Presented By: Biomedical Engineering
Biomaterials and Synthetic Biology for Monitoring Immune Function
Biomedical Engineering (BME 500) Seminar Series - Aaron H. Morris, Ph.D.
Abstract:
Although the prevalence of autoimmune diseases continues to grow, monitoring these conditions remains a challenge resulting in delayed diagnosis, ineffective treatment, and ultimately increased patient morbidity. The PRecision Immune MicroEnvironments (PRIME) Lab, seeks to address this challenge by combining biomaterials and synthetic biology to create a minimally invasive toolset for monitoring immune responses within tissues. Our work on biomaterial-based immunological niches demonstrates that implantable materials enable the formation of an engineered tissue that can be biopsied to monitor multiple sclerosis (MS). These niches provide insights into the phenotype of immune cells that control disease activity, and can be used to monitor disease dynamics or to gauge the effectiveness of treatment. To move beyond biopsy, we are developing synthetic biology tools that enable detection of specific biomarkers of immune function. I will conclude my talk with a brief discussion of my planned research program that aims to leverage materials, immune engineering, and synthetic biology to build translatable tools for real-time monitoring of tissue immunity.
Bio:
Dr. Aaron Morris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, and runs the PRecision Immune MicroEnvironments Laboratory (PRIME Lab). Dr. Morris completed a B.S. in BME at Georgia Tech, followed by a Ph.D. in BME from Yale University. As a postdoc, Dr. Morris worked with Dr. Lonnie Shea at the University of Michigan to use biomaterials to interrogate the immune system during autoimmunity and with Dr. Joshua Leonard at Northwestern University to build synthetic, modular receptor systems for synthetic biology platforms. Dr. Morris’s work has been supported through a number of mechanisms including the NIH K99/R00, NSF GRFP, NIH T32, Michigan Life Sciences Institute Fellows program, and a Michigan Precision Health grant, and a TED Fellowship (check out his TED talk here if interested).
Zoom:
https://umich.zoom.us/j/91375430500
Although the prevalence of autoimmune diseases continues to grow, monitoring these conditions remains a challenge resulting in delayed diagnosis, ineffective treatment, and ultimately increased patient morbidity. The PRecision Immune MicroEnvironments (PRIME) Lab, seeks to address this challenge by combining biomaterials and synthetic biology to create a minimally invasive toolset for monitoring immune responses within tissues. Our work on biomaterial-based immunological niches demonstrates that implantable materials enable the formation of an engineered tissue that can be biopsied to monitor multiple sclerosis (MS). These niches provide insights into the phenotype of immune cells that control disease activity, and can be used to monitor disease dynamics or to gauge the effectiveness of treatment. To move beyond biopsy, we are developing synthetic biology tools that enable detection of specific biomarkers of immune function. I will conclude my talk with a brief discussion of my planned research program that aims to leverage materials, immune engineering, and synthetic biology to build translatable tools for real-time monitoring of tissue immunity.
Bio:
Dr. Aaron Morris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, and runs the PRecision Immune MicroEnvironments Laboratory (PRIME Lab). Dr. Morris completed a B.S. in BME at Georgia Tech, followed by a Ph.D. in BME from Yale University. As a postdoc, Dr. Morris worked with Dr. Lonnie Shea at the University of Michigan to use biomaterials to interrogate the immune system during autoimmunity and with Dr. Joshua Leonard at Northwestern University to build synthetic, modular receptor systems for synthetic biology platforms. Dr. Morris’s work has been supported through a number of mechanisms including the NIH K99/R00, NSF GRFP, NIH T32, Michigan Life Sciences Institute Fellows program, and a Michigan Precision Health grant, and a TED Fellowship (check out his TED talk here if interested).
Zoom:
https://umich.zoom.us/j/91375430500
Livestream Information
ZoomSeptember 1, 2022 (Thursday) 4:30pm
Meeting ID: 91375430500
Explore Similar Events
-
Loading Similar Events...
