Effects of Signaling Pathways on Intercellular Communication During Yp Infections

Recently, it has been discovered that exosomes play a vital role in intercellular communication, and therefore disease progression. Our laboratory has been studying the role that exosomes play during infection with Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. Research into this previously unexplored facet of the host response to infection provides new opportunities for development of much needed therapeutics and vaccines.

Dr. Hakami’s laboratory at George Mason’s Biomedical Research Lab is located on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia. The lab studies many infectious agents in an attempt to develop new drugs and preventative measures to fight antibiotic resistant bacterial infections.

A particularly concerning reemerging disease is the plague, caused by a gram-negative bacterium, Yersinia pestis.

The plague has caused three great world pandemics, including the Bubonic plague which terrorized Europe, by killing millions during the 14th century.

In response to external stimuli cells, cell receptors activate signaling pathways. Essentially, a relay race is set into motion where a cascade of molecular interactions cause physiological effects in the cell.

These pathways are complex, but important to studying disease progression. Understanding the mechanisms in which cells communicate with each other during infection is critical for development of future antibiotics and vaccines.

Exosomes are nanovesicles curated by cells containing genetic material, host derived and pathogen-derived proteins, and lipids. In response to infection, the content of exosomes facilitate communication between infected and uninfected cells either by aiding the host in fighting the infection or helping the disease spread.

Dr. Hakami’s lab previously identified that exosomes derived from Yp infected cells activate a specific signaling pathway. My research focused on expanding this knowledge by investigating specific phenotypes associated with activation of this pathway.

I employed several microbiology-related lab skills throughout the summer. Utilizing proper cell culturing technique is necessary to maintain sterile conditions and avoid contamination.

It is important to identify all the chemicals necessary for an experiment and what their purpose is. These chemicals must be handled with the correct pipette technique to reduce errors and improve accuracy.

The Bicinchonic Acid Assay is used to quantify the total amount of protein in a sample, while the Western Blot is used to detect specific proteins.

Other notable lab techniques include sonification, autoclave, and data analysis.

Universities have the ability to solve humanities most pressing problems by using a challenge driven attitude when it comes to research and innovation. As a student I am grateful to be a part of that process in Dr. Hakami’s lab which continues to conduct cutting edge research.