Dr. Rodney P Guttmann

This research aims to develop a novel cancer immunotherapy by engineering bacteriophages to target and block the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We created a model cancer cell line by introducing EGFR DNA into mammalian cells. Using a phage display library containing 10 million unique bacteriophages we screened (or you might say "will screen') for phages capable of binding to and blocking EGFR. Successful identification of EGFR-blocking phages could lead to the development of a new class of targeted cancer immunotherapy that harnesses the natural targeting capabilities of bacteriophages to disrupt cancer cell growth signals mediated by EGFR overexpression.

The goal of this project is to determine the optimal conditions for accurate bacteriophage titering by evaluating the effects of E. coli optical density (OD) at the time of infection and the incubation duration following phage-bacteria mixing. By identifying the OD and incubation time that produce the most consistent and reliable plaque counts, we aimed to improve the reproducibility and precision of phage quantification protocols.

Malnutrition and dehydration are significant health risks for individuals with dementia, often leading to increased mortality and reduced quality of life (Perry et al., 2023). Pet Robotic Interventions (PRI) have been shown to help reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (Leng et al., 2019). Still, their potential to improve hydration and caloric intake remains unexplored. This study explores the potential of using the standard Joy for All (JfA) robotic cat, selected for its engaging features and affordability, making it an accessible intervention for patients and caregivers. When monitoring the hydration and caloric intake of people with BPSD, the Body Pod smart scale will be used throughout the study because of its ability to measure hydration, BMI, and weight. The research will be conducted during the summer term as part of the SURP Light program: focusing on the collection of baseline data and caregiver feedback with the standard JfA robotic cat.

Most individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) experience one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as agitation which negatively impacts their quality of life. Adapted dance integrates recorded music and movement that is appropriate for people with cognitive limitations. Adapted dance may be an enjoyable activity for persons living with ADRD and may provide psychological and physical benefits.
The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of an adapted dance intervention with persons with ADRD and the impacts of 12 weeks of adapted dancing on agitation, balance, gait, lower extremity strength, and caregiver burden.
This study used an experimental design with repeated measures. Participants with ADRD were randomly assigned to a usual care or adapted line dance group that met 60 min twice a week. At pre-test, 4-, 8-, and 12 weeks of intervention, measures were collected for agitation, balance, gait, lower extremity strength, and caregiver burden.
The sample consisted of 4 males and 12 females (n = 16) with ADRD whose age ranged from 69-97 years. Twelve weeks of adapted line dance was found acceptable by ADRD participants. Participants attended ≥90% of dance sessions and did not experience loss of balance or fall. ADRD participants danced an average of 70 min per week. Both groups had improvements in agitation from baseline to 12 weeks.
Twelve weeks of adapted dance was shown to be feasible and enjoyable for persons living with ADRD. Clinicians should consider adapted dance as part of an exercise prescription.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) are a form of cell surface receptor that are crucial in several cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Their significance in cell biology is why abnormal RTK function is associated with numerous human disease processes, including cancers. Through the understanding of RTK function and signaling, the behavior of these receptors can be altered to cause either hyperactivity or inhibition. This project aimed to use the 7-mer bacteriophage library to inhibit the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase. Several malignant tumors, such as breast, ovarian, and most notably, non-small cell lung cancer show signs of overactive EGFR behavior. By developing a process by which only these hyperactive dysfunctional EGF RTKs are targeted, noninvasive and highly specific cancer therapy could be developed to treat these diseases.

INTRODUCTION • Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2 receptors, RTK), while naturally occurring in normal tissues at lower levels, are found to be overexpressed or amplified in cancers; such as breast, gastric, ovarian, lung, and colorectal. • This can increase cell signaling through the HER2 pathway, leading to aggressive and uncontrolled cancer cell growth and survival in the human body. • Currently, 20% of all diagnosed breast cancer in the U.S. are HER2 positive. (BCRF 3/22/23) • Targeting and blocking the HER2 receptors can inhibit cell growth, inducing cell death, and activate the immune system. • Phage display is a bacteriophage screening method that identifies phage capable of binding to specific receptors, such as HER2 RTKs. • Current (FDA approved) targeted HER2 therapies: Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Pertuzumab (Perjeta). AIMS • Observe the optimal conditions for, and effects of, the transfection of HER2 cDNA with Human Embryonic Kidney cells (HeK293 cells). • Test the effects of HER2 agonists upon application to transfected cells • Identify bacteriophage with the unique ability to specifically bind to HER2 receptors. • Identify phage that inhibit HER2 activity. METHODS • HER2 cDNA was grown in E.coli, extracted, and purified using a DNA mini-prep kit. • The extracted cDNA was then confirmed through external DNA sequencing and gel electrophoresis. • Subsequently, it was replicated using a DNA maxi-prep kit before being transfected into HEK cells using calcium phosphate precipitant. • Once transfected, the cells were monitored and imaged via EVOS microscope. Florescence microscopy was utilized to show protein expression: HER2 tagged with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and nuclei stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). RESULTS • The HER2 plasmid was confirmed through addgene sequence comparison, gel electrophoresis, DNA concentration (1297.3 ng/uL per nanodrop data). • Transfection agent TurboFect performed poorly (cell clumping & detachment). Calcium phosphate reagent improved transfection results. • GFP present at 24 hours, intensity and the concentration of GFP-producing cells peaked at 48 hours, cells maintained GFP signals for up to five days, and passaged transfected cells maintained GFP signal. • HER2-specific phage libraries from the PHD7 and C7C libraries will be developed. uwf.edu/biology

Calpains are a family of calcium-dependent thiolproteases that selectively cleave substrates including tau, a microtubule-associated protein central to Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology. Previous work has shown that AD tau is hyperphosphorylated compared with control tau, as illustrated in Figure 1, and is resistant to calpain activity. We have used
Phage-display, a method of studying protein-protein interactions, to exploit the differences in tau found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to create a biomarker detection method based on the presence or absence of calpain-cleaved tau.