Title: Chemotaxis signal relay in controlling leukocyte trafficking in inflammation and cancer
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ji-Ming Wang
Time: 2014-11-18 (Tuesday), 8：30 - 10：00
Location: Conference Room (2208), College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering
Abstract
Leukocyte accumulation at the sites of inflammation and immune responses is the key event in host defense against pathogenic insults. The accumulation is mediated by G-protein coupled seven transmembrane receptors (GPCRs) expressed on the cell surface that recognize pathogen- and host-derived chemotactic ligands present in the form of concentration gradients in local microenvironment. Dr. Ji Ming Wang’s laboratory studies the role of chemoattractant GPCRs in disease and discovered several “chemotaxis signal relay” models for leukocyte trafficking in different pathological conditions. His laboratory also discovered an unorthodox role of a GPCR, FPR2, in the regulation of colon mucosal homeostasis, inflammation and tumorigenesis. These discoveries emphasize the importance of GPCRs in disease progression and as potential pharmacological targets.