Taxonomic and Genetic Characterization of Perkinsus marinus
. Development of Mutagenesis and Gene Transfer Systems with Application to Therapeutic Strategies
How is
Perkinsus marinus able to invade its oyster host, evade detection and thus subsequent attack by the oyster’s cellular defense mechanisms? Answers to these questions may eventually make it possible to inhibit infection, bolster oyster immunity or identify the genes which confer resistance to the parasite. In this project, Gerardo Vasta is working towards determining the molecular and genetic basis for the factors which influence the Dermo-oyster relationship and enhance the disease process. Vasta is characterizing the genetic life cycle of
P. marinus and investigating proteins that it releases, proteins which disrupt the normal functioning of the oyster’s immune system. The ultimate goal is to develop chemical strategies to block the ability of the parasite to detect, enter or proliferate within the body of the oyster.
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Gerardo R. Vasta
University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute
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