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Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences: Greg Fairn
December 12, 2019 @ 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
The Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences presents a seminar:
Greg Fairn, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry
The University of Toronto
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019
Time: 12:45 PM – 1:45
Location: LSC 3
Join us for coffee and cookies at 12:15 PM in LSC 1410
Title:Human-yeast cross-species complementation of chromosome instability genes
Abstract: Phagocytosis mediates the clearance of apoptotic bodies and also the elimination of microbial pathogens. The nascent phagocytic vacuole formed upon particle engulfment lacks microbicidal and degradative activity. These capabilities are acquired as the phagosome undergoes maturation; a progressive remodeling of its membrane and contents that culminates in the formation of phagolysosomes. Once the phagocytic prey has been degraded the phagolysosome is consumed by a tubular vesicular process thereby reforming lysosomes. The life cycle of the phagosome is controlled by a variety of lipid signals including PI4P that is important for its dissolution. Lipids can also be critical post-translation modifications on proteins. S-palmitoylation involves the addition of 16-carbon fatty acid to proteins and as a result, otherwise soluble proteins become peripheral to membranes. The peptidoglycan sensors, NOD1 and NOD2 are S-palmitoylated and this PTM is essential for targeting to the plasma membrane and phagosomes, and their ability to transduce signals and mediate a pro-inflammatory response. Several human variants including those associated with Crohn’s disease have impaired S-palmitoylation.
Hosted by: Dr. Christopher Loewen
