Renee Peddapally | 2026 I.S. Symposium
Name: Renee Peddapally
Title: Microbiome-Mediated Stress Resistance: Effects of JUb134 and JUb19 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Major: Biology
Advisor: Stephanie Strand
The microbiome is very important in regulating host physiology, metabolism, and immune function. In C. elegans, the microbiome influences phenotypic traits of the host by regulating signaling pathways and stress resistance. In this study, we analyzed how the colonization of the microbiome by two bacterial strains, JUb134 and JUb19, impacted stress resistance in C. elegans. To assess strain-specific effects and phenotypic changes, oxidative and heat stress assays were conducted. The results of this study show that JUb134 fed worms had the highest survival compared to JUb19 fed worms in both stress conditions. These findings indicate that a bacterial diet can influence stress resistance in C. elegans. Also, it is possible that the presence of one strain can activate stress response pathways differently in C. elegans. Future studies could analyze how the stress response pathways are activated differently when faced with environmental stressors. Understanding these interactions can help clarify how bacterial colonization of the microbiome contributes to stress resistance.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
