Novel methods for generating enzymes and pathways for biotechnology in Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 Novel methods for generating enzymes and pathways for biotechnology in Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 Thursday, November 16 2023, 11:10am 404D, Biological Sciences Type of Event: Student Seminars Chantel Duscent-Maitland Neidle Lab UGA Dept of Microbiology Dissertation Defense Seminar Read more about Novel methods for generating enzymes and pathways for biotechnology in Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1
Ronald Drew Etheridge Adjunct Assistant Professor The Host-Parasite Interface; Identification and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii parasite effectors used to manipulate host cellular processes. Our lab focuses primarily on the obligate intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. This organism is arguably one of the most successful protozoan parasites on the planet with approximately a third of all human being infected. Although generally self-limiting, infections by T. gondii can be life threatening or fatal in individuals with immature or suppressed immune systems. After resolution of the acute infection by the rapidly growing asexual form of T. gondii (tachyzoite), what remains is the chronic slow growing (bradyzoite) form of the parasite that encases itself in a highly resistant cyst wall. These dormant tissue cysts persist throughout the lifetime of an individual and retain the capacity to reactivate if host conditions change. Currently there are no available drugs or therapeutics that can combat the chronic cyst form of the parasite and cure infection. After active invasion of its target host cell, Toxoplasma resides within a host derived membrane ‘bubble’ known as the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) where it actively replicates over the next 48 hours. To obtain the necessary nutrients and protect itself from antimicrobial defenses, this parasite has devised some extremely complex molecular tools that it deploys to manipulate the host environment to its advantage. T. gondii injects into the host cell, via its secretory organelles, a myriad of protein effectors that traffic to various locations including the PV and host cell cytoplasm and nucleus. These secreted proteins accomplish a variety of goals ranging from organizing the nutrient acquisition machinery within the PV, protecting the vacuole from host defenses, and altering host cell metabolism and immune signaling pathways. We currently do not know the exact number of effectors that the parasite employs during this process of host subjugation but, of those identified so far, only the functions of a few have been extensively characterized. Additionally, almost nothing is known about the effectors that the bradyzoite form of the parasite uses to condition the host cell during the chronic stage of infection. Overall our lab is seeking to address a variety of questions which relate broadly to the molecular tools used by the parasite to alter the host environment. This work includes not only the continued study of known effectors, but also identification and characterization of new secreted proteins. In a more comprehensive manner however we are also interested in how proteins destined for secretion are selected by the host sorting machinery and targeted to different secretory organelles. Also, once secreted from the parasite into the PV it is currently unknown how particular proteins are then recognized and transported into the host cell. In line with these goals, we are also working to identify parasite proteins that are selectively secreted by the cyst forming bradyzoite stage that are critical to the formation of not only the cyst wall but also in modifying the host cell to tolerate long term parasitism by Toxoplasma. Read more about Ronald Drew Etheridge
Dr. Ellen Neidle receives Creative Teaching Award for 2023 "Five faculty have received Creative Teaching Awards for 2023." Link to original article here. Read more about Dr. Ellen Neidle receives Creative Teaching Award for 2023
Blake Billmyre Adjunct Assistant Professor Research Labs: Billmyre Lab Read more about Blake Billmyre
Amy Siceloff selected as recipient of 2023 Beverly Hirsh Frank Graduate Fellowship BEVERLY HIRSH FRANK GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP The purpose of this fellowship is to recruit, support, and encourage exceptional graduate-level study and research in all fields of life and physical sciences with emphasis in interdisciplinary and emerging fields. Read more about Amy Siceloff selected as recipient of 2023 Beverly Hirsh Frank Graduate Fellowship
MIBO 4700/6700 Medical Mycology Credit Hours: 3 hours. Provides information on the principles of fungal pathogenesis, diagnosis, and antifungal therapies, mechanisms of drug resistance, and relevant genetic and molecular tools to study human fungal pathogens and drug discovery. Provides basic training in reading scientific literature, presenting a talk on a research topic, and critiquing scientific reports. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 1108 or BIOL 1108H Semester Offered: Spring Level: Graduate Undergraduate Read more about MIBO 4700/6700
“The Dark Side of Development: When mentoring is problematic and what to do about it” Thursday, November 2 2023, 11:10am 404D, Biological Sciences Special Information: **Special seminar in honor of Dr. Joy Porter Williams (graduate student awardee announcement) ** Type of Event: Department Seminars Dr. Erin Dolan Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology UGA; Georgia Athletic Association Prof. of Innovative Science Education Read more about “The Dark Side of Development: When mentoring is problematic and what to do about it”