Gabriel
Zara
Sponsor: Kit Lam, M.D.,Ph.D. MED: Biochem & Molecular Med This project aims to design and validate a cell-based assay for high-throughput screening of cytotoxic compounds. The assay integrates the One-Bead-One-Compound (OBOC) method with a semi-solid matrix culture system utilizing cost-effective alternatives like agar or gelatin to localize diffusion of cytotoxic compounds to target cells in the proximity of individual beads. OBOC natural product libraries are first synthesized on beads using split pool synthesis. These beads are then transferred in 80% DMF in H2O onto TC treated 6-well plates, allowing for immobilization of beads via the softening of polystyrene. Adherent cancer cell lines, such as A549 lung cell carcinoma, are then seeded in the wells overnight, and a media and agar mixture is then added to create a matrix system. Library compounds are then cleaved and released into the local environment, and allowed to react with neighboring cells for 48 hours. Live cell viability dyes such as MTT to facilitate the rapid identification of cytotoxic compounds. This approach eliminates the need for previously published work using Matrigel and PDMS cassettes, offering a more affordable and accessible methodology. Validation of assay reproducibility and efficiency aims to support its application in high-throughput drug discovery, emphasizing scalability and cost-effectiveness for broader research use. Identifying Drosophila Sleep Stages Using Temperature as a Potential Marker
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Authors:
Gabriel Zara
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In humans and other mammals, different sleep stages, such as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM), are associated with distinct changes in core body temperature. Specifically, deep sleep is linked to lower body temperature and vice-versa. Additionally, previous studies indicate that gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activation in mammals induces a shift from REM to NREM sleep and a decrease in body temperature. Drosophila melanogaster exhibits a rapid decline in body temperature with sleep onset, with followed by gradual recovery throughout the night, which resembles humans. This suggests temperature changes may also differentiate Drosophila sleep stages. However, exposure to GABA-receptor agonist carbamazepine (CBZ) produces an increase in sleep temperature in wild-type Drosophila, as well as a shift toward longer periods of sleep but overall reduction in total sleep. Taurine, another GABA-receptor agonist, produces similar results but instead induces a shift toward shorter periods of sleep. GABA-receptor activation consistently presents with changes in body temperature, therefore indicating temperature as a potential marker for sleep-regulatory effects. As such, identifying Drosophila sleep stages analogous to humans, and understanding their molecular mechanisms and neural circuits, may translate into and deepen current understandings of human sleep regulation. UC Davis 36 th Annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference 309 The Composition of Communities: An Exploration of Social Support in Online Music Communities Esmeralda Zarate Chavez
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UC Davis / Neuro Physio & Behavior / 2025
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Gabriel Zara