Systems and Synthetic Biology Approach to Understand the Importance of Host-Pathogen Interaction

Author(s):  
Ashish A. Prabhu ◽  
V. Venkatadasu
2021 ◽  
Vol 186 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 801-807
Author(s):  
Nathaniel A Young ◽  
Ryan L Lambert ◽  
Angela M Buch ◽  
Christen L Dahl ◽  
Jackson D Harris ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds used industrially for a wide variety of applications. These PFAS compounds are very stable and persist in the environment. The PFAS contamination is a growing health issue as these compounds have been reported to impact human health and have been detected in both domestic and global water sources. Contaminated water found on military bases poses a potentially serious health concern for active duty military, their families, and the surrounding communities. Previous detection methods for PFAS in contaminated water samples require expensive and time-consuming testing protocols that limit the ability to detect this important global pollutant. The main objective of this work was to develop a novel detection system that utilizes a biological reporter and engineered bacteria as a way to rapidly and efficiently detect PFAS contamination. Materials and Methods The United States Air Force Academy International Genetically Engineered Machine team is genetically engineering Rhodococcus jostii strain RHA1 to contain novel DNA sequences composed of a propane 2-monooxygenase alpha (prmA) promoter and monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP). The prmA promoter is activated in the presence of PFAS and transcribes the mRFP reporter. Results The recombinant R. jostii containing the prmA promoter and mRFP reporter respond to exposure of PFAS by activating gene expression of the mRFP. At 100 µM of perfluorooctanoic acid, the mRFP expression was increased 3-fold (qRT-PCR). Rhodococcus jostii without exposure to PFAS compounds had no mRFP expression. Conclusions This novel detection system represents a synthetic biology approach to more efficiently detect PFAS in contaminated samples. With further refinement and modifications, a similar system could be readily deployed in the field around the world to detect this critical pollutant.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 905
Author(s):  
Estela Ruiz-Baca ◽  
Armando Pérez-Torres ◽  
Yolanda Romo-Lozano ◽  
Daniel Cervantes-García ◽  
Carlos A. Alba-Fierro ◽  
...  

The role of immune cells associated with sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii is not yet fully clarified. Macrophages through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of Sporothrix, engulf it, activate respiratory burst, and secrete pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory biological mediators to control infection. It is important to consider that the characteristics associated with S. schenckii and/or the host may influence macrophage polarization (M1/M2), cell recruitment, and the type of immune response (1, 2, and 17). Currently, with the use of new monocyte-macrophage cell lines, it is possible to evaluate different host–pathogen interaction processes, which allows for the proposal of new mechanisms in human sporotrichosis. Therefore, in order to contribute to the understanding of these host–pathogen interactions, the aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the immune responses induced by macrophage-S. schenckii interactions, as well as the PRRs and PAMPs involved during the recognition of S. schenckii that favor the immune evasion by the fungus.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (9) ◽  
pp. 642-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Yim ◽  
Wenliang Wang ◽  
Maulik N. Thaker ◽  
Stephanie Tan ◽  
Gerard D. Wright

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e1002933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna K. de Jong ◽  
Chris M. Parry ◽  
Tom van der Poll ◽  
W. Joost Wiersinga

Plant Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 111098
Author(s):  
Nana Liu ◽  
Ping Wang ◽  
Xiancai Li ◽  
Yakun Pei ◽  
Yun Sun ◽  
...  

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