Oyster Pathophysiology & Diseases
Disease caused by the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus
(also known as Dermo) has continuously caused severe mortality in the
oyster populations in Chesapeake Bay. To help oysters combat this
disease, the Oyster Pathophysiology Laboratory focuses on the
interactions between the oyster and the parasite by studying the
defense system of the oyster and identifying the factors contributing
to the parasite's virulence. Laboratory staff and students are also
investigating the host-parasite interaction at cellular and molecular
levels under different environmental conditions, including pollution.
By understanding the basic mechanisms of interaction between the host
and the parasite and their expression in different environments, means
to promote the host defense and to control the parasite's virulence may
be revealed.
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Principal investigator: Dr. Fu-Lin Chu