Research
Stem cells
Stem cells are self-renewing, developmental units capable of regeneration that can differentiate into different cell types and tissues and are considered to be fundamental units of natural selection. Because they have the potential for differentiation to multiple cell types, including immune cells and germline cells, stem cells have unique therapeutic potential and, in some organisms, including colonial invertebrates such as corals, can regenerate whole body structures many times during life. Although little is understood about stem cells within corals, the conserved function of these cells in different organisms suggests that stem cells would have regenerative capabilities in corals.
Cellular Immunity
Innate immunity and mutualistic symbiosis are two fundamentally important, connected but opposing mechanisms for survival. For the host organism, innate immunity detects and destroys foreign pathogens, while mutualistic symbiosis allows the host to interact with foreign organisms in a mutually beneficial way. To maintain mutualistic symbiosis, the innate immune system must be able to distinguish between both self and “other” and, within other, between beneficial and pathogenic.
Ctenophore Immunity
A central goal in evolutionary developmental biology is to understand how diverse animal cell types have evolved. The innate immune system, which includes immune cells and inflammatory molecules, represents the first line of defense against invading pathogens.
Coral disease and immunity
Coral disease has been increasing on reefs due to anthropogenic climate change and other human activities. This is particularly evident in the Florida Reef Tract where the recent outbreak of “Stony Coral Tissue Loss” has devastated reefs.
Environment and immunity
Anthropogenic climate change is devastating the Earth’s coral reefs, causing bleaching and increased rates of coral disease. However one area of hope for mitigating this loss lies within the coral immune system. The immune system is responsible for dictating the overall health of an organism. Incorporating immune function metrics into predictive frameworks for coral reef conservation will be crucial for accurate predictions of coral reef survival.
Coral holobiont immune processes
The coral holobiont is comprised of many different symbiotic partners including the coral host, micro-eukaryotes, prokaryotes, archaea, fungi, and dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae).