INFECTIOUS DISEASES SEMINAR SERIES
Dr. Xiao-Rong Lin
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Texas A&M University
“ Morphogenesis and Matrix-Initiated Signalling in the Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus ”
Abstract :
As non-mobile eukaryotic microbes mostly live in a community rather than in a planktonic state in the environment and in the host, it is important to know how they communicate and coordinate their community behaviors. Our recent findings in Cryptococcus, a major human fungal pathogen, indicate that secreted fungal adhesion proteins that are essential in creating the extracellular matrix for the formation of biofilms, are also critical in coordinating community behaviors (e.g. biofilm formation, morphogenesis, and sexual reproduction). This is achieved via the dual functions of these molecules as adhesins as well as signaling molecules. This concept of matrix-initiated signaling in intercellular communication in microbial communities is analogous to matrix-regulated cell differentiation and tissue patterning in higher eukaryotes.
Time : 16:00, May 13 (Monday)
Place : Medical Science Building B321
Host : Prof. Babak Javid
Light Refreshments will be served!
