Meeting Schedule

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Meeting Minutes 5/5/09 Meeting Minutes (pdf) (click) 5/1/08 Meeting Minutes (pdf) (click) 5/4/07 Meeting Minutes (pdf) (click) 5/11/06 Meeting Minutes (pdf) (click) 5/5/05 Meeting Minutes (pdf) (click) 4/27/04 Meeting Minutes (pdf) (click) Annual Meeting WHEN: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 12:00 Noon WHERE: SUNY Old Westbury, National Science Building, Room S100 LECTURE: Immune suppression by parasitoid wasps of D. melanogaster: studies on virus-like particles, virulence, and genome expression analysis LECTURER: Dr. Jorge Morales INFORMATION: D. melanogaster has a primitive but powerful innate immune system consisting of humoral and cellular components. Cellular immune responses are mediated by plasmatocytes that carry out phagocytosis, crystal cells that mediate melanization, and lamellocytes which encapsulate large parasites. Encapsulation is a major defense of Drosophila larvae against eggs from parasitoid wasps. Parasitoid wasps, however, have evolved to either suppress or avoid encapsulation. For instance, infection by the wasps Leptopilina heterotoma or L. victoriae, eliminates activated plasmatocytes and lamellocytes. Virus-like particles (VLPs) produced by L. heterotoma mediate the lysis of lamellocytes and consequently suppress encapsulation. Avirulent strains of wasps, such as L. boulardi-G486, are less successful at parasitizing Drosophila, and their VLPs do not cause lamellocyte lysis. Our main goals are (1) To understand the nature of humoral and cellular immune responses of D. melanogaster infected by parasitoid wasps differing in the degree and mechanisms of virulence. (2) To understand virulence mechanisms adapted by these wasps, the structure of their VLPs, and to determine, how virulence factors disrupt host defense responses. We have described the biogenesis and fine structure of previously undescribed VLPs found in L. victoriae, which are similar to the VLPs found in L. heterotoma. In vitro, these VLPs induce the lysis of lamellocytes. Purified VLPs contain at least 4 major proteins. Interestingly, the most abundant protein, p47.5 in L. victoriae, cross reacts with polyclonal antisera raised against the most abundant protein in L. heterotoma VLPs (p40). Immuno-EM staining localizes these proteins to VLP surfaces. Significantly, anti-p40 antibodies block lamellocyte lysis induced by either L. heterotoma or L. victoriae VLPs. Finally, a comparison of changes in global gene expression patterns of D. melanogaster larvae in response to L. heterotoma versus L. boulardi infection reveals significant differences, both in the number and nature of genes. These differences in gene expression patterns will provide clues into the molecular mechanisms of virulence and immune suppression used by parasitoid wasps. FOOD: lunch and beverages Radiation Safety Training INFORMATION: This lecture will be of interest to all those who are involved in the use, handling, and storage of radioactive isotopes. ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. This important Safety Training Lecture is intended for all faculty/staff and students who are working with or around radioactive isotopes. Every person who handles, or works around radioactive material must be trained in the proper handling techniques, storage and usage methods, as well as be aware of any and all safety issues. WHEN: Friday, April 24, 2009, 12:00 noon WHERE: Natural Sciences Building, Lecture Rm S230 LECTURER: Edward O'Connell, from SUNY Stony Brook’s Radiation Protection Services will be presenting this informative lecture. Mr. O’Connell is an Ass't Clinical Professor in the School of Health Technology and Mgmt, a NY State licensed Medical Health Physicist, has an MS in Radiological Science + MS In Industrial Management + Stony Brook School of Professional Development "Certificate in Occupational Heath and Safety”, Certified Health Care Safety Professional (CHSP), Certified Hazardous Controls Manager (CHCM), Stony Brook University Radiation Safety Officer FOOD: Refreshments are being provided by the Polytech/SUNY Old Westbury Sigma Xi Chapter