Juan E. González

Explores the role of rhizobial exopolysaccharides in biofilm formation and their importance in the symbiotic relationship with the host. Shows that the ExpR/Sin quorum-sensing system controls biofilm formation in S. meliloti through the production of EPS II, which provides the matrix for the development of structured and highly organized biofilms.

Discusses how SdiA is necessary for EHEC colonization of cattle and that AHLs are prominent within the bovine rumen but absent in other areas of the GI tract. Asesses the rumen metagenome of heifers, and we show that it is dominated by Clostridia and/or Bacilli but also harbors Bacteroidetes.

Elaborates on how the nitrogen-fixing symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti senses and responds to constantly changing environmental conditions as it makes its way through the soil in search of its leguminous plant host, Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Reveals that as a result, this bacterium regulates various aspects of its physiology in order to respond appropriately to stress, starvation, and competition.

Shows that strains carrying mutations in the De-Ley Doudoroff pathway (dgoK), have galactose-dependent exopolysaccharide (EPS) phenotypes that were manifested as aberrant Calcofluor staining as well as decreased mucoidy when in an expR(+) genetic background.

Discusses what we have learnt in recent years about the S. meliloti quorum‐sensing systems and the important regulatory roles they play in free‐living S. meliloti as well as during the host invasion process.

Shows how the ExpR/Sin quorum-sensing system induces EPS II production by increasing expression of the expG-expC operon, encoding both a transcriptional regulator (ExpG) and a glycosyl transferase (ExpC). ExpG derepresses EPS II production at the transcriptional level from MucR, a RosR homolog, while concurrently elevating expression of expC, resulting in the synthesis of the low-molecular-weight form.

Reports baseline characteristics of junior-level faculty participants in the Summer Institute Programs to Increase Diversity (SIPID) and the Programs to Increase Diversity among individuals engaged in Health-Related Research (PRIDE), which aim to facilitate participants' career development as independent investigators in heart, lung, blood, and sleep research. 

Shares a research education and mentoring initiative that seeks to address the challenge of: Programs to Increase Diversity among Individuals Engaged in Health Related Research (PRIDE), funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Discusses longitudinal research-education and mentoring programs that occur through summer institute programs located at US-based academic institutions.

Evaluates how the necessity for greater racial and ethnic diversity in the US biomedical research workforce is evident. Discusses that many challenges must be overcome to achieve this formidable goal.

Discusses how medical implants of polypropylene (PP) are commonly used in many surgical procedures to support tissues. Elaborates on previous studies regarding polypropylene meshes removed from patients and their affects.