The oral cavity is a unique environment, with large numbers of bacteria in close contact with host cells; including immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages and resident cells such as fibroblasts and epithelial cells. One group of bacteria associated with chronic periodontal disease are the oral spirochetes. My laboratory focuses on how these bacteria and their bacterial products (such as membrane proteins and outer membrane vesicles) are able to modulate host cell responses. We utilize a variety of techniques to study the bacterial effect on host cell migration, cytoskeleton and cytokine response along with other cell functions.
Disciplines: Microbiology, Oral Biology, Cell biology, Immunology, Dentistry
Student Skill-Set Needed: Previous laboratory experience required. Students should have basic biology or biomedical understanding
Compensation: Academic Credit, Volunteer, Work Study
Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Website:
https://dental.buffalo.edu/departments/oral-biology/research/research-areas/immunology-and-innate-defenses/visser.html
For further information on this opportunity, or to apply, contact:
Faculty Member: Michelle Visser
Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Oral Biology
Office: Foster Hall, Room 320
Phone: 829-3943
Email: mbvisser@buffalo.edu