Dr. Apley’s research interests include food animal therapeutiClinical Sciences, antimicrobial resistance, pharmacokinetiClinical Sciences, and pharmacodynamiClinical Sciences.

Our laboratory studies the interrelationship of immunology and physiology in animals. This includes evaluation of the regulatory mechanisms involved in innate immunity and in stress- and pathogen-induced immune alterations.

Our research focuses primarily on understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to fatty liver and subsequent metabolic disorders in dairy cattle. A second area of interest is the effect of gastrointestinal microbes on host physiology.
 

We study the genetic regulation of early patterning in embryos. We are using the red flour beetle as a model in which to understand how the processes of cell proliferation and segmentation are integrated as the embryo grows Techniques such as RNAi are used to study the function of candidate genes (known for their function in other organisms).
 

Dr. Cain’s laboratory examines the neurobiological basis of drug abuse using a rodent model. The first research area is examining the neural structures that contribute to elevated drug use in rats. The second area of research is examining the effects of environmental enrichment on drug taking behavior. Both research areas attempt to determine the neuronal structures that contribute to drug taking behavior in order to develop methods to decrease drug use using both behavioral and neurobiological techniques.

Research involves the study of chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of hemoparasitic diseases such as Anaplasma marginal.

The primary focus of my research has involved mechanisms of innate immunity in horses. The current series of investigations involves examining the mechanism of immune activation with specific DNA sequences called CpG DNA. We are examining how bacterial DNA induces these responses and which sequences are the most effective at inducing immune activation. The ultimate goal of such investigations will be to use CpG DNA in combination with vaccine antigens so that we can safely and effectively make vaccines more powerful. Investigations will utilize cellular proliferation, cytokine gene expression and molecular cloning and sequencing assays.

My research is focused on the mechanisms of local and remote organ tissue damage in response to ischemia and reperfusion events. I use a mouse model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion to test the central hypothesis that certain autoantibodies recognize antigens expressed on stressed or injured tissues, activate complement and damage tissues. My lab examines both the inflammatory component (complement activation, Toll like receptors and PMN infiltration) and the involvement of autoantibodies. An additional component of my research is to investigate the role of these injury-inducing antibodies in autoimmune diseases.

The Fong laboratory studies the regulation of sodium absorption by epithelial cells in health and disease, with a focus on interactions between the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). Thyroid epithelium is employed as a model system to test the hypothesis that CFTR regulates the expression of ENaC by influencing endocytosis. Porcine thyroid epithelial cultures represent a robust epithelial preparation capable of bi-directional cation transport. The experimental approach incorporates measurement of short-circuit current in the presence and absence of specific pharmacological interventions, as well as microscopic assays of endocytic uptake, cell surface biotinylation, and immunolocalization studies. The results of these investigations should increase knowledge about the pathogenesis of diseases as diverse as Pendred syndrome, cystic fibrosis and polycystic kidney disease.

Research in Dr. Ganta’s laboratory is focused on the characterization of vector-borne pathogens of the genus Ehrlichia that impact the health of animals and humans.

Dr Gehring’s research interests are in pharmaco- and toxicokinetics, which is the study of the dynamic behavior of chemicals in biological systems. This sub-discipline of pharmacology uses mathematical models to describe the processes of uptake, distribution, metabolism and excretion. These processes determine a chemical’s concentration at sites of action, and therefore the intensity and duration of its beneficial and toxic effects. Current projects include predicting human exposure to chemicals through milk and optimizing antimicrobial dosage regimens to minimize resistance development. I am also interested in the kinetics of bioactive compounds from medicinal and toxic plants.

Capsular polysaccharides of enterococcus faecalis and biofilm formation: enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium of the mammalian digestive tract, but in compromised patient populations can cause a variety of diseases including endocarditis, bacteremia, urinary tract infection and wound infection. The focus of my research is to determine the role of enterococcal capsular polysaccharides in the infectious process, and to investigate how the capsule contributes to the process of biofilm formation.

In the Herman lab we want to understand how cell polarity is controlled during metazoan development. Orientation to the body axis of an animal gives each cell a polarity. We are studying cell polarity in the free-living soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Dr. Kenney’s research is focused on determining how pathophysiological states (including immune stress and heart failure) and aging alter sympathetic nerve regulation.

The focus of the Analytical Pharmacology Laboratory is the evaluation and design of rational drug dosages through the use of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies. The analytical methodology currently available includes: HPLC, LC/MS, and flourescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The evaluation of analgesic and analgesic adjuncts in companion animals is an area of current research for the laboratory.

My research is directed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie alcohol-mediated alterations in gene expression in the brain. We are particularly interested in delineating the molecular mechanism(s) by which chronic ethanol upregulates NMDA receptor number in an in vitro model system of fetal cortical neurons.

Drs. Larson and White collaborate to perform research focused on investigating ways to improve beef cattle health and production.

Dr. Lillich’s laboratory is interested in intestinal epithelial migration related to mechanisms of ulcer formation and healing. We study the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are a variety of cell signaling pathways using cell lines and native tissues.

We are studying the cellular mechanisms used by inner ear epithelia to create and maintain the unusual ionic composition of “endolymph” in the luminal compartment. Normal endolymph composition is essential for healthy hearing and balance. This laboratory uses electrophysiologic, pharmacologic and molecular biologic approaches in our investigations.

The research in my laboratory deals mainly with the study of the innate immune system, particularly the mechanisms that regulate the synthesis and production of Host defense Peptides (HDPs) that protect the host from microbial infections. The main goal of my laboratory is three fold: 1) The development of natural antimicrobials from animal origin, 2) The discovery of novel immuno-modulator molecules that could induce HDPs production and 3) To develop suitable animal models to study HDPs in health and disease.

Dr. Musch’s laboratory studies congestive heart failure (CHF) which affects approximately 500,000 individual per year. The hallmark of this disease is the inability of the afflicted individuals to perform exercise. The factors that contribute to excerise intolerance are poorly understood. Various types of experiments, ranging from treadmill running studies to examination of the responses of isolated single blood vessels to various drugs, are used to deduce how CHF affects blood vessel and skeletal muscle function.

I am part of the team to study the ecology of E. coli 0157:H7 in cattle, and I am particularly interested in understanding the factors influencing the persistence of E. coli 0157:H7 in the gut and subsequent shedding in the feces.

Antimicrobial resistance is of growing global concern in human and veterinary medicine. Our research focus is to identify causes for development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria that have never been exposed to antibiotic. We use realtime PCR and microarray technologies to identify factors that cause amplification and spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in mixed bacterial populations.
 
Using molecular techniques listed above, a VRSP student in summer 2007 (Ms. Jami Conley) was instrumental in developing a rapid molecular assay to serotype animal isolates of Salmonella.

Other members of our lab are also studying the molecular structure and expression of leukotoxin in Fusobacterium necrophorum and shigatoxins in E. coli O157:H7.
 

Dr. Nguyen’s research interest is in the area of cell communication in cancer cells. Cancer cells exhibit many defects in cell-cell communications that contribute to the loss of cell stability (excess cell growth). One type of cell-cell communications is through gap junctions. Our research is focusing on the role of protein kinase C in the regulation of gap junction activity in colon cancer cells.

Insects that cope with extreme environmental conditions can serve as models to study the mechanisms of homeostasis. Knowledge on the homeostatic mechanisms in insects also serves for developing the strategies controlling pest insects, such as targeting the osmoregulatory function. We study neural and endocrine regulation of insect diuresis in genetic model organisms fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster and red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and in African malaria mosquito.

Dr. Poole’s laboratory currently is examining the relationships between skeletal muscle structure and oxygen delivery at the microcirculatory level. This approach is anticipated to provide unique insights into the functional abnormalities which are associated with major disease conditions such as emphysema, diabetes and chronic heart failure.

Dr. Renter’s focus is on food safety research and animal health surveillance with a primary emphasis on beef cattle. Much of his food safety research has been on E. coli O157:H7 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, but he is also involved in pre- and post-harvest food safety research on other bacterial pathogens, antimicrobial use/resistance, and chemical residues. His animal health surveillance work has been on the use of clinical, diagnostic, and demographic data for establishing the disease/health status in livestock populations. Additional research interests include: development and application of methods for diagnostic test validation and estimation of disease burden; combining molecular and epidemiologic data for determining the epidemiology of infectious diseases; and combining multiple data sources for determining the disease/health status of populations.
 

The overall goal of my research is to address fundamental problems in infectious diseases caused by persistent RNA viruses. The current focus is on molecular mechanisms of viral persistance and virulence caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), considered the number-one infectious disease problem in swine. In addition to its economic impact, PRRSV respresents a relevant biological system for understanding mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, including immune evasion strategies utilized by cytopathic RNA viruses.
 

The Schermerhorn lab has several ongoing projects related to the study of diabetes mellitus. These projects include studies on insulin exocytosis, feline hepatic glucose metabolism, and canine beta cell function.

Projects in the laboratory focus on the regulation of salt transport across epithelial tissues. Diseases of interest include cystic fibrosis (with special focus on male infertility), mastitis, and secretory diarrhea. Thus, tissues that are studied include the male reproductive tract, the mammary gland, and the intestine.

Dr. Tamura’s research has focused on clarification of the involvement of angiotensin II and its signaling in chemical carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in the colon and lung. Currently, the following studies are in progress: a) determination of whether pharmacological and/or genetic intervention (blockage of angiotensin II receptor function) attenuate chemical carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in the lung and colon; b) investigation of whether a positive or negative correlation exists between angiotensin II receptor gene polymorphisms and human lung cancer in lung cancer patients and corresponding normal control subjects. In addition, determination of the therapeutic potential of genetically engineered umbilical cord matrix-derived stem cells in lung cancer is an ongoing collaborative research project with the KSU stem cell research group.
 

We will be conducting research on cattle. The research will be food safety studies that will include direct challenge models and natural infection studies. We will also be working with Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex. Lastly, we are developing a web based Spanish/English training site for feedyard workers.

Research Interest: My laboratory is investigating the properties of early postnatal multipotent stem cells that can be isolated non-invasively in large numbers from the umbilical cord, termed ‘umbilical cord matrix stem (UCMS) cells. We are investigating the use of these or other cells as a platform for targeted delivery of anti-tumor molecules. Strategies employed to achieve this goal include utilizing genetically engineered cells for cancer gene therapy or utilizing the cells to deliver therapeutic nanoparticles.
 

Research themes in my laboratory include exposure and risk assessment associated with toxic metals, poisonous plants and the absorption of chemicals through human and animal skin. We make use of geographical information systems (GIS) and other modeling methods, remote sensing, field experiments and in vitro experiments. As part of the team you will have the opportunity to participate in field work and gain laboratory experience. You will learn about using spatial models to analyze environmental data and various analytical methods including ICP-MS. For the summer of 2009 we plan to gather field data at Konza Prairie and the Tri-state mining area in SE Kansas as part of a project to assess the ecological impacts of heavy metal contamination.
 

The work in my lab focuses on the earliest steps of nervous system development. We are interested in regulation of gene expression at the step at which cells chose to become nervous system vs. ventral epidermis. We are using Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study this process.

 

More than 28 million people in the United States are deaf or hard of hearing and about two million are impaired by dizziness or have difficulties with balance. Research in Dr. Wangemann’s laboratory centers around fluid regulation and blood flow control in the inner ear. A detailed understanding of the inner ear is a necessary prerequisite to finding cures for auditory and vestibular disorders in humans and animals.
 

Dr. Weiss' research is focused on two areas: 1) Understanding the function and location of brain circuits that control blood pressure, immune function and fluid balance, using electrophysiology, neurotrophic viruses as neuroanatomical tracing tools, and activity dependent regulation of gene expression in the nervous system. 2) Investigating characteristics of a unique source of stem cells derived from umbilical cord mesenchyme. This work tests whether these stem cells can differentiate into various germ layer lineages and whether they participate in neural regeneration after brain damage.
 

Drs. Larson and White collaborate to perform research focused on investigating ways to improve beef cattle health and production.

The Wilkerson laboratory is interested in the development and implementation of immunological assays to measure memory or recall responses in multiple species to vaccine antigens. They focus on non-radioactive assays to measure proliferation of memory lymphocytes to specific antigens. The laboratory is currently involved in a multi-center project (funded by American Veterinary Medical Foundation) to investigate adverse reactions and detection of abnormal immune responses to canine vaccines in dogs.

Dr. Wisely’s research focuses on wildlife disease ecology and conservation biology. Current projects include the epizootiology of rabies in striped skunks, parasites and food habits of Greater Prairie-chickens, and genetic resistance to chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer.

Dr. Wyatt’s major research interest is in immune responses to microorganisms and their products. The focus is currently on mucosal immunity to gastrointestinal pathogens, especially in neonatal animals. We are also interested in evaluating this assay for use in assessment of the incidence of C. parvum infection in cattle operations. Additional studies are directed toward determining whether apoptosis of infected epithelial cells plays an important role in disease progression, and whether IL-10 can affect C. parvum infection in vitro.

Chitin is the second most abundant biological polymer after cellulose, and is a vital component of the cuticular exoskeleton and inner linings of peritrophic matrixes of the gut epithelium and trachea in insects. All insects depend on chitin biosynthesis for their growth and development. One of Dr. Zhu's current projects focuses on molecular biology of chitin metabolic enzymes including chitin synthases and chitinases in mosquitoes. His group uses the state-of-the-art molecular techniques, including bioinformatic methods, real-time quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and RNA interference (RNAi), to address various research questions. This study is expected to shed new light on chitin synthetic system in insects, help understanding the mechanism of chitin synthesis inhibition and regulation, and facilitate identifying vulnerable points of chitin biosynthesis and regulation for developing novel insecticides.

Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology

Dr. Zurek's research program is focused on: 1) Ecology of food-borne and zoonotic pathogens; 2) Ecology of antibiotic resistant strains and resistance genes; 3) Microbial diversity and significance of the gastro-intestinal tract on mammals and insects. We are working mainly with Escherichia coli O157:H7, enterococci, and staphylococci using a polyphasic and metagenomic approach.