Mark S. Kuhlenschmidt
Professor and Assistant Department Head, Pathobiology
Professor, Center for Zoonoses Research
Professional Interests: Microbial adhesion, infectious diseases and complex carbohydrate biochemistry.
The long-term goals of our research are to identify pathogenic mechanisms responsible for infectious disease and to develop therapeutically effective intervention strategies. Our early studies focused on the initial recognition and adhesion events between the microbial agent and host cell in an effort to identify microbial adhesion receptors. We developed in vivo -simulating in vitro binding assays that allowed quantification of physiologically-relevant microbial adhesion as well as in vivo intestinal xenograft systems with which we could test the therapeutic efficacy of identified receptors or receptor analogues. Using this approach we identified a specific intestinal ganglioside that function as a rotavirus receptor and is capable of blocking both virus binding and infectivity of host cells in vitro and rotavirus shedding and diarrhea in vivo. Based on these data, we are now involved in collaborative basic and translational research studies aimed at identifying and delivering naturally occurring or synthetic inhibitors of rotavirus infectivity to both animals and people using a nutritional intervention strategy. The results of these studies should lead to the development of proven therapeutic drugs aimed at blocking either or both, the initial adhesive event or subsequent propagation of the virus within its host cell. Using a similar approach, we have also identified and purified a natural lipid component from bovine intestine that blocks Cryptosporidium parvum (a protozoan parasite often seen as an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients) sporozoite binding to host cells. We are currently deciphering the chemical nature and mechanism of action of this lipids and whether it is effective as a feed supplement in reducing or eliminating Cryptosporidiosis in a dairy calf animal model. In other collaborative studies, we are attempting to reduce the environmental load of waterborne Cryptosporidium oocysts from agricultural runoff. We have determined that the use of properly developed vegetative filter strips (VFS) represents an on-farm, best management practice for control of Cryptosporidium parvum runoff and watershed protection. In these studies, we also have identified the critical soil components, in association with particular types of surface vegetation that are responsible for retention of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts within VFS. The combination of these multiple prophylactic and therapeutic approaches should help reduce the incidence and disease associated with these gastrointestinal pathogens.
Selected Publications:
Andres A, Donovan, SM and Kuhlenschmidt MS (2009) Isoflavones and Virus Infections (Invited Review), J. Nutritional Biochemistry (in press).
Pineda MF, Chan LL, Kuhlenschmidt T, Kuhlenschmidt, MS. and Cunningham BT (2009) Rapid Label-Free Selective Detection of Porcine Rotavirus using Photonic Crystal Biosensors. Sensors Journal, IEEE 9: 470-477.
Liu Y, Janjaroen, D, Kuhlenschmidt MS, Kuhlenschmidt TB and Nguyen TH (2009) Deposition of Cryptosporidium Parvum Oocysts on Natural Organic Matter Surfaces: Microscopic Evidence for Secondary Minimum Deposition in a Radial Stagnation Point Flow Cell. Langmuir 25:1594-1605.
Schmidt J and Kuhlenschmidt MS (2008) Microbial Adhesion of Cryptosporidium parvum: Identification of a Colostrum-derived Inhibitory Lipid. Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology 162:32-9.
Salto, ML, Kuhlenschmidt, TB, Kuhlenschmidt, MS, de Lederkremer, RL, and Docampo R (2008) Phospholipid and glycolipid composition of acidocalcisomes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecular & Biochemical Parasitology 158(200;120–130).
Andres, A, Donovan SM, Kuhlenschmidt TB, and Kuhlenschmidt MS. (2007) Isoflavones at Concentrations Present in Soy Infant Formula Inhibit Rotavirus Infection in Vitro. J. Nutr., 137(9): 2068 - 2073.
