Exploring the Protective Capacities of Colon Epithelial Cells Against Foodborne Microbes

Author

Dikshanta Vinaya Luitel, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

7-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Nirakar Sahoo

Second Advisor

Veerachandra Yemmireddy

Third Advisor

Robert K. Dearth

Abstract

Chapter I: In this chapter, we have dived into the mechanism of xenophagy with recent findings in literature. We focus on each step of xenophagy, from how the bacteria is sensed to how it is degraded by the xenophagy machinery. In addition, we explore how different proteins are involved in the xenophagy cascade and highlight the role of lysosomes in the process.

Chapter II: In this chapter, we explored the defensive mechanism of gastric epithelial cells against Listeria innocua. Utilizing immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, western blot and cell infection assay, we first show that cells could successfully respond to L. inncoua invasion by increasing autophagosome count and lysosome biogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the xenophagy response is dependent on the activation of the lysosome ion channel. Additionally, we show that the calcium-calcineurin pathway plays a crucial role in facilitating TFEB translocation.

Chapter III: In this chapter, we demonstrated that repeated exposure of L. innocua to benzalkonium chloride and its subsequent impact on the xenophagy response of gastric epithelial cells. By employing techniques like confocal microscopy and western blot, we found variations in xenophagy response to different generations of pre-exposed L. innocua.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Dikshanta Vinaya Luitel. https://proquest.com/docview/3117285414

Recommended Citation

Luitel, Dikshanta Vinaya, "Exploring the Protective Capacities of Colon Epithelial Cells Against Foodborne Microbes" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1541.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1541