The impact of air pollutants on respiratory virus stability and infection
Airborne pollutants adversely impact host health by damaging respiratory tissue and negatively modulating immune response, leading to worsening disease symptoms. Additionally, they also facilitate the transmission and entry of respiratory viruses into host cells. Gaseous pollutants like ground-level ozone and nitrogen dioxide have been observed to increase the expression of cell surface receptors for rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus entry. Ozone has been observed to upregulate the secretion of proteases that cleave the influenza A virus surface protein, hemagglutinin (HA), a process that is necessary for the initiation of influenza infection. Although many studies highlight the role that air pollutants play in enhancing viral infection and replication within the host, there is a scarcity of available information on how these pollutants affect viral stability during transit in the air from one infected individual to another. The objective of this project is to determine the effect of gaseous air pollutants on the stability of respiratory viruses in the environment and subsequently, their impact on infection.
During this project, the student will work with the following respiratory viruses: influenza viruses, a human coronavirus, a human rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Airborne pollutants of interest will be nitrogen oxides and ozone in aqueous phase. Prior experience with virus work is not required, and the student will be adequately trained to work in a biosafety level-2 environment. However, prior experience in aerosol and environmental chemistry will be an asset. The student will learn how to conduct kinetics experiments and calculate viral decay as a function of pollutant concentration. The student will also be trained in mammalian cell culture techniques and PCR.
Contact information: Vidhi Dholakia ([email protected])
Comparative Analysis of Bioaerosol and Waterborne Microbial Communities in Alpine Lakes
This project aims to compare the microbial communities present in bioaerosols and water samples from alpine lakes, providing insights into the sources, dispersal mechanisms, and ecological roles of microbes in these unique ecosystems. Alpine lakes are sensitive indicators of environmental change due to their isolation, pristine conditions, and rapid response to climatic fluctuations. Microbes play critical roles in these ecosystems, influencing nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and primary production. However, the interactions between airborne microbial communities and those in aquatic environments remain poorly understood. This project explores this under-studied relationship, which is crucial for predicting the impact of climate change and pollution on sensitive alpine environments.
The candidate will engage in comprehensive fieldwork, collecting bioaerosol samples using different air samplers and water samples from various depths and locations within alpine lakes. You will learn and apply advanced laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, purification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing using next-generation sequencing platforms to characterize bacterial communities. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) will be used to quantify the microbial biomass, while tools such as QIIME2 and R Studio will be used to process sequencing data and statistical and multivariate analyses will be applied to compare microbial diversity and composition, identifying factors influencing community structure and function. Fieldwork will involve multiple trips to selected alpine lakes, capturing temporal variations in microbial communities and fostering skills in environmental sampling, logistical planning, and sample preservation.
This project will contribute to a deeper understanding of microbial life in alpine ecosystems, linking atmospheric and aquatic microbial communities and offering new perspectives on microbial dispersal and ecological connectivity in mountainous regions. The research will inform predictions on how alpine microbial ecosystems might respond to future environmental changes and aid in developing strategies to preserve these fragile environments. By engaging in this project, the candidate will develop a diverse skill set in molecular biology, microbiology, field research, and data analysis, preparing them for a successful career in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology.
Contact information: Dr. Anna Carratalà ([email protected])