Core Members: Christina Guzzo, Rene Harrison, Mauricio Terebiznik, Bebhinn Treanor, Yan Wang
Research Focus: “Emerging Pathogens” as Environmental Stressors
Christina Guzzo is virologist with expertise in host-pathogen interactions, particularly in the pathogenesis and control of HIV-1 infection. Her research characterizes novel antiviral targets on the HIV virus and host immune responses to infection, utilizing in vitro and ex vivo infection assays with pseudoviruses and clinical viruses, respectively. Christina operates the only containment level 3 facility for work with live, infectious viruses at UTSC.
Rene Harrison is a cell biologist with expertise in vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton and electron and advanced fluorescent imaging. Rene works on bone cells but her strength within this group is her interest in pathogen modulation of cell function. She has experience in Salmonella typhimurium, Mycobacterium marinum as well as Chlamydia trachomatis infections and impacts on host cells.
Mauricio Terebiznik is a microbiologist who is currently working on Salmonella, Legionella pneumophila and Helicobacter pylori infections. Mauricio is also particularly interested in host cell manipulation by pathogens and is also trained in cell biology and advanced imaging to address these problems.
Bebhinn Treanor is another PI with strong ties to this group. Bebhinn is an experienced cell biologist with advanced microscopy expertise. Also, she has a strong grounding in immunology and will contribute this knowledge to the group as well as to undergraduate teaching.
Yan Wang is a Mycologist with expertise in host-microbe interactions. Yan particularly uses insects and microbial fungi (e.g., Zoopagomycota) to study host specificity and the evolution of pathogenicity. His group utilizes both microscopy and comparative genomic approaches to understand the boundary between commensals and pathogens