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SUMMARY:A Tale of Two Sigmas\; It was the best of times\, it was the worst
  of times…with Fasciola. - Dr Russ Morphew\, The Institute of Biological
 \, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS)\, Aberystwyth University
DTSTART:20210210T160000Z
DTEND:20210210T170000Z
UID:TALK154573@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Fiona Roby
DESCRIPTION:Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease of grazing livestock and a
  threat to global food security through reduced production in sheep\, goat
 s and cattle. Moreover\, the zoonotic parasite is also a re-emerging food 
 borne threat to human populations. In the absence of vaccines and limited 
 anthelmintic options new control methods are urgently required. Previously
 \, we have reported the identification of a Sigma class glutathione transf
 erase (GST)\, a Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D synthase\, from Fasciola hep
 atica (FhGST-S1) with confirmed prostaglandin synthase activity and immune
 -modulation via suppression of Th17 responses in host dendritic cells. Fol
 lowing initial vaccine trials FhGST-S1 immunisation reduced liver patholog
 y and thus represents a useful addition to future cocktail vaccines. It is
  likely FhGST-S1 exerts its immunomodulatory effects through secretion as 
 we provide evidence for FhGST-S1 as an integral surface component of relea
 sed extracellular vesicles (EV).  More recently\, we have discovered a sec
 ond sigma class GST (FhGST-S2) utilising a bioinformatics lead approach. G
 iven the immunomodulatory roles of FhGST-S1\, understanding the function o
 f FhGST-S2 is of significant interest.  At present we have demonstrated an
  increased activity towards reactive aldehyde compared to FhGST-S1 suggest
 ing a role in protection from lipid peroxidation. To further understand Si
 gma class GSTs from Fasciola we have begun to investigate FhGST-S1 protein
 -protein interactions using a novel imaging ellipsometry approach potentia
 lly offering diagnostic potential.\n
LOCATION:Venue to be confirmed
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