Research Seminars @ Illinois

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Tailored for undergraduate researchers, this calendar is a curated list of research seminars at the University of Illinois. Explore the diverse world of research and expand your knowledge through engaging sessions designed to inspire and enlighten.

To have your events added or removed from this calendar, please contact OUR at ugresearch@illinois.edu

Biochemistry Seminar: Prof. Vincent Lee (University of Maryland), "Pseudomonas aeruginosa nucleotide signaling, RNA degradation and device-associated infections"

Event Type: Seminar/Symposium
Sponsor: Department of Biochemistry (HOST: Dr. Joe Sanfilippo)
Location: Charles G. Miller Auditorium, B102 Chemical and Life Science Laboratory
Date: Dec 1, 2023 12:00 pm
Speaker: Dr. Vincent Lee
Contact: Cara Day
E-Mail: caraday@illinois.edu
Phone: 217-333-2013
Views: 149
Originating Calendar: Biochemistry Department Seminars; Abstract
Chronic biofilm infections are caused by a set of pathogens commonly referred to as ESKAPE pathogens, which includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens share their ability to form biofilms on medical device surfaces and resist antibiotic therapy. Cyclic-di-GMP is a signaling nucleotide that often promotes biofilm formation in bacteria. Cyclic-di-GMP is maintained in a steady state level by biosynthesis by diguanylate cyclases and linearization into pGpG by phoshpodiesterases. pGpG was recycled into GMP by an unknown enzyme. In this talk, I will discuss our work on understanding the signaling of c-di-GMP through identification of c-di-GMP receptor proteins, how pGpG is specifically degraded by oligoribonuclease (Orn), the structural characteristics of Orn, the basis for Orn essentiality, and how linear dinucleotides can serve as a quality control mechanism in prokaryotic cells. The talk will conclude on recent studies on the ability of P. aeruginosa to cause disease in an animal model of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

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