Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Egg-Laying Behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans ‡ Adan Duarte † , Ethan Murphy Project Mentor(s): Lucinda Carnell, PhD Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of behavioral disorders, such as major depressive and obsessive-compulsive disorders. SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse, causing increases in serotonin levels. These drugs can cause side effects, which could be explained by targeting other proteins other than the serotonin reuptake transporter. This project examines the effects of SSRIs on egg-laying behavior using the small roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ), as a model organism. Researchers have established that the egg-laying behavior in C. elegans is a serotonin-dependent behavior. When looking at behaviors caused by SSRIs, any that differs from those caused by serotonin alone suggests the drug is binding to additional targets. Using a worm mutant that doesn't produce any serotonin helps identify these alternative targets, since any observed effects must be caused by non-serotonin interactions. Worms were exposed to multiple SSRIs at equal concentrations, and egg-laying patterns were measured following acute exposure. Egg-laying responses were quantitatively compared across treatment groups to assess SSRI-specific behavioral effects. Treatments with the drugs have shown the average number of eggs laid per three worms after two hours. Fluoxetine treatment resulted in 26.33 + 7.66, paroxetine 30.67 + 10.33 and escitalopram 0.75 + 1.60 eggs laid, while positive and negative controls using serotonin laid 8.89 + 5.86 or no treatment 0 + 0.00 eggs. These findings suggest that differences in egg-laying behavior may be caused by off-target interactions of specific SSRIs, which this research project will continue to investigate. Evaluation of Methods to Treat and Remove Mealybug Infestation from Greenhouse Plants Jesse Patten Project Mentor(s): Mary Poulson, PhD The mealybug (family Pseudococcidae) is a common parasite that affects plants by latching onto soft tissues and feeding on sugars that plants produce. Mealybugs can be difficult to remove because they excrete fibers from their bodies to form a hair-like coating. This shields them from predators and assists them in anchoring to the host plant. This study compared methods of removing mealybug from plant tissue, cost feasibility of methods, and effect on the treated plant (if any). The species of plants treated include those commonly grown in the CWU Biology Greenhouse that are common targets of mealybug infestation, particularly Ruellia amoena . Treatments were administered to mealybug infected plants weekly either by spray application of a store-bought pesticide directly to infected areas or by gently wiping affected areas of leaves with a paper towel soaked with isopropyl alcohol. A third group of plants was left untreated as a control. The primary data metric for evaluation of treatment was the number of infected areas per plant post-treatment, recorded weekly over five months. Results indicate no significant long-term reduction in the number of infected areas after either treatment. The treatments applied in this study did not achieve the goal of reducing mealybug infestation of infected plants. For effective reduction of mealybug, future treatments should be carried out with a higher frequency and quarantine of infected plants to reduce the opportunity for reinfection, especially during periods of new growth or flowering in the infected plants. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: plant, insect, greenhouse, mealybug SOURCE Form ID: 236 Presentation Type: Oral Presentation (May 20, 9:30am–5:00pm) Keywords: SSRIs, C. elegans, egg-laying behavior, serotonin SOURCE Form ID: 172
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