UC Davis scientists find a microbial molecule that restores gut and liver health

Satya Dandekar, Ph.D.

UC Davis Health researchers have discovered that a natural molecule made by gut bacteria can reverse liver damage and repair the gut lining after aflatoxin exposure. The treatment may offer a new, non-toxic way to prevent and treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing health problem affecting more than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S.

The study revealed that 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), a compound produced by Lactobacillus bacteria, successfully restored gut-liver health in mice exposed to aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxic substance made of mold commonly found in peanuts, corn and other crops. It is known to cause liver injury.

“This is the first time a single microbial molecule has been shown to repair both the liver and the gut together,” said the lead author, Satya Dandekar. Dandekar is a distinguished professor and the chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at UC Davis Health.

Learn more »

X chromosome switch offers hope for girls with Rett syndrome

Sanchita Bhatnagar, Ph.D.

Researchers led by UC Davis Health scientist Sanchita Bhatnagar have developed a promising gene therapy that could treat Rett syndrome. The therapy works on reactivating healthy but silent genes responsible for this rare disorder and possibly other X-linked conditions, such as fragile X syndrome.

Their findings were published in Nature Communications.

Learn more »

A single genetic mutation may have made humans more vulnerable to cancer than chimpanzees

Jogender Tushir-Singh, Ph.D.

New Study published in Nature Communications by senior author, Jogender Tushir-Singh an associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, ‘Evolutionary regulation of human Fas ligand (CD95L) by plasmin in solid cancer immunotherapy’

“Humans have a significantly higher rate of cancer than chimpanzees and other primates. There is a lot that we do not know and can still learn from primates and apply to improve human cancer immunotherapies,” said Tushir-Singh. “Regardless, this is a major step toward personalizing and enhancing immunotherapy for the plasmin-positive cancers that have been difficult to treat.” UC Davis Health article »

Yolo County high school students gain hands-on experience in UC Davis research labs

Internship hosted by the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology introduces teenagers to academic research

A collaboration between UC Davis and the Career Technical Education (CTE) program at local high schools is providing a unique opportunity for teenagers to learn about academic research and careers in science.

The 10-week internship started last year through a partnership between UC Davis and the Davis Joint Unified School District. Two schools were involved in the inaugural program — Davis Senior High and Martin Luther King, Jr. High. This spring, the partnership expanded to include the district’s Da Vinci Charter Academy and Esparto Joint Unified School District’s CTE program at Esparto High.

Students are mentored by faculty and staff from the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

“The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is excited to expose local high school students to educational pathways and career opportunities in our ever-important field,” said Satya Dandekar, the department chair and a distinguished professor. “We are deeply committed to nurturing curiosity, knowledge and opportunity among young learners. Connecting with our local community in this way is one of the most meaningful parts of our work and mission.”

Learn more