Sydney Taylor

Education

• Ph.D., Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Miami University May 2018
• B.A., Zoology Miami University May 2011, Minor in Japanese

Research Interest

In our research, we explore the intricate interplay between Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM 12) in the context of cell cycle progression and their implications in various cancers. Our laboratory unveiled a fascinating connection: the co-expression of HB-EGF and a truncated secreted form of ADAM 12, known as ADAM 12S, in various mammalian cells results in cellular reprogramming into a brown adipose tissue like phenotype.

Transformed cells exhibit heightened expression of key regulatory proteins, including PPARgamma Coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1a), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, Kruppel-like factor (KLF)3, and KLF4. Conversely, the expression of detrimental factors such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP-a), Lamin A/C (LMNA), glucose transporter (GLUT)4, and Schmidt-Ruppin A-2 viral oncogene homolog (SRC) is significantly diminished in transformed cells.

Furthermore, our research has illuminated the metabolic implications of HB-EGF and ADAM 12S co-expression. These cells exhibit enhanced metabolic functionality akin to brown adipose tissue, as evidenced by their oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. This discovery propels us into a realm of potential therapeutic applications. We posit that leveraging the brown adipose tissue-like phenotype resulting from HB-EGF and ADAM 12S co-expression could offer a groundbreaking therapeutic avenue. By harnessing the augmented metabolic capabilities of these cells, we may forge a powerful tool to combat prevalent metabolic disorders such as obesity and type II diabetes.

In summary, our work highlights a novel approach to studying brown adipose tissue by co-expressing HB-EGF and ADAM 12S, shedding light on their role in cell cycle progression and their potential therapeutic implications in metabolic diseases, cancer, and potentially aging.

Selected Publications

Taylor S.R., Gemma CA, Cartwright KM, Pfeil DC, Miller ER, Long CE, and Harding PA., HB-EGF and ADAM 12S directed cellular reprogramming results in metabolically active brown adipose tissue-like cells. AIMS Cell and Tissue Engineering, 2018, 2(4): 203-219. doi: 10.3934/celltissue.2018.4.203.

Taylor S.R., Klements J.R., Markesbery M.G., Johnson K.D., and Harding P.A., Cellular transdifferentiation into brown adipose-like cells by adenoviral-directed expression or stable transfection of HB-EGF and ADAM 12S., Journal of Cell and Molecular Biology, 2014:12 (1&2), 55-62

Taylor S.R., Markesbery M.G., and Harding P.A., Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and proteolytic processing by a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAM): A regulator of several pathways., Seminars in cell & developmental biology, 2014:28, 22-30

Zhou Z., Darwal M.A., Cheng E.A., Taylor S.R., Duan E., and Harding P.A., Cellular reprogramming into a brown adipose tissue-like phenotype by co-expression of HB-EGF and ADAM 12S., Growth Factors, 2013:31 (6), 185-198

Courses Taught

• Bio 121 Environmental Bio
• Bio 161 Human Physiology
• Bio 171 Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Bio 172 Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Bio 115 General Bio
• Bio 116 General Bio
• Bio 305 as a TA
• Bio 232 Human Heredity