-
Teaching metabolomics: a UAB outreach to researchers in sub-Saharan Africa
Janusz Kabarowski, Ph.D, is playing an important role in a metabolomics initiative.
-
$2 million investment boosts UAB biomedical spinoff
A $2 million investment is the latest step forward for the biomedical startup CNine Biosolutions LLC, which is headed by former University of Alabama at Birmingham postdoctoral fellow Theresa Schein, Ph.D., and retired UAB microbiology professor Scott Barnum, Ph.D. This funding comes from a Denver angel investor group.
Read More... -
7th Annual Southeastern Immunology Symposium
The UAB School of Medicine held the 7th Annual Southeastern Immunology Symposium (SIS) on June 16 and 17 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and Medical Forum. This year's meeting was organized by Dr. Fran Lund. The primary goal of the meeting is to bring together researchers throughout the South and Southeastern US who are learning to harness the power of the immune system in order to protect us from infections and cancer as well as a host of other chronic autoimmune, allergic and inflammatory diseases. Click hereto view the photo gallery. Photo credit: Dustin Massey
-
A T-cell stimulatory protein and interleukin-10 synergize to prevent gut inflammation
-
AAPI Heritage Month, Part 2: Garnering inclusivity through celebration
-
Advantages of intranasal vaccination against SARS-CoV2
-
Birmingham Medical News features Lund and West’s efforts to address inflammation and chronic disease
Inflammation becomes a surprising common feature, not only in chronic immune disease, but also in chronic neurological disease.
-
Briles named winner of the 2016 Dean’s Excellence Award in Diversity Enhancement
Eleven outstanding faculty members were named recipients of the 2016 Dean’s Excellence Awards, an honor recognizing exceptional contributions made by School of Medicine faculty in service, teaching, research, diversity enhancement and mentorship.
-
Congratulations to Microbiology’s newest full professor: Dr. Carlos Orihuela
Written by Stefan Tuomanen
The department of Microbiology is proud to announce Dr. Carlos J. Orihuela’s promotion to full professor as of October 1st.
Dr. Orihuela enthusiastically joined UAB in 2015 as a tenured associate professor whose research is focused on the many host-pathogen interactions associated with invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Drawn to UAB as a result of a career-long respect for the University’s innumerable contributions to this area of study, Dr. Orihuela has thus far been highly successful in both his scientific and educational endeavors. -
COVID Conversations: Ellen Eaton and Fran Lund
-
Crohn’s disease patients have specific IgG antibodies to human bacterial flagellins
-
David Briles retiring from UAB, after 43 dedicated years
A member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine Faculty since 1978, David Briles, Ph.D., has been a trailblazer in the field of Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine development and pathogenesis.
-
Dr. Hubert Tse on National Diabetes Awareness Month
A part of the UAB family for over 12 years, Hubert Tse, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Microbiology, is an expert in diabetes research. Tse’s research interests in Microbiology include understanding the immunological mechanisms involved in Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and islet transplantation rejection. Tse has been published in several peer-reviewed publications, including Journal of Immunology, Immunohorizons, and Diabetes, and has received a number of grants, awards, and honors.
-
Dr. Louis Justement presents 2020 FASEB Public Service Award to Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of Nathional Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, accepted the 2020 FASEB Public Service Award March 24, 2022. FASEB President Patricia Morris and Past President Louis Justement presented the award. The award presentation was delayed due to COVID-19. FASEB's Public Service Award, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding conributions to the cause of biomedical or biological research through their work in government, public affairs, the media, the law, the arts, or related fields. -
Dr. Ubil Faculty Spotlight
By Stefan Tuomanen
Welcome to another UAB Faculty spotlight. This month we are featuring Dr. Eric Ubil, PhD, MBA.
-
Faculty nominees for the 2021 Argus Awards announced
-
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Beatriz León-Ruiz
Written by Stefan Tuomanen
This month we have the pleasure of featuring Assistant Professor Beatriz León-Ruiz in our faculty spotlight. Dr. León-Ruiz has been an influential member of UAB Microbiology since 2012, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then joining the faculty a year later. Since then, she has made numerous advances in understanding the roles dendritic cells play in directing the T Helper 2 (Th2)-driven immune response; in particular differentiating the behavior of these cells in infants compared to adults.
-
First 3-D view of TB granulomas alters paradigm of their shape and formation
-
Forbes names UAB one of Best Employers for Diversity
-
GBS students present at 2017 David E. Wells Memorial Symposium
The UAB Department of Microbiology hosted the inaugural David E. Wells Memorial Symposium on December 14, 2017. The event kicked off with talks by five selected graduate students in the Department of Microbiology who competed for the David E. Wells Scholarship. The students (pictured below from left to right) are Tyler Stewart (Novak/Renfrow labs), Michael Schultz (Lund lab), Anukul Shenoy (Orihuela lab), Danielle Chisolm (Weinmann Lab) and Johua Justice (Thompson lab). The student presentations were followed by the keynote presentation entitled "Genomic control mechanisms that establish T-cell identity", which was presented by Dr. Ellen Rothenberg, Albert Billings Ruddock Professor of Biology at California Institute of Technology. This was the first symposium held in memory of Dr. David E. Wells, a former graduate student in the UAB Department of Microbiology. Family members of Dr. Wells were in attendance for this special event including Dr. Kathy Hancock, who was married to Dr. Wells. Dr. Hancock presented Joshua Justice with the David E. Wells Scholarship at the close of the symposium.
-
Genetic clues to kidney disease uncovered
Using international genomic studies backed by proof-of-concept cell experiments, researchers have identified two genes that contribute to the chronic kidney disease glomerulonephritis.
This provides new genetic clues to understanding IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune kidney disease that commonly causes kidney failure. The findings are relevant to IgA nephropathy and other diseases with similar underlying molecular defects, such as inflammatory bowel disease, certain types of blood disease and cancer.
“Very little is known about the causes of IgA nephropathy, genetic or otherwise, so our discovery represents an important step toward developing better therapies for this disease,” said lead author Krzysztof Kiryluk, M.D., the Herbert Irving Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columba University Medical Center. -
Grad student Josh Justice wins Ellen Fanning Memorial Award at ASM meeting
Josh Justice in Dr. Sunnie Thompson's lab won “The Ellen Fanning Memorial Award for generating discussion" at the ASM meeting on Viral Manipulation of Nuclear Processes in Charleston, SC on December 3-6.
-
Graduate students awarded AMC21 program scholarship to advance biomedical research
-
Intranasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows sterilizing immunity in preclinical tests
-
January 2019 Faculty Spotlight: Meet our new Education Coordinator, Dr. Heather Bruns
By Stefan Tuomanen
Welcome to the first Faculty Spotlight of 2019. We have a unique profile this month for one of the newest members of UAB, Associate Professor and Education Coordinator Dr. Heather Bruns.
-
Judd: Alabama does not have high enough immunity to eradicate SARS-CoV-2
-
Justement named President of the Society for Leukocyte Biology
Louis Justement, Ph.D., professor in UAB’s Department of Microbiology, has recently assumed the role of President of the Society for Leukocyte Biology (SLB) as of Jan. 1, 2024.
Founded in 1954, the SLB is a global community of researchers and clinicians who study the critical role of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the immune response.
-
Kearney is the 2016 AAI-BioLegend Herzenberg Award recipient
-
Keynote Lectureship established to honor Briles
-
Leon-Ruiz’s early career continues to heighten with asthma research
“Having a good mentor early in one’s career can mean the difference between success and failure in any career,” said Beatriz León-Ruiz, assistant professor of Microbiology at UAB. In 2008, her most impactful mentorship began when León-Ruiz joined the lab of Frances Lund, Ph.D., (now chair of the UAB Department of Microbiology), in New York as a postdoctoral associate at Trudeau Institute.
Majoring in defense: UAB’s new Undergraduate Immunology Program
It doesn’t matter whether you live in Beverly Hills or a Brazilian favela — every human being is only a few inches away from disaster. From birth to death, on our arms, legs and everywhere else, each of us carries microbes that would love to get under our skin and reproduce, with potentially fatal results. A paper cut, an insect bite, an untimely rubbing of the eyes — it takes very little for bacteria, viruses and other invaders to get inside and start wreaking havoc.
MALDI Mass Spectrometry Now at UAB
MALDI--matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization--imaging mass spectrometry is now available to researchers at UAB. Drs. Stephen Barnes and Janusz Kabarowski used the tissue imaging method in their recent research "Early lipid changes in acute kidney injury using SWATH lipidomics coupled with MALDI tissue imaging."
Max D. Cooper Endowed Immunology Travel Award helping further the education and training of students focused in the field of immunology
Dr. Preeyam Patel, a recipient of the 2015 Max D. Cooper Endowed Immunology Travel Award, presented at the International Congress of Immunology in Melbourne Australia last month on how antibodies to phospholipid epitopes can inhibit the interaction of house dust mite with phosphorylcholine-specific receptors on antigen-presenting cells in the lung.
McDaniel’s research expedition in the Netherlands
Melissa McDaniel, Ph.D.Melissa McDaniel, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the UAB Department of Microbiology, is preparing for an upcoming year of groundbreaking research at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
Her work revolves around the complex world of polymicrobial infections and the fascinating dynamics that shape the outcomes of chronic diseases.
Meet Our Pioneering Immunology Educator, Dr. Louis Justement, PhD.
By Stefan Tuomanen
Our profile this month introduces one of the best educators in Immunology: Dr. Louis Justement, Ph.D. Dr. Justement trained at Ohio State University in the Department of Microbiology, specializing in Immunology, and at the National Jewish Medical Research Center, in Denver, where his research focused on understanding the cellular and molecular processes that regulate aspects of B cell biology.
Memory killer T cells are primed in the spleen during influenza infection
Mentorship, research and volunteer experiences helped shape UAB graduate with medical school plans
Micro researchers involved in studies reporting a new quality-control checkpoint in developing B cells that may affect vaccine responses.
Micro researchers involved in studies reporting a new quality-control checkpoint in developing B cells that may affect vaccine responses.
Microbiology Faculty Elected to Senate
Congratulations to Allan Zajac (Senator) and Jamil Saad (Alternate Senator) for their elections to 2 year terms on the Faculty Senate.
Microbiology postdoc recognized for excellence
Shannon Kahan, a posdoc in in Dr. Allan Zajac’s lab and recent recipient of the state’s only American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship, knocked it out of the park during the Office of Postdoctoral Education and Postdoctoral Association celebration...
Microbiology ranks 8th in NIH funding for 2020
Microbiology welcomes new faculty member
Meet Jessica Scoffield, Ph.D., a microbiologist that studies the role of commensal bacteria in polymicrobial pulmonary and oral infections. Dr. Scoffield's research has led to the discovery of novel mechanisms used by commensal bacteria that interfere with the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug resistant pathogen that causes deadly lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Microbiology’s Dokland named ASM Distinguished Lecturer
Terje Dokland, Ph.D., of the University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Microbiology, has been named an American Society for Microbiology Distinguished Lecturer for 2017-2019. Dokland, a UAB associate professor, studies the structural biology of viral assembly and bacterial pathogenicity, using tools like cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.
Beginning July 1, he will join a group of scientifically diverse lecturers who speak at American Society for Microbiology Branch meetings throughout the United States. Frances Lund, Ph.D., UAB chair of Microbiology, called Dokland’s appointment “a national honor.”
New virologist joins Microbiology
By Stefan Tuomanen
Welcome to the October Faculty Spotlight. This time we are featuring new Assistant Professor, Dr. Carrie B. Coleman.
Next Generation Innovators: Pittman Scholars Program spotlights early-career researchers
Recruitment is only one part of building a top-tier academic research program—you must also retain the innovative scientists who are already part of your team. The James A. Pittman Jr., M.D., Scholars program was launched in 2015 to recognize the contributions of junior faculty who are in the early stages of their careers.
Niederweis elected to fellowship in the AAM
Dr. Michael Niederweis, Professor of Microbiology, has been elected to Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM). According to the AAM "over the last 50 years, 2,500 distinguished scientists have been elected to the Academy. Fellows are elected through a highly selective, annual, peer review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. A Committee on Elections, consisting of Fellows of the Academy who are elected by the membership, reviews all nominations for Fellowship and recommends to the Board of Governors what action should be taken. Each elected Fellow has built an exemplary career in basic and applied research, teaching, clinical and public health, industry or government service. Election to Fellowship indicates recognition of distinction in microbiology by one’s peers. Over 200 Academy Fellows have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, while many have also been honored with Nobel Prizes, Lasker Awards, and the National Medal of Science".
Pore-forming Esx proteins mediate toxin secretion by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Press release from Microbiology’s 2019 lay writing workshop
The microbiology department held a three day writing seminar for UAB students and postdoctoral employees in May 2019. The purpose of which was to teach graduate students and post‐docs how to effectively communicate science to a lay audience. The department invited Dr. Nicki LeBrasseur, the senior director of scientific communications at DNA Communications to instruct the on and off campus portions of the course. The students were tasked with writing a press release on an assigned paper and were given feedback. Sara Stoner (Scoffield lab) participated in the workshop and her article featuring Dr. Gray's research is below.
Press release from Microbiology’s lay writing workshop
The microbiology department held a three day writing seminar for UAB students and postdoctoral employees on May 14-16, 2018. The purpose of which was to teach graduate students and post‐docs how to effectively communicate science to a lay audience. The department invited Dr. Nicki LeBrasseur, the senior director of scientific communications at DNA Communications to instruct the on and off campus portions of the course. The students were tasked with writing a press release on an assigned paper and were given feedback. Rachel Andrews (Wolshendorf’s lab) participated in the workshop and her article featured below reviews “The roles of SaPI1 proteins gp7 (CpmA) and gp6 (CpmB) in capsid size determination and helper phage interference.” by Damle PK et al.
S. pneumoniae sticks to dying lung cells, worsening secondary infection following flu
School of Medicine tops $269 million in NIH funding for 2020
Science goes viral: Reviewing a year of historic research
Scott named 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Enrichment Program Fellow; synthesizes work in science and equity
Second press release from Microbiology’s 2019 lay writing workshop
The microbiology department held a three day writing seminar for UAB students and postdoctoral employees in May 2019. The purpose of which was to teach graduate students and post‐docs how to effectively communicate science to a lay audience. The department invited Dr. Nicki LeBrasseur, the senior director of scientific communications at DNA Communications to instruct the on and off campus portions of the course. The students were tasked with writing a press release on an assigned paper and were given feedback. Dominik Herrmann (Saad lab) participated in the workshop and his article featuring Dr. Thompson's research is below.
Stealth pig cells may hold the key to treating diabetes in humans
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers are exploring ways to wrap pig tissue with a protective coating to ultimately fight diabetes in humans. The nano-thin bilayers of protective material are meant to deter or prevent immune rejection.
The ultimate goal: transplant insulin-producing cell-clusters from pigs into humans to treat Type 1 diabetes.The tuberculosis pathogen releases its toxin by a novel protein transport system
Three UAB faculty members selected as fellows by world’s largest general scientific society
Faculty members from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences and School of Medicine have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals.
Charles Amsler, Ph.D., professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biology, Steven Austad, Ph.D., distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Biology, and David Briles, Ph.D., professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Microbiology and Department of Pediatrics, are UAB’s three representatives in the 2016 class of AAAS fellows.Two Faculty Honored for Years of Service
Drs. Peter Prevelige (20 years) and Janet Yother (25 years) are among the more than 1,000 UAB employees to be honored during the annual Service Awards Program at the DoubleTree Hotel Heritage Banquet room on March 4.
UAB Biomarker beats gold standard in detecting brain shunt infections
In a study of children with brain shunts at Children’s of Alabama, a University of Alabama at Birmingham investigational biomarker outperformed the current “gold standard” test for detecting bacterial infections in the shunts.
UAB immunology leader speaks at Unite To Cure — the Fourth International Conference in The Vatican
Frances Lund, Ph.D., has been invited to the Fourth International Vatican Conference, “Unite To Cure: How Science, Technology and 21st Century Medicine Will Impact Culture and Society,” which meets in Vatican City this week. Read more...
UAB Microbiology "an environment any would seek to have an exciting start to their career"
March Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jamil Saad, PhD
By: Stefan Tuomanen
We are delighted to feature Dr. Jamil Saad. In March, we spoke with Dr. Saad about his work using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) in projects as broad as probing the mechanisms of HIV pathogenicity as well as finding molecular determinants of apoptosis.UAB researchers are part of a $3 million award to learn how to better treat lupus in Black patients
UAB School of Medicine Immunology Institute announced; provides new avenues for discovery science
UAB’s new Immunology Institute provides new avenues for discovery
Undiagnosed and untreated disease identified in rural South Africa
Vaccination of newborn mice with bacteria suppresses asthma as adults
The hygiene hypothesis proposes that a 20th century surge in allergies and asthma is because people are living in increasingly hygienic environments. Rather than the rural farm life of the agricultural 19th century, families live in urban and suburban communities, have fewer children who can exchange infections, bathe and wash their hands more frequently, and use antibiotics excessively. This all means reduced infant exposure to microbes that would have tempered excessive immune reactions, such as asthma, later in life.
Weinmann honored at promotion reception
Faculty and staff from the School of Medicine gathered Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the promotion of 22 women faculty, 10 of whom had earned the title of full professor and 12 who attained the rank of associate professor...
When COVID-19 came calling, UAB researchers were prepared