Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Student Presentations

Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Student Presentations:

Yeva Shamailova, PhD candidate, will present "Leydig Cells Are Reliant on Correct Branched Chain Amino Acid Levels for Proper Luteinizing Hormone Response and Hormone Synthesis."

Synopsis: Testosterone production by testicular Leydig cells is important for overall male health and fertility. There is a lack of understanding of how nutrition influences Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs - leucine, isoleucine and valine) are essential amino acids and important regulators of protein synthesis. Circulating and tissue BCAA levels are tightly regulated by the enzyme branched chain a-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK), which inhibits their catabolism. This work explores how BCAAs, especially leucine, modulate male fertility and testosterone production.
   
Alexis Birch, PhD student, will present "Preliminary Analysis of Common Dandelion for Potential Inclusion in the Diets of Grazing Animals."

Synopsis: The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) resides in a unique duality of perception. It is valued for its existence as a hardy, highly available perennial herb native to the Northern Hemisphere with documented medicinal benefits in humans, cattle, and rodents. Conversely, it is often regarded as a nuisance species, or “weed” that out-competes more desirable grasses and legumes. Despite its regular consumption by grazing animals such as horses, cattle, goats, and sheep, little research has examined the foraging ecology of dandelions or their nutritional potential in grazing systems. In particular, seasonal fluctuations in the plant’s nutritive components remain largely uncharacterized. This work aims to evaluate the compositional profile of T. officinale and its potential inclusion in the diets of grazing animals.