Luis Barreiro to Deliver russell E. Marker Lectures on Evolutionary Genomics of the Human Immune System
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Luis Barreiro, a distinguished professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, is set to present the prestigious Russell E. Marker Lectures in Evolutionary Biology on February 11 and 12 at penn State University. Titled “Epigenomics from Plants to brains: Evolutionary Genomics of the Human Immune System,” the lectures will take place in Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library, and are open to the public, courtesy of the Penn State Eberly Collage of Science.
The series will feature two lectures: one tailored for a general audience and another for specialists.On Tuesday,February 11,at 3 p.m., Barreiro will present “The Eternal Tug-of-War: Humans, Pathogens, and the Evolution of Immunity.” The following day, February 12, simultaneously occurring, he will delve into “exploring Evolutionary Immunogenomics: lessons from Our Ancestors and Past Pandemics.”
Lecture Series Abstract: Unraveling the Evolutionary Tapestry of Immunity
Humans and pathogens have been locked in a coevolutionary struggle since the dawn of our species. This dynamic interplay has left indelible marks on our genome, shaping our immune responses and susceptibility to diseases. Infectious diseases, despite advancements in vaccines and antibiotics, remain a leading cause of mortality, claiming nearly 15 million lives annually.
In his lectures, Barreiro will explore how cutting-edge single-cell genomic technologies are revolutionizing our understanding of immune responses. By examining host genetic factors, natural selection, and epigenetic variation, scientists can now pinpoint pathways critical to protective immunity. This research not only explains why some populations are more susceptible to infectious diseases but also highlights the importance of capturing the full spectrum of human genetic diversity.Barreiro’s work integrates evolutionary perspectives with genomic tools to uncover how past pandemics and natural selection have shaped our immune systems. His research aims to deepen our understanding of immune function at single-cell resolution, offering insights that could inform future therapeutic strategies.
About the Speaker: A Pioneer in Evolutionary Genomics
Luis Barreiro’s academic journey began at Lusófona University in Lisbon, Portugal, where he earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in biotechnology.He later obtained his doctorate in human population genetics from the University of Paris VII in 2008. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, Barreiro served as a professor at the Université de Montréal and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine pediatric hospital center.Currently, barreiro is a professor in the Genetics division at the University of Chicago and chairs the Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology. His groundbreaking research focuses on the genetic basis of immune response variations among individuals. Key findings from his work include identifying how genetic ancestry and natural selection influence immune responses, mapping genetic variants linked to immune function, and uncovering the role of epigenetic changes in regulating innate immunity.
About the marker Lectures: A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
The Russell E. Marker Lectures were established in 1984 thru a generous endowment from Russell Earl Marker,a pioneer in organic chemistry whose work revolutionized the steroid hormone industry.Marker’s contributions laid the foundation for modern hormone therapies, including the birth control pill.
The Marker endowment enables the Penn State Eberly College of Science to host annual lectures across various disciplines, including astronomy, chemical sciences, evolutionary biology, and genetic engineering. These lectures aim to foster scientific curiosity and innovation,bringing leading researchers like Barreiro to share their insights with the public.
Key Takeaways from Barreiro’s Lectures
| Topic | Key Insights |
|———–|——————|
| The Eternal Tug-of-War | Explores the coevolution of humans and pathogens, emphasizing the genetic and evolutionary factors shaping immunity. |
| Evolutionary Immunogenomics | Highlights the role of single-cell genomics in understanding immune responses and the impact of past pandemics. |
| research Applications | Aims to expand studies to diverse populations to capture the full spectrum of human genetic diversity.|
Barreiro’s lectures promise to be a captivating exploration of the evolutionary forces that have shaped our immune systems.Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or a curious member of the public, these talks offer a unique possibility to delve into the cutting-edge science of evolutionary genomics.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the leading voices in the field. Mark your calendars for February 11 and 12, and join us at Foster Auditorium for an enlightening journey through the evolutionary history of the human immune system.
for more facts about Luis Barreiro’s research, visit his lab website or explore his faculty profile at the University of Chicago.