Source: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
ARBL NATIONAL NEEDS FELLOWSHIPS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0219417
Grant No.
2010-38420-20397
Cumulative Award Amt.
$234,000.00
Proposal No.
2009-03233
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 2010
Project End Date
Dec 31, 2014
Grant Year
2010
Program Code
[KK]- National Needs Graduate Fellowships Program
Recipient Organization
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
FORT COLLINS,CO 80523
Performing Department
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Non Technical Summary
The 2009 NNF Targeted Expertise Shortage Area (TESA) 1: Animal and Plant Production, Animal Reproduction identifies a national shortage in PhD students. For this reason the goal of the present proposal is to increase multicultural diversity of the nation's scientific and professional expertise through recruiting three high quality PhD trainees. These students will be mentored, trained and integrated into training of other Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory MS, PhD, DVM, DVM-MS and DVM-PhD students. Innovative and collaborative graduate student training approaches will be used to address the NNF TESA of Animal Reproduction. These globally-competitive students will be placed into successful career tracks and their success will be tracked to ensure that these students have contribuged to the emerging market demands in animal agriculture and reproduction.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90360993020100%
Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
6099 - People and communities, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
This proposal addresses the 2009 NNF Targeted Expertise Shortage Area (TESA) 1: Animal and Plant Production, Animal Reproduction. The overall project goal is to meet national needs for PhDs with expertise in Animal Reproduction. Objectives include: 1) Increase multicultural diversity of the nation's scientific and professional expertise through recruiting three high quality PhD trainees; 2) Mentor, train and retain these PhD trainees using innovative and collaborative approaches with research emphasis in the NNF TESA of Animal Reproduction; and 3) Place and track progress of these globally-competitive students in career tracks that meet the emerging market demands in Animal Reproduction. The ARBL is interdisciplinary by nature and has 22 contributing faculty from the Departments of Biomedical Science (Administrative home), Clinical Sciences and Animal Sciences. Fourteen of these faculty agreed to serve as student mentors for this program. The research training of pre-doctoral students is designed to develop: 1) a philosophy of research centered on careful delineation of the hypothesis to be tested combined with critical selection and validation of methods to be used, adequate replication, thoughtful interpretation, and timely and concise publications; 2) mastering diverse research techniques that allow pursuing new problems aggressively and developing new approaches with confidence; and 3) functioning as an independent investigator as well as team researcher. To accomplish these training goals, our students generally are involved with several projects, and collaborate and interact with other research units within the ARBL and throughout the general agricultural community at CSU. A required course entitled "Science and Ethics" was developed at the ARBL through collaboration with Bernard Rollin who is an internationally know bioethicist of the Department of Philosophy at CSU. The mission of the ARBL is to excel through discovery, translation and dissemination of knowledge in animal reproductive sciences and biotechnologies at local, national and international levels. We approach this mission through ensuring the health and welfare of animal populations and setting high standards and values, such as demonstrating inclusiveness and diversity, encouraging and rewarding innovation, acting with integrity and mutual respect and supporting excellence in teaching, research, service and outreach. The ARBL is committed to advancing basic science in animal reproduction with the intent of application to translational research, development of biotechnologies and active use in clinical service programs.
Project Methods
The ARBL consists of a 22,000 square foot laboratory/office building completed in 1995, and an adjacent 15,000 square foot building, which houses the gamete preservation and embryo transfer laboratories, which underwent extensive renovation in 1995. This facility allows most personnel of the program to be housed at a single location, and enhances interactions among faculty and students. The ARBL also manages pasture and housing for cattle (10-100), horses (500-900), sheep (150-250) and laboratory animals (100's) for research, clinical, teaching and outreach activities. Our graduate students are integrated into experiential learning through assistance with daily care and the health and well-being of these animals. ARBL faculty members collaborated with over 100 scientists at local, state, national and international levels over the last five years, which also contributes to our graduate training program. Forty-nine students completed degrees through the ARBL over the last five years, with a 98% completion rate. Currently we are training 32 graduate students at varying levels (MS, PhD, DVM-PhD). Faculty co-mentoring, peer mentoring, critical thinking programs, guidance, student counseling and support groups, monitoring of progress and dissemination of results have succeeded tremendously since formal development of the laboratory in the early 1970's. The ARBL faculty currently collaborate with over 15 industry partners and are committed to developing animal reproduction technologies that can be marketed by industry and used to benefit animal agriculture. The ARBL's equine reproduction group is called the Equine Reproduction Laboratory which has a long history of positive collaborative interactions with private industry. Commercial bovine embryo transfer was developed as a service at the ARBL resulting in significant revenue for the program over 10 years in the 1980s. More recently, we continue these services for equine producers through our Equine Theriogenology services. Our students are integrated into our discussions with industry partners which is part of our experiential learning approach. These students learn how this process occurs, but more importantly how to protect technologies so that the university, industry and the agricultural producers benefit. The PhD students are housed and trained with our professional veterinary medicine, DVM residence and post-doctoral students. Co-mentoring is encouraged at all levels and we operate as a team rather than as individuals. We also utilize resources at CSU and nearby institutions such as the UCHSC-PRC to provide experiential learning experiences tailored to individual career paths. For example, DVM-PhD students gain critical skills above and beyond what is provided in the standard PVM curriculum. Through interactions with MD physician-scientists at UCHSC-PRC, some of these students gain insight into the use of domestic animals as models for human medicine as well as the interface between MD physician-scientists, DVM clinician-scientists and Ph.D. basic-scientists.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include scientists, educators, veterinarians, and outreach educators. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? NNF students attend weekly laboratory meetings with mentors, and also participated actively in the weekly spring and fall seminar series as well as a weekly student-driven journal club. Each NNF PhD passed preliminary exams and defended their PhD degree. Specialized training included Proteomics Hands-on Workshop: From Sample Preparation to Instrumentation" at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO (09/25/13-09/28/13). Enrolled in course on specialized training with biosafety level three (BSL3) agents and conditions. "Best practices in difficult situations: Classroom safety when the worst happens". Placenta Workshop at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Graduate Teaching Certificates from The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT), Colorado State University. These students also learned while teaching. For example one of the students trained an honors undergraduate student who then received Colorado State University Top Honors for her honors thesis research. Each NNF student was required to rotate into a class or laboratory and assist with teaching. Students also attended and presented their research at several regional, national and international meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results were disseminated through publishing abstracts, journal papers and presenting posters or platform presentations to meetings such as: American Society of Animal Science, Society for the Study of Reproduction, Society of Gynecological Investigations, USDA NIFA AFRI Principal Directors, USDA W2112 Regional Ruminant Reproductioin, International Exosome Symposium, Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences and other regional, national and international venues. All of these activities and publications are listed separately in this document for each of these students. However, each student presented several public talks or posters and published at least one manuscript. In total, this NNF grant supported three PhD students who authored or coauthored about 49 publications, 11 of which were refereed journal papers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This is the final report for this project. For this reason there are no plans for the next reporting period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact: Two underrepresented (one Hispanic and one American Indian) and one first generation college student earned the PhD in Biomedical Sciences with emphasis in Animal Reproduction through this grant support from the NIFA National Needs Fellows (NNF) program. Through NNF support we have trained three PhD students and have increased the multicultural diversity of the nation's scientific and professional expertise. Research completed by these students: 1) improved our understanding of mammalian and ruminant placentation and advanced our ability to diagnose and prevent pregnancy failures and complications in agriculturally important animals; 2) described epigenetic and non-coding RNA mediated changes leading to altered estrogen and androgen receptor expression in ruminant intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) placentas. The altered sex hormone signaling decreases placental DNA methylation and leads to differential expression of genes regulating placental growth and vascularization. These IUGR pregnancies lead to reduced lean tissue development and decreased productivity in agriculturally important animals; and 3) examined role of pregnancy-associated genes in the ruminant corpus luteum and endometrium. These pregnancy-associated genes may encode peripheral markers that may be used to determine if cattle are pregnant or open. They also might be used in biotechnologies designed to curtail early embryo mortality in ruminants. This grant focused on NNF Targeted Expertise Shortage Area (TESA) 1: Animal and Plant Production, Animal Reproduction. In Objective 1, extensive search (see previous progress report for our approach in identifying students) and screening was done to identify qualified underrepresented and first generation college students that might be trained through the NNF in research areas designed to meet national needs for PhDs with expertise in Animal Reproduction. Through this approach, were able to identify three very high quality graduate students who also met our first objective, which was to increase multicultural diversity of the nation's scientific and professional expertise. In objective 2, we mentored, trained and retained these students who completed the PhD degree and graduated in 2014. During PhD training, these students completed our core course curriculum, including courses in ethics and animal care, and presented many platform talks and posters at regional, national and international meetings. Each of these students received very specialized training in addition to earning the PhD in biomedical sciences with an emphasis on large animal reproduction. These students learned how to carefully delineate hypotheses to be tested and apply state of the art approaches and research methods. They also learned how to properly design experiments through adequate replication and analyze and interpret these studies so that timely and concise papers were published in order to disseminate results. The students are trained very well and can pursue new research problems and develop new approaches, while functioning as independent researchers as well as part of teams. Objective 3 was to place these PhD students in appropriate career tracks and to continue to mentor and assist these students as they entered independent professional jobs. Currently, one PhD student is employed as an Assistant Professor in a rural setting at Adams State College in Colorado, which is federally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This young faculty member is an outstanding teacher and continues research with relevance to large animal agriculture. He also is working on developing research internships for students at his institution. A second PhD student was placed in a postdoctoral research position in the Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics in the College of Medicine at the University of Florida Gainesville. She is currently interested in becoming a professional medical writer with expertise in converting complex life science research and data into content specifically tailored to student learning needs. The third PhD student returned home after finishing her PhD degree to care for a family member. She is currently searching for career options in close proximity to her home for this reason. We stay in contact with these students and will continue to track their progress and provide continued mentoring as they become established in their respective career tracks.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Wang X, Frank JW, Xu J, Dunlap KA, Satterfield MC, Burghardt RC, Romero JJ, Hansen TR, Wu G, Bazer FW. Functional role of arginine during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy. II. Consequences of loss of function of nitric oxide synthase NOS3 mRNA in ovine conceptus trophectoderm. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:59.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Wang X, Burghardt RC, Romero JJ, Hansen TR, Wu G, Bazer FW. Functional roles of arginine during the peri-implantation period of Pregnancy. III. Arginine stimulates proliferation adn interferon tau production by ovine trophectoderm cells via nitric oxide and polyamine-TSC2-MTOR signalling pathways. Biol Reprod 2015; 92(3):75.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Spencer TE, Forde N, Dorniak P, Hansen TR, Romero JJ, Lonergan P. Conceptus-derived prostaglandins regulate gene expression in the endometrium prior to pregnancy recognition in ruminants. Reproduction 2013; 146:377-387.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hansen TR, Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Webb BT, Smirnova N. Endocrine conceptus signaling in ruminants. Anim Reprod 2013; 10:311-321.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Cleys ER, Halleran JL, Enriquez VA, da Silveira JC, West RC, Winger QA, Anthony RV, Bruemmer JE, Clay CM, Bouma GJ. Androgen receptor and histone lysine demethylases in ovine placenta. PLoS One. 2015 Feb 12;10(2):e0117472. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117472. eCollection 2015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Cleys ER, Halleran JL, McWhorter E, Hergenreder J, Enriquez VA, da Silveira JC, Bruemmer JE, Winger QA, Bouma GJ. Identification of microRNAs in exosomes isolated from serum and umbilical cord blood, as well as placentomes of gestational day 90 pregnant sheep.Mol Reprod Dev. 2014 Nov;81(11):983-93.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hatzel JN, Bouma GJ, Cleys ER, Bemis LT, Ehrhart EJ, McCue PM. 2015. Identification of heat shock protein 10 within the equine embryo, endometrium, and maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Theriogenology 83(5):832-839.


Progress 01/01/13 to 12/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Scientists and students with an interest in reproductive biology in large animals. Outreach and Extension Educators Veterinarians and Professional Animal Scientists Training undergraduate students Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Ellane Cleys. Ms. Cleys received specialized training in RNAseq data analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software in preparation for postdoctoral research projects. She also received specialized training in new laboratory techniques for miRNA isolation and co-immunoprecipitation on sheep tissues and serum samples. She attended special seminar on Process of NextGen Sequencing and Data Analysis, by Richard Casey and Jessica Prenni of Colorado State University Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility (3/29/2013). She tied with fellow NNF graduate student Jared Romero for third place platform presentation at the 2012 Rocky Mountain Reproductive Science Symposium. She served as treasurer, Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student Association and Co-organizer of the 2012, Department of Biomedical Science Research Retreat. She attended annual Rocky Mountain Reproductive Science Symposium and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Research Day in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and also attended and presented at the international Society for the Study of Reproduction meetings in 2011 and 2012. This past year, Ms Cleys has mentored a high school student, as well as undergraduate students in the laboratory. Final courses are completed, and manuscripts are currently being written. Ms Cleys will finish her PhD at Colorado State University in Spring, 2014. Jared Romero. Jared Romero completed a specialized course in biosafety in research labs. He was trained in conducting BSL3 research. He learned how to enter a BSL3 and wear the proper PPE such as a N95 respirator and PAPR. He designed a BSL2 and BSL3 laboratory for his final project in the class. Mr. Romero recieved a specialized teaching certificate from the CSU TILT program. He also received special training at National Jewish Hospital (09/25/13-09/28/13) where he attended a proteomics workshop and learned how to prepare, run and analyze data using a variety of mass spectrometers. He also completed an introductory BSL 3 training course as part of a biosafety course he is taking to better prepare for working and managing a laboratory. He attended specialized lecture on “Best practices in difficult situations: Classroom safety when the worst happens (2/27/13). Dr. Romero completed his PhD in December 2013. Dr. Romero is currently a postdoctoral student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. Jill Seabrook. Jill Seabrook attended a Human Placenta Workshop at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. She earned a Graduate Teaching Certificate from The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT), Colorado State University. She completed her PhD in June, 2013. Dr. Seabrook is currently a Postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics within the College of Medicine at the University of Florida, Gainesville. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated through the many public presentations of abstracts, platform talks, posters and journal papers. Please see extensive publication lists. The research from these NNF students has been disseminated to groups at the American Society of Animal Science, Society for the Study of Reproduction and the Society for Gynecological Investigations to name a few. These students have also been very active participants and presenters at local meetings in fort Collins (i.e, CVMBS research day) and regional (Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next reporting period, all students will have completed their PhD degrees and will be placed in further professional development and training programs, postdoctoral research positions, industry positions or faculty positions. Students will complete and submit any remaining publications. Each student will complete an exit interview and a survey designed to provide feedback to improve our training program. Likewise, we the success of these students will be tracked and continued mentoring will be provided when needed and appropriate.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1) Increase multicultural diversity of the nation's scientific and professional expertise through recruiting three high quality PhD trainees. This goal was completed in that we recruited two underrepresented and one first generation college student into this National Needs training program. Goal 2) Mentor, train and retain these PhD trainees using innovative and collaborative approaches with research emphasis in the NNF TESA of Animal Reproduction. This goal is mostly completed in that two of the three students have earned their PhDs. The third PhD student will finish in Spring, 2014. Each student completed stellar research projects that were exceedingly productive in context of the posters and platform presentations delivered and refereed journal papers and review articles. A synopsis of research completed by each student is posted below. Ms. Ellie Cleys: Epigenetic and estrogen and androgen receptor function in ruminant placenta. While placental estrogen signaling aids in trophoblast cell differentiation and placental development, very limited studies have assessed the role of placental androgen signaling, despite increased circulating testosterone during pregnancy in sheep and humans. We tested the role of testosterone in regulating the expression of genes in vivo and in vitro using prenatally androgenized ewes and primary ovine trophoblast cells (OTR19) in culture, respectively. Results showed that increased testosterone signaling decreases placental DNA methylation in vivo and leads to differential expression of genes regulating placental growth and vascularization, including increased matrix metalloproteinase 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor 2. We hypothesized that differential gene expression and decreased placental DNA methylation may be due to altered androgen receptor interactions with histone demethylases (KDM1A and KDM4D). Co-immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry indicate that androgen receptor is capable of complexing with KDM1A and KDM4D in gestational day 90 placentomes. These studies are relevant to agricultural species (cattle and sheep) which have spontaneous IUGR pregnancies that lead to reduced lean tissue development and decreased productivity. Whether placental androgen signaling plays a significant role in the development of spontaneous IUGR warrants further investigation, especially as environmental contaminants can mimic sex hormone signaling.Since the previous progress report, Ms Cleys has conducted additional experiments to demonstrate that androgen receptor and histone lysine demethylases complex with each other, and bind to the VEGFA gene promoter in sheep placentomes. Final experiments are now conducted using shRNA targeting constructs to specifically target AR in sheep placental cells and assess effects on VEGFA expression and cell proliferation. Mr. Jared Romero: Functional role of pregnancy-associated genes in the ruminant corpus luteum. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying establishment and loss of pregnancy may be applied to reduce the severe economic impact of embryo mortality in ruminants. For example, early embryonic mortality rates are as high as 28-43% in dairy cows, 33-38% in beef cows, and 12-26% in sheep (15). The consequences of embryo mortality in the beef cattle industry alone were estimated to be a loss of $1.2 billion dollars in 2005. Causes of early embryo mortality may entail impaired signaling between the conceptus and mother. This “communication” is through conceptus secretory signals such as interferon tau (IFNT) that act directly on the endometrium and possibly through endocrine action on the corpus luteum (CL). The CL functions primarily to produce progesterone, which is critical in preparing the uterus for sustaining the early developing conceptus. The research focuses on endocrine actions of IFNT during establishment of pregnancy and discovering luteolytic and pregnancy-activated gene pathways in the CL and may have potential for reducing the loss of embryos in ruminants. Ms. Jill Seabrook: Regulation of proliferation and differentiation in ruminant trophoblast cells. The principle cause of reduced reproductive efficiency in agriculturally important animals is early conceptus loss, a problem that usually occurs during the elongation and attachment phase of development. This stage of early placental development is characterized by the rapid proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast cells. Consequently, aberrant trophoblast proliferation and/or differentiation are potential major contributing factors in early embryonic loss. Pluripotency factors in the trophectoderm and inner cell mass regulate trophoblast proliferation and differentiation that is critical for proper placenta establishment, development and function. Therefore, this research aims to determine how pluripotency factors, such as LIN28, contribute to trophoblast regulation and ultimately placenta establishment and function. This research is important for improving our understanding of mammalian and ruminant placentation, and advancing our ability to diagnose and prevent pregnancy failures and complications in agriculturally important animals. Goal 3) Place and track progress of these globally-competitive students in career tracks that meet the emerging market demands in Animal Reproduction. Two students have been placed in very good postdoctoral positions. One of these students, Dr. Romero, is negotiating a faculty position as an Assistant Professor. The third student will finish her PhD and then will be placed by the next progress report.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cleys ER, Bruemmer JE, Clay CM, Bouma GJ. 2013 Ovine Placental Androgenization Increases Histone Demethylases in vivo and Decreases Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 in vivo and in vitro. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Science Symposium. Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cleys ER. 2013 Differentiation of the human trophoblast: a histological perspective in health and disease. ARBL and Physiology Division Spring Seminar Series. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. Platform.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cleys ER, Halleran JL, Winger, QA, Bruemmer JE, Clay CM, Bouma GJ. 2013 Androgen Exposure Leads to Global DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Changes in Sheep Placental Cells. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day, Colorado State University. Abstract #13. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Cleys ER. 2012. Epigenetic Changes Underlying Sex Hormone Signaling Leads to Placental Dysfunction. ARBL and Physiology Division Spring Seminar Series. Fort Collins, CO. Platform.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Romero JJ. 2013. Systemic delivery of interferon-tau (IFNT) protects the ovine corpus luteum against lytic actions of prostaglandin F2? (PGF). Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting. Montreal, Quebec Canada. Platform # (173)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Antoniazzi AQ, Webb BT, Romero JJ, Ashley RL, Smirnova NP, Henkes LE, Bott RC, Oliveira JF, Niswender GD, Bazer FW, Hansen TR. Endocrine delivery of interferon tau protects the corpus luteum from prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced luteolysis in ewes. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:144. Refereed Journal Paper.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hansen TR, Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Webb BT, Smirnova N. 2013. Endocrine conceptus signaling in ruminants. Anim Reprod 10(3):311-321. Invited Review Paper.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Smirnova NP, Webb BT, Yu F, Davis JS, Hansen TR. Pregnancy-associated genes contribute to antiluteolytic mechanisms in ovine corpus luteum. Physiol Genomics 2013; 45:1095-1108. Refereed Journal Paper.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Romero, JJ. Endocrine actions of IFNT during early ruminant pregnancy. PhD Dissertation, Fall, 2013.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Seabrook, JL. The role of Lin28 in the molecular regulation of placenta development and function. PhD Dissertation, Spring 2013
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Cleys ER. 2012. Epigenetic Changes Underlying Sex Hormone Signaling Leads to Placental Dysfunction. Invited Seminar. Department of Biomedical Sciences. Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory and Physiology Division Spring Seminar Series. Fort Collins, CO. Platform
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Romero, JJ. 2014. A tree is as strong as its Roots. Invited seminar. Department of Biomedical Sciences. Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory and Physiology Division Spring Seminar Series. Fort Collins, CO. Platform
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Seabrook JL, Cantlon JD, Cooney AJ, McWhorter EE, Fromme BA, Bouma GJ, Anthony RV, Winger QA, 2013, Role of LIN28A in mouse and human trophoblast cell differentiation. Biology of Reproduction 89:95. Published online before print September 4, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Winger QA, Cantlon JD, Soisson EE, Clay CM, Anthony RV, Bouma GJ, Seabrook JL. 2012. LIN28A and miR-9 Regulate Syncytiotrophoblast Differentiation and hCG Production in the Human Placenta. 2012. Society for the Study of Reproduction, 45th Annual Meeting. State College, PA. Poster.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs such as platform talks and posters presented to the public or scientific communities for each NNF student and the CoPD/mentors. Cleys ER. 2012. Epigenetic Changes Underlying Sex Hormone Signaling Leads to Placental Dysfunction. ARBL and Physiology Division Spring Seminar Series. Fort Collins, CO. Platform. Cleys ER. 2012. Prenatal Androgenization Decreases Global DNA Methylation in Placental Tissue and Increases Placental ESR2, DNMT3a, DNMT3b, and H19 mRNA in Sheep. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting. State College, PA. Poster. Halleran J, Cleys ER et al., Exosomal miRNA as a Diagnostic Marker of Abnormal Placental Development. 2nd Annual International Exosome Exposition sponsored by CSU & CU Denver Health Science Center. Aurora, CO. Poster. Cleys ER. 2012. Effects of Prenatal Androgenization on the Sheep Placentome. 2012. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland CO. Platform. Cleys ER. 2011. The Role of Placental Lactogen and Ghrelin in Fetal Growth. ARBL and Division of Physiology Spring Seminar Series. Fort Collins, CO. Platform. Romero JJ. Interferon-tau delivery into the uterine or jugular veins induces gene expression in the corpus luteum that protects against luteolysis. 2012. Society for the Study of Reproduction. Meeting. University Park, PA. Platform. Romero JJ (presented for Dr. Sereno). Induction of anti-apoptotic genes in cultured small, large and mixed ovine luteal cells in response to interferon-tau. 2012. Society for the Study of Reproduction. University Park, PA. Poster. Romero JJ. Interferon-tau delivery into the uterine or jugular veins induces gene expression in the corpus luteum that protects against luteolysis. 2012. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Fort Collins, CO. Platform Presentation. Romero JJ. Differential gene expression in corpora lutea from pregnant and non-pregnant sheep. 2012. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day. Fort Collins CO. Platform. EE Soisson, JL Seabrook et al., LIN28A regulates human trophoblast syncytialization and preeclampsia diagnostic markers. Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 13th Annual Research Day. 2012. Fort Collins, CO. JL Seabrook et al., LIN28A regulates syncytialization and hCG production in human trophoblast cells. Poster presented at the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, 59th Annual Scientific Meeting. 2012. San Diego, CA. QA Winger, JL Seabrook et al., LIN28A and miRNA 9 regulate syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and hCG production in the human placenta. Poster at Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting August 2012, State College, Pennsylvania. EE Soisson, JL Seabrook et al., Regulation of human trophoblast cell differentiation by Lin28A and Lin28B. Hansen, T.R. ARBL National Needs Fellowships: Recruitment. 2012. USDA-NIFA-AFRI NNF Annual Principal Directors Meeting. Washington, DC. (Poster). PARTICIPANTS: Thomas R. Hansen, Colorado State University, PD Russel V. Anthony, Colorado State Universithy, Co-PD Jared Romero, Colorado State University, NNF PhD Student Ellie Cleys, Colorado State University, NNF PhD Student Jill Seabrook, Colorado State University, NNF PhD. Student Jerry Bouma, Colorado State University NNF PhD Mentor Colin Clay, Colorado State University NNF PhD Mentor Jason Bruemmer, Colorado State University, Professor Jesus Arreguin-Arevalo, Colorado State University, Research Scientist Stuart Tobet, Colorado State University, Professor Santiago Di Pietro, Colorado State University, Professor Juliano da Silveira, Colorado State University, PhD Student Jennifer Halleran, Colorado State University, Second Year Veterinary Student Quinton Winger, Colorado State University, Professor Jeremy Cantlon, Colorado State University, Research Associate Alfredo Q. Antoniazzi, Colorado State University; Post Doc Brett T. Webb, Colorado State University Gordon D. Niswender, Colorado State University Fuller W. Bazer, Texas A&M University, Collaborator John S. Davis, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Collaborator TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include scientists, educators, veterinarians, and outreach educators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL) focuses on basic studies to delineate mechanisms leading to reproductive success with the intent of developing technologies and approaches that can be used by producers to improve or regulate reproductive efficiency. Three under-represented or first-generation college PhD students are being trained through this National Needs Fellows (NNF) program. NNF students attend weekly laboratory meetings with mentors, and also participate actively in the weekly spring and fall seminar series as well as a weekly student-driven journal club. Each NNF PhD student recently passed preliminary exams and is preparing for defense of the PhD degree. NNF students (listed below) prepared and presented 19 poster or platform talks and attended national meetings and special workshops. Ms. Ellie Cleys: Epigenetic and non-coding RNA mediated changes leading to altered estrogen and androgen receptor expression in ruminant intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) placentas. Altered sex hormone signaling decreases placental DNA methylation and leads to differential expression of genes regulating placental growth and vascularization. These studies are relevant to agricultural species (cattle and sheep) which have spontaneous IUGR pregnancies that lead to reduced lean tissue development and decreased productivity. Tied with fellow NNF graduate student Jared Romero for third place platform presentation at the 2012 Rocky Mountain Reproductive Science Symposium. CO. Treasurer, Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student Association. Co-organizer 2012, Department of Biomedical Science Research Retreat. Mr. Jared Romero: Functional role of pregnancy-associated genes in the ruminant corpus luteum. A better understanding of the luteolytic and pregnancy activated gene pathways has potential for reducing the loss of early embryos in the agricultural community. Use of subcutaneous implants may have promise as a potential biotechnology designed to maintain embryos that have impaired conceptus/maternal signaling of pregnancy. Attended "Proteomics Hands-on Workshop: From Sample Preparation to Instrumentation" at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO (09/25/13-09/28/13). Enrolled in course on specialized training with biosafety level three (BSL3) agents and conditions. Attended special lectures on "Disease Threats to Great Apes of Africa", "Zoonotic Diseases: Their Natural and Unnatural Histories:" and "Best practices in difficult situations: Classroom safety when the worst happens". Ms. Jill Seabrook: Regulation of proliferation and differentiation in ruminant trophoblast cells. This research is important to improve our understanding of mammalian and ruminant placentation, and advance our ability to diagnose and prevent pregnancy failures and complications in agriculturally important animals. Attended Human Placenta Workshop at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Earning a Graduate Teaching Certificate from The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT), Colorado State University.

Publications

  • Cleys ER, Halleran JL, Silveira JC, Winger, QA, Bruemmer JE, Clay CM, Bouma GJ. 2012. Prenatal Androgenization Decreases Global DNA Methylation in Placental Tissue and Increases Placental ESR2, DNMT3a, DNMT3b, and H19 mRNA in Sheep. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting; 45th Annual Meeting. State College, PA. Abstract # 244938. Poster Presentation
  • Cleys ER, Halleran JL, Silveira JC, Winger, QA, Bruemmer JE, Clay CM, Bouma GJ. 2012. Effects of Prenatal Androgenization on the Sheep Placentome. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland CO. Abstract #3. Platform Presentation.
  • Halleran J, Cleys ER, Da Silveira J, Bruemmer J, Winger Q, Bouma G. 2012. Exosomal miRNA as a Diagnostic Marker of Abnormal Placental Development. 2nd Annual International Exosome Exposition sponsored by CSU & CU Denver Health Science Center. Aurora, CO. Abstract. Poster
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Murtazina DA, Smirnova NP, Baird HL, Webb BT, Sereno RB, Hansen TR. 2013. Systemic delivery of interferon-tau (IFNT) protects the ovine corpus luteum against lytic actions of prostaglandin F2α (PGF). Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting; 46th Annual Meeting. Montreal, Quebec Canada. Abstract # (Pending).
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Baird HL, Paul NM, Smirnova NP, Webb BT, Davis JS, Sereno RB, Hansen TR. 2013. Delivery of interferon-tau into the uterine or jugular vein induces genes hypothesized to protect the corpus luteum from luteolysis. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day: 14th Annual. Fort Collins, CO. Abstract. Poster # 71.
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Baird HL, Davis JS, Sereno RB, Hansen TR. 2012. Interferon-tau delivery into the uterine or jugular veins induces gene expression in the corpus luteum that protects against luteolysis. Society for the Study of Reproduction. Meeting: 45th Annual Meeting. University Park, PA. Abstract # 46. Platform.
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Baird HL, Davis JS, Sereno RB, Hansen TR. 2012. Interferon-tau delivery into the uterine or jugular veins induces gene expression in the corpus luteum that protects against luteolysis. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Abstract # 1 Platform.
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Davis JS, Sereno RB, Hansen TR. 2012. Differential gene expression in corpus luteum from pregnant and non-pregnant sheep. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day; 13th Annual. Fort Collins CO. Session II Platform 6. Abstract.
  • Sereno RB, Antoniazzi AQ, Romero JJ, Webb BT, Smirnova NP, Niswender GD, Hansen TR. 2012. Induction of Anti-Apoptotic Genes in Cultured Small, Large and Mixed Ovine Luteal Cells in Response to Interferon-tau. Society for the Study of Reproduction: 45th Annual Meeting. University Park, PA. Abstract # 183. Poster.
  • Antoniazzi AQ, Webb BT, Romero JJ, Ashley RL, Smirnova NP, Henkes LE, Bott, RC, Oliveira JF, Niswender GW, Bazer FW, Hansen TR. 2013. Endocrine delivery of interferon tau protects the corpus luteum from prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced luteolysis in ewes. Biol. Reprod. (Provisionally Accepted). Refereed Journal Paper
  • Jill L. Seabrook, Jeremy D. Cantlon, Austin J. Cooney, Gerrit J. Bouma, Russell V. Anthony, Quinton A. Winger. 2013. Regulatory role of LIN28A in mouse and human trophoblast cell differentiation. Submitted to Biology of Reproduction. Refereed Journal Paper.
  • Peel, RK, J. L. Seabrook, G. E. Seidel, Jr., J. C. Whittier, A. V. Grove, and J. K. Ahola. 2012. Effect of 2, 4, and 5-hour intervals between 2 prostaglandin F2αinjections administered with 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol on pregnancy rate in beef cows. Professional Animal Scientist. 28:623-627. Refereed Journal Paper.
  • Cleys ER, Halleran JL, Winger, QA, Bruemmer JE, Clay CM, Bouma GJ. 2013. Androgen Exposure Leads to Global DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Changes in Sheep Placental Cells. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day, Colorado State University. Abstract #13. Poster Presentation.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: NNF public presentations: Cleys ER et al., 2011. Maternal nutrient restriction increases umbilical artery GHRL and placental GHRL mRNA concentrations in ovine pregnancies. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting; Portland, OR. Poster. Cleys et al., 2011. Maternal nutrient restriction increases umbilical artery GHRL and placental GHRL mRNA concentrations in ovine pregnancies. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Fort Collins, CO. Poster. Romero et al., 2011. Differential gene expression in corpora lutea from pregnant and non-pregnant sheep. Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting, Portland Oregon (Platform Presentation). Antoniazzi AQ, Webb BT, Romero JJ et al., 2011. Endocrine delivery of interferon-tau into the uterine or jugular veins at different concentrations protects the corpus luteum from prostaglandin F2 alpha induced luteolysis. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting. Portland, Oregon (Poster). Romero et al., 2011. Differential gene expression in corpora lutea during early pregnancy in sheep. ARBL and Division of Physiology Spring Seminar Series. Fort Collins, CO (Platform Presentation). Romero et al., 2011. Gene expression in ovine corpora lutea during early pregnancy. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Fort Collins, CO. Poster. Romero et al., 2012. Pregnancy-associated gene expression in ovine CL. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day. Fort Collins, CO. (Platform Presentation). Seabrook et al., 2011. MYC-mediated LIN28 activation regulates let-7 expression in human trophoblast cells. Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day (Poster). EE Soisson, JL Seabrook et al., 2011. The effects of LIN28 on proliferation and differentiation in human trophoblast cells. Colorado State University Merial Research Poster Session (Poster). Seabrook et al., 2011. LIN28-mediated regulation of miRNA affects trophoblast cell differentiation and invasion. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium (Platform Presentation). VA Enriquez, MA Spillman, JL Seabrook, et al., 2011. LIN28 and MicroRNAs in Ovarian Cancer. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting. Portland, OR (Poster). Seabrook et al., 2011. LIN28-miRNA feedback mechanisms regulate trophoblast cell differentiation. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting. Portland, OR (Platform). EE Soisson, JL Seabrook, et al., 2012. LIN28A regulates human trophoblast syncytialization and preeclampsia diagnostic markers. Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day (Poster). Seabrook et al., 2012. LIN28A Regulates Syncytialization and hCG Production in Human Trophoblast Cells. Poster. Society for Gynecologic Investigation Meeting. San Diego, CA. Hansen, T.R. and Anthony, R.V. ARBL National Needs Fellowships: Recruitment. 2012. USDA-NIFA-AFRI NNF Annual Principal Directors Meeting. Washington, DC. (Poster). NNF Teaching: Mr. Romero, Spring 2012 semester, Laboratory in Principles of Physiology. BMS 302, 3 credit hours, 2 sections, 40 students/section. PARTICIPANTS: Thomas R. Hansen (PD), Colorado State University; Russel V. Anthony (CoPD), Colorado State University; Jared Romero (NNF PhD Student), Colorado State University; Ellie Cleys (NNF PhD Student), Colorado State University; Jill Seabrook (NNF PhD Student), Colorado State University; Jerry Bouma (NNF Mentor), Colorado State University; Colin Clay (NNF Mentor), Colorado State University; Quinton Winger (NNF Mentor), Colorado State University; Jesus Arreguin-Arevalo (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Jason Bruemmer (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Stuart Tobet (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Santiago Di Pietro (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Juliano da Silveira (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Jennifer Halleran (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Alfredo Q. Antoniazzi (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Brett T. Webb (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Natalia Smirnova (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Gordon D. Niswender (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Hana Van Campen (Collaborator), Colorado State University; Fuller W. Bazer (Collaborator), Texas A&M University; John S. Davis (Collaborator), University of Nebraska Medical Center. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences are professional animal scientists, veterinarians, academicians, and professionals in large animal agriculture. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The animal reproduction and biotechnology laboratory (ARBL) focuses on training graduate students to improve reproductive efficiency. Three under-represented or first-generation college PhD students were recruited to the ARBL and are being trained through the USDA NIFA National Needs Fellows (NNF) program. Members of the following organizations were contacted in order to recruit minority students into this NNF program: Society for the Study of Reproduction, Western Regional USDA Project: W1112 Ruminant Reproduction, Society for Gynecologic Investigation, American Society of Animal Science and the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Mentors (n = 14) associated with this training grant also contacted their respective scientific societies and colleagues. Because an MS was required for our program, we directly contacted members of 39 reproductive biology programs in the United States as well as minority serving academic institutions identified in Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC; 50 institutions), Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE; 48 institutions) and Support of Competitive Research (SCORE; 61 institutions). In addition, many regional colleges offering masters degrees were contacted directly. Finalists were interviewed at the ARBL in Fort Collins, CO. Each NNF PhD student has a structured mentoring program, is actively engaged in their research and graduate studies and is listed below with a brief description of research projects and other special outcomes such as awards, certificates and special training. Ms. Ellie Cleys: Epigenetic and non-coding RNA mediated changes leading to altered estrogen and androgen receptor expression in ruminant intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) placentas. These studies are relevant to agricultural species (cattle and sheep) which have spontaneous IUGR pregnancies that lead to reduced lean tissue development and decreased productivity. Awards/Certificates/Special Training: Aided in organizing the departmental Biomedical Science Research Retreat in 2010, Fort Collins, CO, and in 2011, Estes Park, CO. Mr. Jared Romero: Functional role of pregnancy-associated genes in the ruminant corpus luteum. Gene products may provide a marker to determine if cattle are pregnant or open. They also might provide insights towards biotechnologies designed to curtail early embryo mortality in ruminants. Recipient of the SSR (Society for the Study of Reproduction) Burroughs Wellcome Travel Fellowship. Earning a teaching Certificate from the TILT (The Institute for Learning and Teaching) at Colorado State University. Special training in Critical Thinking and Active Learning Techniques. Attended 2011 SSR Minority Affairs luncheon and program (Dr. Alderete discussed career goals for minority students) in Portland Oregon. Ms. Jill Seabrook: Regulation of proliferation and differentiation in ruminant trophoblast cells. This research is important to improve our understanding of mammalian and ruminant placentation, and advance our ability to diagnose and prevent pregnancy failures and complications in agriculturally important animals.

Publications

  • Antoniazzi AQ, Webb BT, Romero JJ, N.P. Smirnova, Niswender GD, Bazer FW, Hansen TR. 2011. Endocrine delivery of interferon-tau into the uterine or jugular veins at different concentrations protects the corpus luteum from prostaglandin F2 alpha induced luteolysis. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting; 44th Annual Meeting. Portland OR. Abstract #227. Poster.
  • Cleys ER, Field ME, Han H, Anthony RV. Maternal nutrient restriction increases umbilical artery GHRL and placental GHRL mRNA concentrations in ovine pregnancies. 2011. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting; 44th Annual Meeting. Portland, OR: Abstract #457. Poster
  • Cleys ER, Field ME, Han H, Anthony RV. Maternal nutrient restriction increases umbilical artery GHRL and placental GHRL mRNA concentrations in ovine pregnancies. 2011 Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Fort Collins, CO. Abstract #6. Poster.
  • Hansen, TR and Anthony, RV. ARBL National Needs Fellowships: Recruitment. 2012. USDA-NIFA-AFRI NNF and AIYFCDCE. Multicultural Scholars and National Needs Fellows Programs Project Directors Biannual Meeting. Navigating the Postsecondary STEM Pipeline: Teacher, Mentor, and Student Perspectives. Washington, DC. March 5-6. Page 27.
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Davis JS, Hansen TR. 2011. Pregnancy-associated gene expression in ovine CL. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Day. Fort Collins, CO. Page 6.
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Davis JS, Hansen TR. 2011. Differential gene expression in corpora lutea during early pregnancy in sheep. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Abstract # 9. Fort Collins, CO.
  • Romero JJ, Antoniazzi AQ, Davis JS, Hansen TR. 2011. Differential gene expression in corpora lutea from pregnant and non-pregnant sheep. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting; 44th Annual Meeting. Portland, OR. Abstract #85. Platform talk.
  • Seabrook JL, RV Anthony, GJ Bouma & QA Winger. 2011. MYC-mediated LIN28 activation regulates let-7 expression in human trophoblast cells. Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 12th Annual Research Day. Fort Collins, CO. Poster.
  • Soisson EE, JL Seabrook, GJ Bouma & QA Winger. 2011. The effects of LIN28 on proliferation and differentiation in human trophoblast cells. Colorado State University Merial Research Poster Session. 2011. Fort Collins, CO. Poster.
  • Seabrook JL, Y Dong, GJ Bouma & QA Winger. LIN28-mediated regulation of miRNA affects trophoblast cell differentiation and invasion. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. 2011. Fort Collins, CO. Platform presentation.
  • Seabrook JL, EE Soisson, Y Dong, GJ Bouma & QA Winger. 2011. LIN28-miRNA feedback mechanisms regulate trophoblast cell differentiation. Society for the Study of Reproduction, 44th Annual Meeting. 2011. Portland, OR. Platform Presentation
  • Soisson EE, JL Seabrook, JD Cantlon, CM Clay, RV Anthony & QA Winger. 2012. LIN28A regulates human trophoblast syncytialization and preeclampsia diagnostic markers. Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 13th Annual Research Day. 2012. Fort Collins, CO. Poster.
  • Seabrook JL, JD Cantlon, EE Soisson, CM Clay, RV Anthony & QA Winger. 2011. LIN28A regulates syncytialization and hCG production in human trophoblast cells. Society for Gynecologic Investigation, 59th Annual Scientific Meeting. 2012. San Diego, CA. Poster.
  • Enriquez VA, MA Spillman, JL Seabrook, QA Winger & GJ Bouma. 2011. LIN28 and MicroRNAs in Ovarian Cancer. Society for the Study of Reproduction Meeting, 44th Annual Meeting. Portland, OR. Poster.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
The Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory National Needs Fellowship grant (2010-38420-20397) was funded in January, 2010. The PI presented an overview to collaborating faculty in addition to the CSU Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs in January. A steering committee and advertising plan were finalized. We prepared 100 posters and sent these to 30 programs in reproductive Biology. These posters were distributed as an electronic PDF file to all MARC minority training contacts (n = 50) , all RISE contacts (n=49) and SCORE contacts (n =63) , in the United States. we also posted these announcements extensively throughout Colorado State University and at regional colleges that provide MS degrees in biology or related fields. Three students were identified after interviews in late Spring, 2010 and were offered graduate training positions at CSU in the NNF program. Two students are underrepresented as defined in the NNF program. The third student is a first generation college student. Students were matched with a primary faculty mentor at the time of hire on the NNF stipend. On September 3, 2010 a letter describing selection of these students in addition to the formal enrollment forms for each student was posted to the NNF program office. Since September, students have been completing course work and have been introducted to their programs of study and dissertation research. Full graduate mentoring committees have been formed and each student will be presenting an oral presentation on research plans this Spring. Zero faculty hours are posted to this project because 0 faculty hours are funded through the NNF program. PRODUCTS: There are no current products for the project. OUTCOMES: There are no current outcomes for the project. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Other than the advertising plan, recruitment, orientation of students and placement with mentors, there are no dissemination activities for this project. All three NNF students have submitted abstracts that have been accepted as either platform or poster presentations at the SSR meeting in Portland Oregon. We will report the printed versions of these abstracts in the 2011-2012 report. FUTURE INITIATIVES: There are no current future initiatives for this project.

Impacts
We have recruited and are training three NNF PhD students.

Publications

  • 1. USDA AFRI National Needs Fellowships for Predoctoral Students. 2010. A brochure advertising the program was posted by T.R. Hansen and R.V. Anthony in hard copy and distributed to fifty reproductive biology programs and in electronic format to about 50 MARC, 49 SCORE and 63 RISE programs.