Institutional Biosafety

Minutes

Lewis-Clark State College Institutional Biosafety Committee

June 19, 2024

Library Conference Room 

Present:  Matt Johnston, Sherise Bruce, Leigh Latta, Rachel Jameton (proxy for Wendy Shuttleworth), Mike Larson, Grace Anderson

Absent:  Loralee Orhtman (votes submitted via email)

Visitors:  None

I.                    Annual Biosafety Updates (Leigh)

a.      The agenda was adjusted to discuss recent guidance from the NIH regarding research with recombinant DNA prior to considering the proposals.

                                                              i.      April 2024 guidance from NIH designated a new class of research organism defined as Gene Drive Modified Organism (GDMO).  Research with these organisms MUST occur under BSL-2 protocols.

                                                            ii.      Leigh reviewed the literature regarding GDMO to see if currently assured research, notably Dr. Eric Stoffregen’s fruit fly experiments, should be reclassified as GDMO’s.

                                                          iii.      One hallmark of GDMO’s is meiotic drive, where sex disparities emerge in subsequent generations. 

                                                          iv.      Leigh concluded that Eric’s research does not meet the criteria for GDMO and can continue at BSL-1.

b.     Leigh provided an update on facility inspections and trainings.  There were no reported biosafety incidents and all facility inspections were satisfactory.  Leigh did note fewer overall trainings due to the conclusion of the COVID wastewater project.

II.                  Review of Simple Renewal Recombinant DNA Application from Dr. Eric Stoffregen (IBC 001-2024) (Matt)

a.      The committee approved renewal of Eric’s research for another year.  As this was the second simple renewal, Eric will need to submit a full proposal in 2025.

III.                Review of New Proposal Project 1 - The Effects of CEP-1 on the Progression of Neurological Disorders & Project 2 - The Effects of Curcumin on Oxidative Stress in C. elegans from Dr. Leigh Latta (IBC-002-2024) (Matt)

a.      Leigh noted that under current IBC guidelines, he did not need to formally submit these proposals, as they don’t involve recombinant DNA, GDMO or pathogenic organisms.  However, this led to a robust discussion about expanding our IBC guidelines to cover all biological research. 

b.     Vice President Anderson noted that in human research (IRB), all projects need review. 

c.      The committee agreed in principle to expand the LC State Biosafety guidelines and materials to require all biological research to be reviewed and approved by the IBC.  Matt will modify existing material and policies in draft format and provide to the committee for review.

d.     The committee voted to approve Leigh’s two research projects as presented.

IV.               Review of New Proposal Analysis of Melatonin in Breastmilk from Dr. Nancy Johnston (IBC-003-2024) (Matt)

a.      There was discussion of Nancy’s proposal involving human breastmilk samples.  Leigh provided an overview the NIH guidelines, notably concern about HIV and HepC which can exist in breastmilk.  Nancy’s proposal noted that all breastmilk samples will be pre-screened for these pathogens at University of Idaho.  Samples that test negative will be handled in BSL-2 protocol (ASM guidelines) prior to chemical analysis.

                                                              i.      The committee voted to approve the project, contingent upon formal documentation of pre-screening results.  The committee also noted that transportation of the samples from University of Idaho to LC State will need to adhere to the Department of Transportation guidelines for biologically hazardous materials.

V.                 Good of the Order

a.      No other topics for discussion.  Matt will disseminate draft materials of new policies later in the summer for electronic review and discussion.

Minutes
Lewis-Clark State College Institutional Biosafety Committee
July 31, 2025
Sacajawea Hall Room 237 9:30-10:30 AM PST

Present: Matt Johnston, Sherise Bruce, Leigh Latta, Rachel Jameton (proxy for Wendy
Shuttleworth), Mike Larson, Grace Anderson, Loralee Ohrtman
Absent: None
Visitors: None

1. Annual Biosafety Updates (Leigh)

  a. Leigh provided an update on facility inspections and trainings. All faculty and students are current on training. Lab facility inspections were all in accord with listed protocols. There was a single, minor biosafety incident which was reported to the Committee.
     i. There was an instance of Dr. Stoffregen’s research organism (fruit
flies) breaking primary containment. Secondary containment worked
as designed and the organisms did not leave the BSL-1 facility. Dr.
Stoffregen identified the cause of the primary breach, and a plan has
been developed and implemented to mediate future occurrences.
(Care in placement and size of vent holes placed in bags entering the
autoclave.).

  b. There was a brief discussion of the need to renew training. Leigh noted that almost all students complete research in a two-year window, minimizing the need for renewal.

II. IBC Procedural Update (Matt)

   a. The NIH issued new guidance to all IBC Chairs in April 2025 regarding transparency for committees. The two salient changes are:
        i. The NIH is making the rosters of all approved IBC committees
available to the public.
        ii. The NIH requires public posting of all IBC minutes. Rachel has agreed to host these minutes on the PLMSS IBC page. The minutes from our 2024 meeting were posted in April. Future minutes will also be
posted there.

III. Review of Full Proposal Recombinant DNA Application from Dr. Eric Stoffregen (IBC 001-2025) (Matt)
   a. The committee approved renewal of Eric’s research for another year. As this was a Full Proposal, Eric’s project will be eligible for a Simple Renewal in 2026.

IV. Review of Simple Renewal Analysis of Melatonin in Breastmilk from Dr. Nancy Johnston (IBC-002-2025) (Matt)
      i. There was brief discussion about the follow-up from last year’s
meeting regarding this project. Specifically, the IBC has been assured
that all milk samples are pre-screened by Dr. Johnston’s
collaborators at the University of Idaho. It was also unclear last year
about how samples were to be transported. If transported by Dr.
Johnston, it was noted that the Department of Transportation’s
guidelines had to be followed. Dr. Johnston’s collaborators transport
the samples to the LC State campus. Dr. Johnston’s group is not
involved in the transport of the samples.
     ii. The committee approved renewal of Nancy’s research for another
year. As this was the first Simple Renewal, Nancy’s project will be
eligible for Simple Renewal in 2026.

V. Good of the Order
a. Leigh raised the question about the future of the committee in a funding environment that might limit or preclude NIH funded research. The committee universally felt that the IBC’s work should continue, even if not mandated by a funding agency. Two important themes emerged from the discussion
     i. The committee provides important oversight of research and makes that information available in a transparent fashion to all stakeholders.
     ii. If the committee were to lapse or go dormant, it would require a
significant effort to re-establish it with the NIH
b. No other items for discussion. The next meeting will be in Summer 2026 or as needed.