Research Newsletter

An electronic newsletter from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine | Summer 2011

Interim Associate Dean's Message I am honored to serve as Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies. I appreciate the momentum generated by my predecessors in this position and the transitional help received from Drs. Qijing Zhang and Lisa Nolan, and Lynn Bagley. It will be beneficial to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses in our research environment and culture from investigators in the college and at the university. Some of my interests include defining the roles of those involved with the grant process, further enhancing the research culture and environment, and discovering efficiencies to save time and effort in the grant process. Other ideas? Suggestions? Please share them with me. I look forward to this opportunity and the upcoming months.     Mark Ackermann, DVM, PhD Interim Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies

In this Issue

Researcher Q&A 
Mentorship in Action
Summer Scholars
Announcements
Research Awards

Special note: The banner photo is a scanning electron photomicrograph of Helicobacter bilis, identifiable by its spiral shape and thread-like appearance of its flagella, invading a colonic gland between two opposing epithelial surfaces in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. Photo provided by Amanda Ramer-Tait, PhD.

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Researcher Q&A

Amanda Ramer-Tait, PhD, a scientist in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, is the subject of this issue's Research Q&A. 

What is the focus of your research, and what are some of the projects that you are working on?

My research interests are centered on understanding the relationship between host immune responses and pathogens. In my current position, I am utilizing my training in immunology and microbiology to engage in a variety of research areas and establish cross-disciplinary collaborations.

One of those projects revolves around human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases are chronic, immunologically-mediated disorders of the GI tract that are poorly understood. It is estimated that 1 to 1.5 million Americans suffer with IBD and its consequences. Many studies indicate that IBD results from complex interactions between a genetically susceptible host and environmental factors that induce an aberrant immune response against the gut microbiota. In collaboration with Dr. Michael Wannemuehler, my research explores the hypothesis that the etiology of IBD is multifactorial and involves a multiple-hit process. Specifically, this disease process may involve a provocation followed by a transient, inflammatory trigger event. The initial predisposing incident could be the introduction of a bacterial provocateur that disrupts mucosal homeostasis and/or alters the host immune response without causing overt disease. However, this incident heightens the host’s sensitivity to a subsequent inflammatory event, such as acute gastroenteritis caused by a viral infection. In an individual with a genetic propensity for IBD, this multiple-hit scenario may be sufficient to induce Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

I am also involved in a second project focused on designing and perfecting the use of novel polymer adjuvants for single-dose vaccines that provide controlled release of antigen over an extended period of time. In collaboration with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, we have characterized both the innate and adaptive immune responses elicited following vaccination with these polymer particles. We are very excited about the potential application of this technology. Vaccination of mice with our antigen-loaded nanoparticles administered as a single, intranasal dose provided 100 percent protection against Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of pneumonic plague, at 280-days post-vaccination.

How did you become interested in this research topic?

It is well documented that transient infections with pathogenic enteric organisms, such as Salmonella species, Campylobacter species and some parasites, can serve as environmental triggers to initiate inflammatory gastrointestinal responses that are perpetuated by the gut microbiota. We chose to examine whether or not mildly pathogenic or otherwise non-pathogenic bacteria could elicit gastrointestinal inflammation if an additional insult was present. Upon seeing the severe intestinal inflammation induced in our multiple hit model mice, we were struck by how similar their histopathology was to that seen in human IBD patients. At that point, we asked ourselves, if a series of mild insults can cause this degree of inflammation in a mouse, why wouldn’t this happen to people, too?

What do you hope to accomplish with your research?

The incidence of IBD continues to increase in developed countries including the United States, yet the understanding of how environmental factors influence the development of or sensitivity to IBD is incomplete. I think persistent colonization by bacterial provocateurs is likely to be a potential predisposing environmental factor in the onset of IBD. My hope is that our research provides a solid foundation for understanding how gastrointestinal infections contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. Ultimately, this knowledge would be used for the development of novel preventative or therapeutic strategies to circumvent the progression of chronic, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

Why did you become a researcher?

My sophomore year of college, I took an immunology course and was hooked. As a senior, I convinced my advisor in animal science and the professor who taught my immunology course to assist me with an honors research project. We evaluated the effects of nursery type, space allocation and immune system activation on nursery and subsequent grow/finish performance and body composition traits in swine. Although most of our results were negative, the experience of asking a question and designing an experiment to find the answer was a truly positive experience!

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Mentorship in Action

Diana Peterson (left) working with Summer Scholar student, Rachel Duerre, to plot boutons in the auditory cortex.

Many researchers and scientists can usually point to a particular person or persons who have influenced their careers and sparked that initial interest in their chosen field. This issue recognizes Diana Peterson, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, who epitomizes mentorship in action. In the spring of 2010, Dr. Peterson started a local chapter for the Society of Neuroscience, open to the ISU and local community. She currently serves as president of the chapter.

"Neuroscientists at ISU are spread across the university," Dr. Peterson said. "This separation of faculty and students didn't promote an understanding of the research of local scientists, or a collaborative atmosphere. I began the chapter to facilitate and promote a cohesive structure for local neuroscientists." Future activities of the chapter will focus on starting hands-on presentations at local high schools, increasing cohesiveness through social functions and networking, and increasing the attendance and awareness of neuroscience seminars and journal clubs. Dr. Peterson adds that the Ames chapter has increased communication with the faculty at the University of Iowa, since UI doesn't have an active chapter.

What philosophies/skills do you like to instill in students? "Science is fun. As a scientist we don't have to, but get to, ask lots of questions. Asking questions is great. The world around us is a beautiful and amazing place. The more we know about it, the more questions we are able to ask."

What advice do you have for students interested in science and/or research? "Find some way to get involved. Contact local, national, or international scientists and discuss opportunities that they may have available. Whether they have an opportunity or not, those connections will open future doors that you didn't know existed."

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Summer Scholars Program in Full Swing

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Announcements

Open Listening Sessions on Campus

Researchers and staff are encouraged to attend one of the open listening sessions to be held later this summer. The listening sessions are an avenue to provide input on the strengths and weaknesses of services to support research at ISU. As the university seeks to build and support its research community, your participation is invaluable. The listening sessions will be held in the Gallery, Memorial Union, Aug. 15 (9:00 to 11:00 a.m.), and Sept. 14 (9:00 to 11:00 a.m.).

Need Website Help?

Researchers and staff who would like help designing their web pages are requested to complete an online form to request services.

CVM Monthly Research Meetings

The next CVM monthly research meeting will be held Wednesday, July 20th, beginning at 8:00 am, in classroom 2532. Dr. Amanda Ramer-Tait will be presenting tips and basic instruction on the use of the Cayuse application.

Future topics for the monthly CVM Research Meetings include: Gold Sheets and Liquid Office; Forms and reviews for IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), IRB (Institutional Review Board – Humans), IBC (Institutional Biosafety Committee), and RSC (Radiation Safety Committee); MTA’s (Material Transfer Agreements) including individuals to contact on campus; Environmental & Health Safety issues (research related); ISURF (Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.) – intellectual property issues.

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Research Awards

2011-2012 ILHAC Awards

The Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council announced its awards for 2011-2012. Six new projects were funded and one project received continued funding. 

Extramural Funding: February through May 2011

Once again, CVM researchers have received extramural funding for a variety of projects. A list of the funded projects from February to May 2011 is available for viewing.