Research Overview
Our work investigates the molecular mechanisms by which choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, interact with their microbial world. We study how choanoflagellates recognize and respond to commensal and pathogenic microbes to uncover mechanisms of choanoflagellate immunity. The goal of our research is to discover new modes of eukaryotic immune defense, and gain insight into the evolution of immune pathways in eukaryotes and animals.
Uncovering choanoflagellate immune pathways
Choanoflagellate immune genes and pathways are largely undescribed. Although choanoflagellates harbor genes with homology to known defense genes, how they function in choanoflagellates has not been experimentally studied. We are developing new host-pathogen experimental models across diverse marine and freshwater choanoflagellate species to uncover the repertoire of choanoflagellate immune genes, and characterize how both conserved pathways and novel factors function during immune defense.
Mechanisms of bacterial recognition
We are investigating how choanoflagellates, which eat bacteria as food, distinguish bacterial friend (or food) from foe. To do this, we are determining the choanoflagellate and bacterial molecules that mediate phagocytic recognition. At the same time, we are identifying pathogen-specific molecules that allow choanoflagellates to discriminate potential threats amongst a sea of environmental bacteria.
Choanoflagellates in nature: identifying new bacterial symbionts and pathogens
We want to understand how choanoflagellates interact with bacteria in their natural environment. Through environmental isolations, we have identified new choanoflagellates that have species-specific associations with bacterial symbionts and pathogens. We are now investigating the host and bacterial factors underlying these specific interactions, and exploring how ecological context shapes these associations.
