Seminars

Host:  Dr. Pengyu Ren


Abstract:  


We present two examples from our group where bioengineering and biophysics impact unsolved medical problems: infectious diseases (viral and bacterial infections, antibiotic design), and auto-immune diseases (psoriasis, lupus). We start with bacterial biofilms, which are structured multi-cellular communities that are fundamental to the biology and ecology of bacteria. Parasitic bacterial biofilms can cause lethal infections and biofouling, but commensal bacterial biofilms, such as those found in the gut, can break down otherwise indigestible plant polysaccharides and allow us to enjoy vegetables. The first step in biofilm formation, adaptation to life on a surface, requires the coordination of biochemical signaling, polysaccharide production, and molecular motility motors. These crucial early stages of biofilm formation are at present poorly understood. By adapting tracking algorithms from colloid science, we dissect bacterial social behavior at the single cell level.