Title: Characterization of Helicobacter pylori's Nitric Oxide Induced HofD Outer Membrane Protein
Department: Biology
Description: Helicobater pylori is a human gastric pathogen associated with the development of both peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. It's extremely prevalent, especially in developing countries, and infects about 50% of the world's population. To initiate infection, H. pylori needs to be able to withstand the hostile gastric environment. Stomach acid and host immune responses, such as nitric oxide, normally kill pathogens. Conversely, these signals turn on genes in H. pylori and allow for it to colonize. H. pylori is able to sense environmental changes in the stomach because it utilizes two component systems (TCS). CrdRS is a H. pylori TCS that responds to nitric oxide. HofD, a relatively uncharacterized outer membrane protein, has been shown to be regulated by CrdRS in previous studies conducted by the Forsyth lab. This project focuses on HofD and explores its function. As an outer membrane protein, how could HofD protect H. pylori from nitric oxide? By studying HofD, information regarding the pathogenesis of H. pylori could be provided and possibly assist in the development of new antibiotic treatments.
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia
Advisor: Mark Forsyth
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