Lee A. Role of a conserved glutamine in the function of voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels revealed by a mutation in human CACNA1D. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:14444-14454. [PMID: 30054272 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Cav Ca2+ channels play crucial roles in regulating gene transcription, neuronal excitability, and synaptic transmission. Natural or pathological variations in Cav channels have yielded rich insights into the molecular determinants controlling channel function. Here, we report the consequences of a natural, putatively disease-associated mutation in the CACNA1D gene encoding the pore-forming Cav1.3 α1 subunit. The mutation causes a substitution of a glutamine residue that is highly conserved in the extracellular S1-S2 loop of domain II in all Cav channels with a histidine and was identified by whole-exome sequencing of an individual with moderate hearing impairment, developmental delay, and epilepsy. When introduced into the rat Cav1.3 cDNA, Q558H significantly decreased the density of Ca2+ currents in transfected HEK293T cells. Gating current analyses and cell-surface biotinylation experiments suggested that the smaller current amplitudes caused by Q558H were because of decreased numbers of functional Cav1.3 channels at the cell surface. The substitution also produced more sustained Ca2+ currents by weakening voltage-dependent inactivation. When inserted into the corresponding locus of Cav2.1, the substitution had similar effects as in Cav1.3. However, the substitution introduced in Cav3.1 reduced current density, but had no effects on voltage-dependent inactivation. Our results reveal a critical extracellular determinant of current density for all Cav family members and of voltage-dependent inactivation of Cav1.3 and Cav2.1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Garza-Lopez
- From the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Josue A Lopez
- From the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Jussara Hagen
- From the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Ruth Sheffer
- Department of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Vardiella Meiner
- Department of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Amy Lee
- From the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
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