News & Events

When

Date - November 2, 2018
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

What

Dr. Christine Salomon
Associate Professor
Center for Drug Design
University of Minnesota
Talk Title: Tales from the underground: Searching for biocontrol treatments for white nose syndrome in bats
NOTE: This event is co-hosted by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Department of Biology

Abstract:

White nose syndrome (WNS)  is a disease of hibernating bats that is rapidly spreading across North America and causing devastating losses of bat populations.  WNS is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans which is readily spread between bats and persists in hibernation environments.  Our work is focused on identifying microbes associated with bats and on substrates in caves and mines that can inhibit P. destructans growth, sporulation and germination. The characterization of these bacterial and fungal inhibitors includes identification and testing of their antifungal secondary metabolites (natural products). We are also characterizing the microbial communities associated with bat hibernacula using non-culture dependent techniques.   Our ultimate goal is to develop a live biological control product to treat hibernacula surfaces to slow the spread and development of disease. By combining chemical, biological and ecological studies, we hope to identify the most promising inhibitors with the best chance of persistent antagonism or competition.