Ep. 40: “Bacterial Pathogens” Featuring Drs. Kristin Patrick and Robert Watson
Oct 25, 2022
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Dr. Kristin Patrick, an Assistant Professor studying innate immune regulation, and Dr. Robert Watson, an Associate Professor focused on bacterial infections, delve into the dynamics of immunity and mentorship. They discuss gasdermin D's role in cell death during tuberculosis and how their joint lab enhances collaborative research. Insights on immune gene variations connected to Black Death survival reveal links to modern health. They explore their personal experiences and challenges of balancing life and science, advocating for teamwork in academia.
Dr. Kristin Patrick and Dr. Robert Watson emphasize the ability of tuberculosis to evade immune detection through the manipulation of pyroptosis, impacting treatment strategies.
Research on ancient DNA from the Black Death highlights how historical pandemics shape modern immune genetics and influence susceptibility to diseases like autoimmune disorders.
The podcast discusses the structural insights gained from cryo-electron microscopy of B cell antigen receptors, which are crucial for understanding immune signaling and developing therapies.
Deep dives
Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Immune Interactions
The episode features a discussion on the research by doctors Kristen Patrick and Robert Watson regarding intracellular bacterial pathogens and their interaction with innate immune cells. They focus specifically on how these pathogens, including tuberculosis, can hijack immune responses for their own survival. Their work highlights the critical roles that immune cell mechanisms play in determining the outcomes of infections. This research has implications for understanding how bacteria evade immune responses and persist within the host.
Impact of the Black Death on Immune Genetics
A significant paper discussed in the episode analyzes ancient DNA related to the Black Death and its influence on modern immune genetics. Researchers examined skeletons from cemeteries before, during, and after the pandemic, identifying specific immunological genetic variants that conferred a survival advantage. Notably, a variant associated with ERAP2, an aminopeptidase important for T cell activation, was found to be more prevalent in descendants of Black Death survivors. This exemplifies how historical epidemics can shape the genetic landscape of human immune responses.
Mechanisms of Tuberculosis Evading Immune Responses
The podcast also delves into research surrounding tuberculosis, emphasizing the pathogen's ability to inhibit host immune responses using a specific phosphatase. This protein prevents pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory cell death crucial for limiting bacterial infections. The study found that tuberculosis can manipulate cellular pathways to evade detection and destruction by the immune system, thus allowing for its replication and persistence. Understanding these mechanisms can inform the development of effective therapies against resistant tuberculosis strains.
Cryo-EM Insights into B-cell Antigen Receptor Structure
In a groundbreaking study, researchers unveiled the first full structural model of a B-cell antigen receptor using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This work illustrates how structural biology can illuminate the molecular underpinnings of immune signaling. The study detailed the interactions of various components of the receptor, shedding light on how these receptors become activated upon antigen recognition. Such insights are pivotal for understanding immune responses and developing new immunotherapies.
Nociceptors' Role in Gut Microbiota Regulation
The episode concludes with a discussion on the intersection of neural signaling and gut microbiota through TRPV1 nociceptors. Research indicates that these receptors significantly influence the composition of gut microbiota, which can affect inflammatory bowel disease outcomes. The study found that disrupting nociceptor function leads to detrimental microbiota alterations, exacerbating disease. This relationship underscores the complexity of the gut-brain axis and its implications for managing gastrointestinal health.
Dr. Kristin Patrick is an Assistant Professor and Dr. Robert Watson is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University. Their joint lab investigates innate immune regulation during bacterial infection. They talk about gasdermin D and cell death in tuberculosis, and how running a lab together helps them prioritize mentorship.
Black Death and Immune Evolution – Researchers identified loci associated with Black Death survival that are also associated with increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
