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Yeast
infection is a common and persistent threat to human health. The
fundamental mechanism towards the control of yeast infection involves
understanding how human neutrophils interact with yeasts at the single
cellular level. Specifically, we have developed a new technique that can
measure the adhesive strength between a neutrophil and either a single
yeast cell, or a linear growth of a string of yeast cells called a hyphe.
The technique is micromanipulation, as illustrated in a highly visible
recent publication from the host laboratory (Tsang et al, PNAS, 2006,
103:5764). The two-pipet micromanipulation technique is adaptable for the
proposed new application.
The selected
undergraduate student will learn how to grow yeasts and handle human
neutrophils (not advisable for an immune compromised person), as well as
how to operate an optical microscope and the attached micromanipulation
device. The student will also learn how to calibrate the force constant of
micro-capilleries using an atomic force microscope. The host lab offers
one-on-one training on laboratory skills and close interaction with
several other student researchers. By the end of the summer research, the
student is expected to have acquired publication level findings including
values of the adhesion strength under various biochemical conditions, and
be able to present his/her reseult to the community of researchers in the
field, as well as a broader public audience. |
