Herman Cortes
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PROJECT ONE: Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) immune cells express a family of immune-type receptors, named Leukocyte Immune-Type Receptors (LITR). These receptors are currently being characterized and are now known to be involved in classic immune cell responses such as phagocytosis (as in macrophages) and degranulation (as in mast cells). My research is in understanding the intracellular signaling mechanisms of LITR-mediated cell effector functions.
PROJECT TWO: Nanoparticles are chemical substances smaller than 200 nm and are common components of industrial and household materials, such as paint and even sun tan lotion. These particles may be normally safe or somewhat toxic at larger sizes but can exert greater toxic effects at nano sizes. The toxicity of nanoparticles is an emerging field so little is known about the harmful effects, if any, of these particles on teleost fish. My research is in understanding the toxicological effects of nanoparticles on catfish immune cell responses.
Publications
HD Cortes, BC Montgomery, K Verheijen, E García-García and JL Stafford.
"Examination of the stimulatory signaling potential of a channel catfish
leukocyte immune-type receptor and associated adaptor." Developmental and Comparative Immunology 34 pp. (Accepted June 7, 2011).
BC Montgomery, HD Cortes, J Mewes-Ares, K Verheijen, and JL Stafford. "Teleost IgSF immunoregulatory receptors." Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 39 pp. (Accepted March 23, 2011).
Contact Information
Herman Cortes, Research Assistant
Lab: BS Z-509
Office: BS Z-517
Phone: (780) 492 – 9258
Email: hdc2@ualberta.ca
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Last Modified:2011-06-21 |