Speaker:
Title:
Epitranscriptomics: A System of tRNA Modifications Control Mycobacterial Drug Resistance
Abstract:
My research aims to advance our fundamental understanding of
how translation regulates cell phenotype. I am developing a translational
model for how Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the world’s more pervasive
pathogen, survives the stress of infection. Integrating in-house methods to
study post-transcriptional biology with quantitative proteomics and
whole-genome codon usage analysis, I have identified tRNA modification
enzymes as potential antibiotic targets. Ultimately, my work looks to
establish a general approach for anti-infectives discovery.
Speaker:
Title:
The Megakaryocyte: A New Innate Immune Cell and Its Potential Role in Sepsis
Abstract:
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in intensive care units, with a mortality
rate between 30-40%. Platelets, the progeny of megakaryocytes, have been
demonstrated to play a key role in immune-thrombosis during critical illness.
Changes in platelets have been proposed to be secondary to alterations in
megakaryo- and thrombopoiesis. We hypothesize that sepsis results in aberrant
megakaryopoiesis, resulting in a pro-inflammatory megakaryocyte and platelet
phenotype, exacerbating the pathophysiology of this disease.