Viral Genome Annotation and Comparative Genomics through Evolutionary Processes with Denis Jacob Machado

09/08/21 • 47 min

How can we view evolution through comparative genomics? By understanding how viruses and various organisms have evolved, new views of world issues can be gained. Listen up to learn:

How long have specific viruses been known to us
Why complex roads are hard to find and valuable to use
How specific mutations arise from zoological resources

Denis Jacob Machado, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares his work with viruses and attempting to model and annotate genomics to understand them better.

Even though humans may have been affected by viruses similar to what we face today, our ability to detect them has grown exponentially. Through research and phylogenetic analysis, we can begin to see clues as to how all of these subjects relate.

Through this better understanding, we may be able to more quickly and effectively respond to future threats. With continued research into how mutations can pose a threat in the future, there is even hope to prevent situations like the one in which we find ourselves today.

For more information, visit about.me/machadodj. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

How can we view evolution through comparative genomics? By understanding how viruses and various organisms have evolved, new views of world issues can be gained. Listen up to learn:

How long have specific viruses been known to us
Why complex roads are hard to find and valuable to use
How specific mutations arise from zoological resources

Denis Jacob Machado, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares his work with viruses and attempting to model and annotate genomics to understand them better.

For more information, visit about.me/machadodj. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Previous Episode

Immunotherapy Techniques and Finding Solutions for Battling Inflammation Throughout the Body with Peter Keller

How can revolutionary findings in immunotherapy lead to better treatment for individuals who have cancer? With new biotechnology solutions, there is hope for ease of pain and inflammation in many areas of the body. Press play to learn:

How the immune system differentiates between cells.
Why T-reg Cells lose their ability to maintain function
How doses are determined for each individual.

Peter Keller, the Co-founder and CEO of Monopteros Therapeutics, shares his experience finding solutions for inflammation and bettering the field of immunotherapeutics.

T-regulatory cells are prone to eventually losing their immune capability and instead promote inflammation within the tumor. By reprogramming these cells, many ailments can be treated, including autoimmune disorders.

While the initial results from clinical trials are promising, there are still many limitations. In addition, since treatment is only effective in around 20% of tested patients with solid tumors, the development of further techniques lies on the near horizon.

Visit monopterostx.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Next Episode

How Does Cancer Spread (Metastasize) to Other Parts of the Body and how to Prevent it?

How can cancer metastasis be better understood through the study of the microbiome? By understanding how the microenvironment reaches its most beneficial state, researchers can better understand and treat metastasis. Press play to learn:

How can cells metastasize into various parts of the body
Which factors play a role in metastasis
Why cancers have tropisms

Sendurai A. Mani, a Professor, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, shares his work to better understand metastasis in cancerous tumors.

Since one of the most dangerous aspects of cancer is its ability to travel throughout the body, it is in researchers' and patients' best interest to discover why. This can be difficult, though, since cancer cells break the norm of normal cells.

It can be challenging to distinguish single cancer cells from normal cells since they excrete the same protein. However, by explicitly studying the microenvironment, it may be easier to differentiate the cells for studies.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/mani-laboratory.html. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C