Immune Priming in Insects
This project will investigate immune priming in Drosophila melanogaster, a phenomenon where prior exposure to a non-lethal challenge enhances the host's ability to survive subsequent infections. Despite lacking adaptive immunity, flies exhibit a memory-like response driven by innate immune mechanisms. We aim to understand how hemocytes contribute to this enhanced protection by examining changes in their activity, signaling, and gene expression following priming and secondary infection. Read More
Inter-organ Communication in Wound Healing
This project investigates the critical role of hemocyte-mediated inter-organ communication in regulating intestinal homeostasis during wound healing. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, we explore the JAK/STAT pathway and the impact of hemocyte-derived cytokines, such as Upd3, on intestinal stem cell behavior. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and immune training, this research aims to provide a deeper understanding of tissue repair and immune-epithelial dynamics with implications for human health. Read More
Aquaporins and Immunity
This project examines the role of the aquaporin Prip (CG7777) in hemocyte-mediated immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster. Focusing on Prip's function in transporting reactive oxygen species (ROS) into hemocytes, we investigate how this signaling activates pathways like IMD, Toll, and JAK/STAT, influencing cytokine production and intestinal stem cell behavior during tissue repair. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms linking aquaporin-mediated ROS signaling to immune regulation, this research provides insights into conserved processes of immune-epithelial homeostasis with implications for higher organisms. Read More