BATS

Date/Time:

Sep 18, 2020 - 12:00 PM

Location:

Hosts:

Bevin Engelward

Speaker:

Title:

Engineering Plant-microbe Communication

Abstract:

Communication between plants and microbes can facilitate formation of symbiotic relationships, but engineerable channels of communication orthogonal to endogenous pathways are limited. Here we report on the creation of two synthetic communication channels: microbe-to-plant communication and plant-to-microbe communication using indigo and opines, respectively. In the field, these communication channels can be used for microbially-mediated phytosensors or adding regulation to biofertilizer production.

Speaker:

Title:

Driving Strong Type I Interferon Signaling for Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract:

In cancer, type I interferon production and signaling can trigger strong anti-tumor responses. Currently, therapeutic activation of this pathway focuses on targeting the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) or delivering interferons systemically. We present a new therapeutic strategy that activates an upstream point in this pathway. In addition, we are developing type I interferon therapies that are retained to the tumor in order to improve efficacy and minimize toxicity of the treatment.