Organisms Commons^™

Heartland Virus Preclinical Research Project, Brian B. Gowen

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Environmental Mercury Alters Immune Pathways Linked To Autoimmune Risk In Mice Mirroring Humans, Maurgan Lee, Paul Stemmer, Randall Gill, Allen Rosenspire, Anil Aranha, Heather Gibson

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background and Purpose: Mercury is a pervasive environmental contaminant, and human epidemiologic studies have linked chronic low-level exposure to increased autoimmune disease-risk. Dysregulated lymphocyte activation and impaired signaling tolerance are central mechanisms in human autoimmunity. Protein phosphorylation governs lymphocyte differentiation and function, alterations in phosphoproteomic networks may represent a signature of immune disruption. This study evaluates how low dose mercury exposure modifies B and T cell abundance and intracellular signaling patterns in BALB/c and Diversity Outbred (DO) mice.

Methods: BALB/c and DO mice were exposed to low dose HgCl2 in their water for two weeks or provided standard water controls. …

Feeding The Future: Prenatal Dietary Effects On Offspring Neurodevelopment, Emma Whatley

Senior Honors Theses

This study examined the effects of prenatal Western (WD) and Mediterranean (MD) diets on offspring metabolic, cognitive, and neurobiological outcomes in a preclinical mouse model. Working and long-term memory performance, dendritic morphology, and gene expression were assessed using behavioural tests (CAL, YMRM, WM) and Golgi-Cox analyses. Behavioural effects were minimal, with female MD offspring showing improved memory performance under standard conditions. Metabolic findings showed effects on body weight and blood glucose. Dendritic morphology was largely unchanged; however, subtle, sex-specific differences were observed. Differential gene expression between MD and WD suggests a role for future environmental stressors. Prenatal diet affects molecular …

Validation Of A Real-Time Pcr Laboratory Developed Test For The Detection Of Pneumocystis Jirovecii In Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples, Caitlyn Moon

Honors Scholar Theses

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic, host-obligate fungal pathogen responsible for causing P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in humans. PJP is treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), a strong broad-spectrum antibiotic that carries risk of renal and hepatotoxicity. Therefore, rapid diagnosis or exclusion of PJP is crucial to ensure PJP-positive patients receive effective treatment and PJP-negative patients avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Unlike most microorganisms, P. jirovecii cannot be cultured, presenting complications for the typical methods of diagnosing fungal pathogens. Historically, the gold standard for diagnosis was direct microscopic examination with stains such as methenamine silver and calcofluor white, but this diagnostic technique requires highly skilled …

Ns5-Targeting Nucleoside Analogs Inhibit Dengue Virus And Other Flaviviruses, Priyanka Bhakt, Swechha Pokharel, Yue Li, Tamanna Srivastava, Jesse Miller, Mark Dittmar, Yongqing Zhu, David Nguyen, Zachary Walter, Kasirajan Ayyanathan, Matthew Tudor, Chenguang Yu, Arnab Chatterjee, Holly Ramage, David Schultz, Sara Cherry

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that circulates globally as four distinct serotypes and poses a substantial threat to public health. There are an estimated ~96 million symptomatic infections yearly, including severe cases of dengue fever, underscoring the urgency of identifying effective therapeutics targeting all four serotypes. Nucleoside analogs, which mimic endogenous nucleosides to inhibit viral RNA replication, offer a promising strategy for broad-spectrum antiviral development. Here, we conducted a high-throughput screen of 1,101 nucleoside analogs against DENV serotype 2 (DENV2) in a panel of human cell models, including human epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and fibroblasts. Candidates that were active …

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained similar to 2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS …

Revisiting The Life Cycle Of Margalefidinium Polykrikoides Group Iii, Eduardo Pérez-Vega, Kenneth N. Mertens, Pjotr Meyvisch, Margaret R. Mulholland

OES Faculty Publications

Dinoflagellates produce cysts as a strategy to withstand environmental stressors, with nutrient depletion generally considered a key trigger for cyst production. Resting cysts are thick-walled, typically composed of one to several layers, and characterized by a prolonged dormancy period. In contrast, pellicle cysts possess a thin, single wall and exhibit no dormancy or a markedly shorter dormancy than resting cysts of the same species. Margalefidinium polykrikoides produces pellicle and resting cysts, whereas its congener, M. fulvescens, has been shown to produce pumpkin-like structures. Using phase-contrast microscopy, time-lapse microscopy, FlowCam, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (ATR μ-FTIR), …

Occupational Human Papillomavirus Exposure Risks For Laryngeal Surgeons And Phoniatricians: A Joint European Laryngological Society (Els) And Union Of European Phoniatricians (Uep) Delphi Clinical Consensus Statement, Shiying Hey, Alberto Maria Saibene, Milan Amin, Jennifer Anderson, Christoph Arens, Simon Best, Guillermo Campos, Craig Derkay, Gauthier Desuter, Frederik G. Dikkers, Isabel Garcia-Lopez, Ahmed Geneid, Anastasios Hantzakos, Markus Hess, Yakubu Karagama, Marina Mat Baki, Napur Kapoor Nerurkar, Daniel Novakovic, Haldun Oguz, Shazia Peer, Jasmine Prasad, Carlo Robotti, David Vokes, Chi-Te Wang, Malgorzata Wierzbicka, Michal Zabrodsky, Nicolien Van Der Poel

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Purpose

Laser surgical management of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease, such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), in the upper aerodigestive tract generates surgical smoke, which may represent a source of occupational viral exposure for laryngeal surgeons, phoniatricians, anesthesia providers and scrub nurses. Despite growing awareness, protective measures remain inconsistently implemented. This study aimed to develop an evidence-informed clinical consensus statement (CCS) to guide occupational HPV risk management in laryngology.

Methods

A modified Delphi consensus process was conducted under the auspices of the European Laryngological Society (ELS) and the Union of the European Phoniatricians (UEP). A panel of 26 international experts undertook …

Expanded Scorpionate And Siderophore-Inspired Ligands: From Foundational Designs To Modern Applications, Austin Winfield Medley, Trandon Allen Bender

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Scorpionate ligands have been advanced significantly through systematic modifications of their apical atoms and heterocyclic arms, expanding their structural diversity and chemical reactivity. Recent biologically inspired variants now enable accurate modeling of complex bioinorganic motifs, such as the Fe₄S₄ clusters of nitrogenase, and support enzyme‐like reactivity under mild aqueous conditions. These developments have broadened the impact of scorpionate chemistry across bioinorganic modeling, homogeneous catalysis, and biorthogonal transformations. In particular, expanded tripodal scaffolds provide modular, tunable platforms for mimicking enzyme active sites and probing biological nitrogen fixation pathways. Beyond fundamental insight, these ligands present practical opportunities for sustainable catalysis by enabling …

Investigating The In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential And Comprehensive Computational Studies Of New Schiff Base Derivatives, Abrar Hussain, Shahzaib Akhter, Hammad Nasir, Khurram Shahzad, Muhammad Arfan, Sand Hyun Park

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat driven by multidrug-resistant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and fungi (Candida albicans, and C. parapsilosis). This study evaluated six novel Schiff base derivatives (HSB-1 to HSB-6) through integrated in vitro antimicrobial activity and comprehensive computational studies. In vitro disk diffusion assay demonstrated the largest zones of inhibition against S. aureus for HSB-6 and HSB-1 (15–17 mm), activity against P. aeruginosa for HSB-5 and HSB-6 (12 mm), and moderate antifungal activity for HSB-4 (8–11 mm). Molecular docking results correlated with the in vitro findings with the binding energy ΔG = −12.3 kcal/mol …

Evaluation Of Mycoplasma Genitalium Positivity And Co-Infection With Chlamydia Trachomatis And/Or Neisseria Gonorrhoeae At Various Care Sites Across The United States, Rebecca Lillis, Rodney Arcenas, Christy M. Boraas, Steven E. Chavoustie, Lashonda Crane, Nicole D'Empaire, Aaron C. Ermel, Glenn Harnett, Federico Hinestrosa, Stacey House, Joseph Miller, Anthony Mills, Ronald Poblete, Stephen Young, Barbara Van Der Pol

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) positivity and co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), based on results from a trial assessing clinical performance of the Cobas® Liat CT/NG/MG point-of-care test. METHODS: A prospective, US, multicenter, noninterventional study assessed MG positivity in prospective urine samples (male) and clinician-collected vaginal swabs (female) from symptomatic/asymptomatic patients aged ≥14 years attending various clinical settings. Participants were designated positive or negative for MG, CT, and NG based on combined results from three US Food and Drug Administration-approved assays and one laboratory-developed test. MG co-infection with CT and/or NG was assessed. RESULTS: Among …

Reply To: Malik Mmud On Early And Sustained Improvements In Sense Of Smell With Tezepelumab Treatment In Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (Waypoint), Joaquim Mullol, Joseph K. Han, Tanya M. Laidlaw, Claire Hopkins, Anju T. Peters, Oliver Pfaar, Martin Desrosiers, Stella E. Lee, Andrew P. Lane, Claudia Chen, Yun Chon

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

[Introduction] To the Editor:

We thank Professor MMUD Malik [1] for his interest in our recent publication describing the improvements in loss of smell symptoms with tezepelumab versus placebo in patients with uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the WAYPOINT trial (NCT04851964) [2]. We appreciate Professor Malik's comments on the language used to describe the findings and the specific analyses presented as well as his note regarding the consistent improvements in sense of smell observed with tezepelumab treatment versus placebo, demonstrated by large effect sizes across three instruments.

Thyroid Storm At Sea: A Case Report Of Algae-Induced Thyrotoxicosis, Alynna Knaub, Amanda Cecchini, John Janousek, Laura Strojny, Jairo Noreña, Zachary Pawlikowski

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis (IIT), also known as the Jod-Basedow phenomenon, is a rare yet recognized cause of hyperthyroidism. While iodinated contrast is the most frequent trigger, iodine-rich supplements such as seaweed products or supplements can also precipitate thyrotoxicosis, particularly in individuals with prior chronic iodine deficiency or preexisting thyroid nodular disease. We present a case of thyroid storm following short-term ingestion of Irish sea moss as part of a “crash diet.” A 37-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus, well controlled on subcutaneous insulin therapy, presented with nausea and vomiting after 6 days of following a restrictive diet consisting solely of …

Aggressive Natural Killer Cell Leukemia: A Rare And Rapidly Progressive Hematologic Malignancy—Case Report And Literature Review, Jennifer Priessnitz, Ali Hariri, Yuliya Levkiavska, Kyle E. Bonner, Stephan I. Fisher, Joshua M. Sill

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is a rare, fulminant hematologic malignancy characterized by neoplastic proliferation of mature NK cells. It is frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, although EBV-negative cases have also been reported. While typically observed in young to middle-aged adults of East Asian descent, increasing recognition has led to identification of ANKL across diverse age groups and ethnicities. The disease is defined by a rapid clinical course and poor prognosis, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment. We present a case of a 71-year-old Caucasian male who developed fever, altered mental status, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, …

Dupilumab For Patients With Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis, Amber U. Luong, Joshua M. Levy, Sarah K. Wise, Joseph K. Han, Mamoru Yoshikawa, Luo Zhang, Rodney Schlosser, Prerna Ranganathan, Paula Dakin, Jennifer Maloney, George D. Yancopoulos, Andrew P. Fontenot, Neelam A. Phadke, Lacey R. Robinson

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Background

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a severe subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis characterized by fungal hypersensitivity and accentuated type 2 inflammation. Dupilumab-a fully human monoclonal antibody blocking interleukin-4/13, approved for type 2 inflammatory diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps-may benefit patients with AFRS.

Objective

We sought to understand the effect of dupilumab in AFRS

Methods

In this phase 3 trial, patients with AFRS aged ≥6 years were randomized to dupilumab or matched placebo for 52 weeks. The primary end point was Lund-Mackay computed tomography (LMK-CT) score, quantifying sinus opacification, at 52 weeks. Secondary end points were multiplicity-controlled and hierarchically …

Light-Induced Oslike1 Phosphorylation Enhances Rice Resistance Against Blast Disease, Jiangtao Liu, Lei Su, Wenya Wang, Jintao Wang, Weizhong Chen, Zhixiang Yang, Leiyun Yang, Gang Li, Xinyu Liu, Haifeng Zhang, Zhongqiang Qi, Yongfeng Liu, Yuqiang Liu, Ping Wang, Muxing Liu, Zhengguang Zhang

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae poses a major threat to world food supply. Conditions conducive to the disease include insufficient light. Our previous studies found that light-dependent phosphorylation of light-harvesting complex II protein (LHCB5) mediates rice immunity; however, the underlying mechanisms, in particular, the upstream regulators of LHCB5 phosphorylation, remain unknown. Here, we show that OsLIKE1 functions as a lectin receptor-like kinase (LecRLK) to play a critical role in rice resistance against M. oryzae. OsLIKE1 interacts with and phosphorylates LHCB5. In addition, we find two phosphorylation sites in the kinase domain of OsLIKE1 important for its auto-phosphorylation and phosphorylation …

Presenteeism Among Health Care Personnel With Covid-19, James C. Crosby, Eliezer Santos Leon, Brian Chinnock, Karisa K. Harland, Anusha Krishnadasan, Nicholas M. Mohr, Ian D. Plumb, Melissa Briggs Hagen, Kelli Wallace, David A. Talan, Project Prevent Network, Anne Zepeski, Tracy Young, Howard A. Smithline, Lilly C. Lee, Stephen C. Lim, Et Al

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE: Presenteeism-defined as continuing to work during an illness-poses a public health risk in the workplace and is especially hazardous within health care institutions where vulnerable patients may be exposed to nosocomial infections. Understanding the frequency and characteristics of health care personnel (HCP) who report presenteeism while ill with COVID-19 may help mitigate SARS-CoV-2 spread in hospitals and other health care institutions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of presenteeism among HCP with symptomatic COVID-19, and to evaluate the demographic, occupational, and clinical factors associated with it. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is an observational cohort study that uses data from …

Acute Gastropericardial Fistula With Cardiac Tamponade And Septic Pericarditis Due To Helicobacter Pylori–Induced Gastric Ulcer Perforation, Stephen J. Bordes, Christopher D. Oubre, Preethi H. Kanumuri, Nicholas Leblanc, Richard Lewis, Thomas Marsden, Terry Stelly

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Advancing Peptide-Based Vaccines Against Candida: A Comparative Perspective On Liposomal And Synthetic Formulations, Hong Xin

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

The growing threat of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens, especially Candida auris, has underscored the need for effective antifungal vaccines. This commentary highlights recent advances in peptide-based vaccination using the SNAP (Spontaneous Nanoliposome Antigen Presentation) platform, focusing on the FM-SNAP vaccine, a bivalent liposomal formulation targeting the surface-expressed peptides fructose bisphosphate aldolase (Fba) and methionine synthase (Met6). Compared to earlier constructs such as MP12, FM-SNAP achieves superior immunogenicity and long-lasting protection at lower antigen doses. It elicits balanced Th1/Th2 cytokine responses and demonstrates durable efficacy in both immunocompetent and complement-deficient mouse models. The platform's compatibility with clinically approved adjuvants (MPLA and QS-21), …

Complete Genome Sequence Of Rothia Mucilaginosa D1, A Genetically Amenable Strain, Hemendra P. Dhaked, Isabella Andonie, Bo Yang, Vinayka M. Joshi, Zezhang T. Wen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Rothia mucilaginosa D1. Unlike many other strains that have been sequenced, R. mucilaginosa D1, a clinical isolate, is genetically amenable. The complete sequencing of the genome provides potential for further studies on the genetics and pathophysiology of this emerging pathobiont.

Should We Subtype Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia In Gastric Biopsies, A Single Institution's Experience, Haibo Wang, Yu Liu, Asra Feroze, Zengying Wu, Jonathan D. Somma, Zhiyan Fu

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is considered a risk factor for gastric dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. While surveillance endoscopies are often performed, particularly for incomplete GIM, the clinical value of histologic subtyping (complete, incomplete, or mixed) remains unclear. This study evaluated the progression risk of different GIM subtypes diagnosed through random gastric biopsies and their association with various clinical factors. Archived pathology data from 206 gastric biopsy cases were analyzed, including 52 negative controls, 56 complete GIM, 54 incomplete GIM, and 44 mixed GIM. Histologic slides were reviewed for subtype confirmation and other pathological changes; clinical data were extracted from medical records. …

Genome Sequence Of Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei G277-1.1, A Clinical Strain That Forms Enhanced Biofilms With Streptococcus Mutans, Xiaochang Huang, Hemendra Pal Dhaked, Yihong Li, Zezhang T. Wen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei G277-1.1 was isolated from dental plaque of a patient with severe early childhood caries. It forms synergistic biofilms with Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Here, we report its high-quality genome sequence, revealing insights on its inter-species interaction with S. mutans.

Synergistic Cefiderocol-Containing Antibiotic Combinations Active Against Highly Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Patient Isolates With Diverse Resistance Mechanisms, Justin Halim, Andrew P. Keane, Jeannete Bouzo, Tope Aderibigbe, Jessica A. Chicola, Katie T. Nolan, Keertana Jonnalagadda, Jason X. Tran, Valerie J. Carabetta

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen known for rapidly developing resistance to nearly all antibiotics, including last-line agents. Cefiderocol, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, has shown in vitro activity against A. baumannii and is now used clinically, but resistance is emerging. Data on cefiderocol-based antibiotic combinations are limited.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the in vitro activity of cefiderocol alone and in combination with other antibiotics against XDR and PDR A. baumannii clinical isolates, and to explore resistance mechanisms underlying cefiderocol synergy.

METHODS: We tested 21 XDR/PDR clinical isolates and one NDM-1-producing strain using broth microdilution and checkerboard assays with cefiderocol and …

Bcg Vaccine-Induced Innate And Adaptive Pulmonary Immunity Correlating With Protective Efficacy Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis In The Lungs, Mayank Khanna, Alistair J. Ramsay

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Effective prophylaxis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) requires greater understanding of immune correlates of protection. With renewed interest in BCG as an Mtb vaccine, particularly via the intravenous (IV) route, our objective was to characterize both innate and adaptive immune correlates of vaccine-induced pulmonary immunity as potential biomarkers for protective efficacy in a murine model of Mtb infection. Methods: Mice were given BCG via different routes and some boosted with recombinant virus constructs encoding Mtb Ag85B. Responding innate lymphoid cell (ILC) populations, T cells and B cells were analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) for surface markers and by …

Case Report: Sarcina Ventriculi, A Masquerade Of Motility, Katherine Westbrook Cates, Catherine Hudson

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Sarcina ventriculi is a rare bacterium that has the potential to cause severe disease in the gastric mucosa. According to our search, there are less than 100 prior published case reports. This case discusses a 69-year-old man who presented to the hospital with severe gastric distention noted on CT of the abdomen with intractable nausea and emesis, for which endoscopy was performed and ruled out gastric outlet obstruction, with biopsies resulting as S. ventriculi. This bacterium has previously been reported to cause gastric dysmotility, as well as severe side effects including gastric perforation.

Sex-Dependent Differences In Cardiac Function And Strain In Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy, Anna J. A. Webb, Bea O. Cabot, Aasish Chowdary, Wilhelm S. Smith, Benjamin Zeidler, Cortland H. Johns, Craig J. Goergen

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat many types of cancer. While effective, doxorubicin can cause cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle. Although the effects of doxorubicin on the heart are well studied, the mechanisms leading to cardiomyopathy are not well understood. Previous studies have used murine models to study the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin. These reports showed that cardiac dysfunction is more pronounced in male compared to female mice. The goal of this study is to further evaluate sex differences in doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy using 4-dimensional strain mapping techniques. In this study, both female and male C57Bl/6J mice …

Current Trends In Clinical Trials For Merkel Cell Carcinoma (Mcc), Tilak Patel, Rachel Butz, Brian Boulmay, Vilija Vaitaitis

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The treatment of MCC has historically involved surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; however, current clinical trials are investigating immunotherapies, intratumoral injections, and combination therapies to improve outcomes. This review explores the current trends in clinical trials for MCC, highlighting recent advances in management.

Comprehensive Resolution And Classification Of The Epstein Barr Virus Transcriptome, Truong D. Nguyen, Jia Wang, Meggie T. Lam, Harris Mcferrin, Tina M. O’Grady, Claire Roberts, Nicholas Van Otterloo, Trang T. Nguyen, Melody Baddoo, Dorota Wyczechowska, Maria Morales, Yan Dong, Erik K. Flemington

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Virus genomes harbor compacted repertoires of genes and regulatory elements. Through long-read sequencing, we provide a comprehensive Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transcriptome analysis, identifying 1453 transcript isoforms and resolving the major isoform of all but one lytic reading frame. Further, we categorize each transcript according to their dependence on viral DNA replication. We show that the late gene viral preinitiation complex, vPIC also activates early promoters/genes, we identify active alternate promoters with distinct dependencies on viral DNA replication, we discover biphasic promoters with embedded features of both early and late promoters. Genetic and chromatin interaction studies identify an enhancer function …

Distinct Echinocandin Responses Of Candida Albicans And Candida Auris Cell Walls Revealed By Solid-State Nmr, Malitha C. Dickwella Widanage, Kalpana Singh, Jizhou Li, Jayasubba Reddy Yarava, Faith J. Scott, Yifan Xu, Neil A.R. Gow, Frederic Mentink-Vigier, Ping Wang, Frederic Lamoth, Tuo Wang

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Invasive candidiasis affects 1.6 million people annually, with high mortality among immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. Echinocandins are frontline antifungals, but rising resistance limits their efficacy. Here, we show that Candida albicans and multidrug-resistant Candida auris share a conserved cell wall architecture yet differ markedly in their adaptive responses to echinocandins. Solid-state NMR reveals that both species possess a rigid inner layer of tightly associated chitin microfibrils and β−1,3-glucans, supported by a flexible matrix of β−1,6-glucans and additional β−1,3-glucans. Outer mannan fibrils rely on α−1,2-linked sidechains to maintain contact with the inner wall. In both species, caspofungin rigidifies β−1,6-glucans and mannan …