RI-INBRE Research (2004 - 2009)

Faculty Development Projects

Mercury Contaminants in Commercial and Recreational Finfish of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (2006-2009)
Investigator: David Taylor, Roger Williams University
Mentor: Diane Nacci, Environmental Protection Agency

E. Hystolica EhADH2 Enzyme as Anti-Amoebic Target (2007-2009)
Investigator: Avelina Espinosa, Roger Williams University

Reservatrol Induction of Gene Expression via Activation of CAR and Nrf2 (2006-2009)Investigator: Angela Slitt, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Genome Stability through Bloom Syndrome Helicase and Rad51 Complex Formation (2005 - 2008)

Investigator: Karen Almeida, Rhode Island College

Mentor:  Robert Sobol, University of Pittsburgh

Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Aging and Apoptosis in the Yeast, Saccharomyces (2005 - 2008)

Investigator:  Nicanor Austriaco, Providence College

Mentor:  Brian Kennedy, University of Washington School of Medicine

The Role for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Netrin-1 Signaling (2005 - 2007)
Investigator:  Joseph Bartoe, Providence College
Mentor:  Julie Kauer, Brown University

E. Hystolica EhADH2 Enzyme as Anti-Amoebic Target (2004 - 2007)
Investigator:  Avelina Espinosa, Roger Williams University
Mentor:  David Nelson, University of Rhode Island 

Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether Causes Testicular Injury (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Eric Hall, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University

Growth Control in the Testis and Molecular Mechanisms of Testicular Homeostasis in Toxicant-Induced Testicular Injury (2004 - 2007)
Investigator:  Mary Hixon, Brown University
Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University 

Mechanistic Studies of Protein Tyrosine Kinase Activation by Arsenite (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Keykavous Parang, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island, Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island, & Zahir Shaikh, University of Rhode Island

The Effect of Molecular Toxins on Protein Phosphates 1 Targeting (2007-2008)

Investigator:  Wolfgang Peti, Brown University

Mentor:  Edward Hawrot, Brown University

Mechanisms of Bacterial Mediation of Dinoflagellate Toxigenesis (2004 - 2004)
Investigator:  David Rowley, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Yuzuru Shimizu, University of Rhode Island 

Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of a Secreted Lipase in Leishmania (2004 - 2007)
Investigator:  Alison Shakarian, Salve Regina University
Mentor:  David Nelson, University of Rhode Island

Characterization of Pyrethroids on Sperm Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels (2005 - 2008)

Investigator:  Steven Symington, Salve Regina University

Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University

Mechanism of C-SRC Activation by Oxidative Stress (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Gongqin Sun, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Role of the Antizyme Family During Xenopus Development (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Charles Toth, Providence College
Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University

Cell Signaling Leading to UV-Induced Cell Injury (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Yinsheng Wan, Providence College
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Heavy Metal-Induced Alteration of Cardiovascular Development (2004 - 2007)
Investigator:  Kerri Warren, Roger Williams University
Mentors:  Robert Rodgers, University of Rhode Island & Zahir Shaikh, University of Rhode Island 

Undergraduate Student Training Projects

Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of Lipases Secreted by Leishmania (2009)

Investigator:  Alison Shakarian, Salve Regina University

Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether Causes Testicular Injury (2005-2008)
Investigator:  Eric Hall, Rhode Island College

Role of the Antizyme Family During Xenopus Development (2005-2008)

Investigator:  Charles Toth, Providence College

Heavy Metal-Induced Alteration of Cardiovascular Development (2007-2008)

Investigator:  Kerri Warren, Roger Williams University

Pilot Projects

A Field-Deployable Direct Readout Solution-Based SERS method for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables (2008-2009)
Investigator: Radha Narayanan, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Chris Brown, University of Rhode Island

Dissecting the Gene Regulartory Network for Epidermis (2008-2009)
Investigator: Steven Irvine, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: David Nelson, University of Rhode Island

Synthesis of Next-Generation Inhibitors of Botulinum Neurotoxin (2008-2009)
Investigator: Becky Sartini, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Gary Wessel, Brown University

A Quantitative Proteomics Approach to Understanding the Sigma-1 Receptor Signaling Pathways (2008-2009)
Investigator: Carthene Bazemore-Walker, Brown University
Mentor: Wayne Bowen, Brown University

Synthesis of Next-Generation Inhibitors of Botulinum Neurotoxin (20008-2009)
Investigator: Brenton DeBoef, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: William Euler, University of Rhode Island

Genetic Properties of DNA Damage Induced by Peroxynitrite (2008-2009)
Investigator: Sarah Delaney, Brown University
Mentor: Anatoly Zhitkovich, Brown University

Mechanisms for Estrogen-Mediated Transrepression of Human Bile Salt Export Pump (2008-2009)
Investigator: Ruitang Deng, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

The Dynamic Cellular Localization of TrpM1 (2008-2009)
Investigator: Elena Oancea, Brown University
Mentor: Julie Kauer, Brown University

Anti-Inflamatory Effects of Strawberry Polyphenols via Sub-Cellular Signaling Pathways in COX-2 Expressing Human Colon Cancer Cell Line (HT-29) (2008-2009)
Investigator: Navindra Seeram, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Clinton Chichester, University of Rhode Island

Exploring Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of Metabolic Enzymes (2006 - 2007)
Investigator:  Alexander Brodsky, Brown University
Mentor:  Stephen L. Helfand, Brown University

Relating Biomembrane Disruption to the Potential Toxicity of Synthetic Inorganic Nanoparticles (2007 - 2008)
Investigator:  Geoffrey Bothun, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Arijit Bose, University of Rhode Island

Total Synthesis of UCS1025A and Derivatives Thereof for Use as Anti-Telomerase Agents (2005 - 2006)
Investigator:  Brenton DeBoef, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  William Euler, University of Rhode Island

Transcriptional Regulation of Bile Salt Export Pump (2006 - 2007)
Investigator:  Ruitang Deng, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Mutagenesis and Toxicity of Peroxynitrite-Induced DNA Lesions in Human Cells (2007 - 2008)
Investigator:  Sarah Delaney, Brown University
Mentor:  Anatoly Zhitkovich, Brown University

Transcriptional Regulation of Bile Salt Export Pump by Endobiotics and Xenobiotics (2005 - 2006)
Investigator:  Ruitang Deng, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Toxicological Significance of Bile Export Pump (2004 - 2006)
Investigator:  Ruitang Deng, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Dissecting Regulation of Intracellular Vesicle Trafficking in a Tick Salivary Gland Model (2006 - 2007)
Investigator:  Shahid Karim, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Thomas N. Mather, University of Rhode Island & Gary Wessel, Brown University

Estrogen Sulfotransferase and Estradiol Homeostasis in Mammary Epithelial Cells (2005 - 2006)
Investigator:  Roberta King, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island & Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Estrogen Sulfotransferase Inhibition and Breast Cancer (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Roberta King, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island & Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

The Effects of Early Embryonic Exposure to PCBs on the Developing Nervous System (2007 - 2008)
Investigator:  Jill Kreiling, Brown University
Mentor:  Surendra Sharma, Brown University

Development of a New Class of Antibiotics (2005 - 2006)
Investigator:  Thilo Lange, Brown University
Mentor:  Susan Gerbi, Brown University

Evaluating Alpha Toxin and Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus Aureus Through the Accessory Gene Regulator Operon (agr) (2006 - 2007)
Investigator:  Kerry LaPlante, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  David Rowley, University of Rhode Island

Antimicrobial Agents that Inhibit Alpha-Toxin, Prevent Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus aureus (2005 - 2006)
Investigator:  Kerry LaPlante, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  David Rowley, University of Rhode Island

Profile of miRNA Expression Alterations by Endocrine Disrupting Toxicants (2007 - 2008)

Investigator:  Carmen Marsit, Brown University

Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University

Surface Hsc/OC.10 Confers a Growth and Survival Advantage to Oval Cells, Cholangiocytes and Hepatocellular Carcinomas (2007 - 2008)

Investigator:  David Mills, Rhode Island Hospital

Mentor:  Douglas Hixson, Brown University

The Effects of Environmental Oxidants on HePTP Structure and MAP Kinase Interaction (2007 - 2008)

Investigator:  Rebecca Page, Brown University

Mentor:  Kristi Wharton, Brown University

Design of Anticancer Cytotoxins (2004 - 2005)
Investigator:  Yana K. Reshetnyak, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Clinton Chichester, University of Rhode Island

Pilot Undergraduate Student Training Projects

Horizontal Gene Exchnge and Genome Evolution of Viruses in an Aquatic Environment (2008-2009)
Investigator: Marcia Marston, Roger Williams University

Synthesis, Screening, Toxicology and Computational Chemistry of Biologically-Active Arylphosphonuium Salts (2008-2009)
Investigator: John C. Williams, Jr., Rhode Island College

Horizontal Gene Exchange and Genome Evolution of Myoviruses in an Aquatic Environment (2007 – Present)

Investigator:  Marcia Marston, Roger Williams University

Promoting Apoptosis Using Small Molecule Inhibitors of Bcl-xL (2006 - 2007)
Investigator:  Jay Pike, Providence College

Synthesis, Analysis, Toxicity Screening and Computational Chemistry of Arylphosphonium Salts Conjugated with Lipids and Polypeptides (2006 - 2008)
Investigator:  John C. Williams, Jr., Rhode Island College

RI-BRIN Research (2001-2004) 

Faculty Development Projects

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Immunosuppressive Agents (2002 - 2004)
Investigator:  Fatemeh Aklaghi, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Neural Architecture and the Mechanisms for Learning and Memory Storage (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Brian Blais, Bryant College
Mentor:  Nasser H. Zawia, University of Rhode Island

Developing a Tailored, Mismatched Intervention for Increasing the Physical Activity Behavior of Sedentary Adults Subcore (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Bryan Blissmer, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Wayne F. Velicer, University of Rhode Island

The Effects of Endocrine Disruptors on Complex Behavior Patterns (2001 - 2003)
Investigator:  Ethan Clotfelter, Providence College
Mentor:  Zahir Shaikh, University of Rhode Island

Localization of SP Family of Transcription Factors in the Developing Brain (2001 -2004)
Investigator:  Suzanne Conklin, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  Nasser H. Zawia, University of Rhode Island 

Acrylamide and Intermediate Filaments in Mouse Sertoli Cells (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Eric Hall, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University 

A Mechanism for Phthalate-Induced Testicular Injury:  Cadherin Disruption (2001 - 2003)
Investigator:  Kamin Johnson, Brown University
Mentor:  Kim Boekelheide, Brown University

Co-Variation in Alcohol Abuse and Smoking in Adolescents and Their Parents Subcore (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Randi Kim, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  James Prochaska, University of Rhode Island

Sulfotransferase Inhibitors:  Chemoprevention and Drug Interactions (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Roberta King, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island

Mental Health Benefits from Cancer Prevention (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Daniel Koonce, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Wayne F. Velicer, University of Rhode Island

A 3-D Model of the Transport and Diffusion of Chemotherapy Drugs into the Brain for Tumor Volume Reduction (2002 - 2004)
Investigator:  Donna M. Meyer, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Ying Sun, University of Rhode Island

Changes in High Risk Sex and Cigarette Smoking as Preludes to Immunization for Hepatitis (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Mary O'Keeffe, Providence College
Mentor:  James Prochaska, University of Rhode Island

Metal Contamination and Human Health (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Steven O'Shea, Roger Williams University
Mentor:  Zahir Shaikh, University of Rhode Island

Mechanisms of Diolepoxide-DNA Interaction (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Kenneth R. Overly, Providence College
Mentor:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island

Biososteres of Tyrosine Phosphate as Inhibitors of the SH2 Domain of Tyrosine Kinases (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Keykavous Parang, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Drugs from the Sea:  Especially from Marine Microbes (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  David Rowley, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Yuzuru Shimizu, University of Rhode Island

The Role of the 26S Proteasome Component Rpn6 in Directing Ubiquitinated Substrates to the Proteasome (2002 - 2004)
Investigator:  Jeffrey D. Singer, Brown University
Mentor:  John Sedivy, Brown University

Metal Cations in PTK Catalysts and Inhibitor Design (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Gongqin Sun, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Targeting of Proteins to the 26S Proteasome:  Determination of Antizyme Function (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Charles Toth, Providence College
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Regional Electrophysiological Effects of Heterogeneous Cardiac Deformation (2002 - 2004)
Investigator:  Frederick J. Vetter, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Ying Sun, University of Rhode Island & Robert L. Rodgers, University of Rhode Island

Herb-Mediated Blockade on UV Signaling (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Yinsheng Wan, Providence College
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Mathematical Modeling of Cardiovascular Mechanics and Metabolism (2001 - 2004)
Investigator:  Li Wu, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Ying Sun, University of Rhode Island & Robert L. Rodgers, University of Rhode Island

Pilot Projects

Distribution and Metabolism of Immunosuppressive Agents (2001 - 2002)
Investigator:  Fatemeh Akhlaghi, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Genetic Characterization of the Different Histological Types of Malignancy in Colorectal Cancer (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Elisaabeth Arévalo, Providence College
Mentor:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island

Fluorinated Membranes - A Model for Raft Formation (2001 - 2002)
Investigator:  Amit Basu, Brown University
Mentor:  Matthew Zimmit, Brown University

Electrocardiographic and Hemodynamic Effects of a Dietary Weight Loss Supplement Containing Ephedrine and Caffeine (2002 - 2003)
Investigator:  Michael Caron, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Robert Rodgers, University of Rhode Island

Phase Space Warping Based Diagnosis of Long-Term Changes in Human Coordination (2002 - 2003)
Investigator:  David Chelidze, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Arun Shukla, University of Rhode Island

Metal Interactions in Csk Protein-Tyrosine Kinase (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Glenisson de Olivéira, Rhode Island College
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Novel Antimicrobial Peptides of Marine Origin:  Recombinant Expression and Processing by Proteolytic Enzymes (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Marta Gómez-Chiarri, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Bingfang Yan, University of Rhode Island

Transgenic Cis-Regulatory Analysis of a Simple Two-Gene Cluster (2002 - 2003)
Investigator:  Steve Irvine, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Nasser Zawia, University of Rhode Island

Transgenic Cis-Regulatory Analysis of Development Genes in Ascidians (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Steve Irvine, Brown University
Mentor:  Nasser Zawia, University of Rhode Island

Stochastic Resonance in a Subexcitable System (2001 - 2002)
Investigator:  Sandor Kadar, Salve Regina University
Mentor:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island

Spatiotemporal Stochastic Resonance in a Subexcitable Chemical System (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Sandor Kadar, Salve Regina University
Mentor:  Bongsup Cho, University of Rhode Island

Design of Sensors for the Detection of Organohalides and Organophophates Using Time-Resolved Fluorescence (2002 - 2003)
Investigator:  Jaycoda Major, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  William Euler, University of Rhode Island

Separation of Wear Debris in Total Joint Replacements Using Bio-Ferrography (2001 - 2002)
Investigator:  Donna Meyer, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Ying Sun, University of Rhode Island

Latent Growth Curve Modeling of Health Behavior Changes Among Adolescents (2002 - 2003)
Investigator:  Nansook Park, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Wayne Velicer, University of Rhode Island

Mechanisms of Emotional Modulation in Human Visual Cortex (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Luiz Pessoa, Brown University
Mentor:  Sheila Blumstein, Brown University

Evaluation of Graded Materials for Use in Total Joint Replacement (2002 - 2003)
Investigator:  Carl-Ernst Rousseau, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Arun Shukla, University of Rhode Island

Evaluation of Contact Stresses in Graded Materials Used in Total Joint Replacement (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Carl-Ernst Rousseau, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Arun Shukla, University of Rhode Island

Manufacturing Processes for Biomedical Implants Using Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) Technology (2003 - 2004)
Investigator:  Valerie Maier Speredelozzi, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Arun Shukla, University of Rhode Island

Brain Structure and Activation in Children Born Preterm (2002 - 2004)
Investigator:  Mary Sullivan, University of Rhode Island
Mentor:  Margaret McGrath, University of Rhode Island

A Quantitative Description of the Cardiac Papillary Muscle Insertion (2001 - 2002)
Investigator:  Fred Vetter, University of Rhode Island
Mentors:  Robert Rodgers, University of Rhode Island & Ying Sun, University of Rhode Island

Evaluation of Deer Tick Eggs Antigens as an Anti-Tick Vaccine (2001 - 2002)
Investigator:  Ulysses Whitworth, University of Rhode Island
Mentor: Nasser Zawia, University of Rhode Island