Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr. Carlyon
Dr. Carlyon an Assistant professor at VCU in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Education: 
Dr. Carlyon received his B.S. and Ph.D. from VCU. He then completed postdoctoral scholarly activities and Associate Research Scientist duties at Yale University. Dr Carlyon Spent three years as Assistant Professor at University of Kentucky College of Medicine in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. He has since returned to his alma mater for research studies in the VCU Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Professional Memberships 1994-present Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science2001-present Member, American Society for Microbiology2001-present Member, American Society for Rickettsiology2007 Ad hoc reviewer, NIAID Host Interactions with Bacterial pathogens Study Section, SRA: Dr. Marian Wachtel
A growing concern in the United States and other developing countries is the spread of a fairly recently emerged human pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A. phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a potentially fatal tick-transmitted disease recently discovered in the mid-nineties. A. phagocytophilum is a most unusual pathogen in that it invades neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell whose primary role is to ingest and destroy invading microorganisms.Dr Carlyon`s interest and impressive knowledge of intracellular pathogens has culminated in a journey of discovery of how A. phagocytophilum binds to PSGL-1, a specific glycoprotein receptor on the neutrophil surface as well as mechanisms by which A. phagocytophilum subverts and avoids neutrophil killing machinery. Dr Carlyon was gracious to step us through the entire process during his interview.He alluded to the fact that because they understand how this pathogen binds to its target receptor, he and his research team are able to use PSGL-1-modeled probes to capture and identify bacterial surface proteins called adhesins that facilitate A. phagocytophilum binding and invasion of neutrophils.They ultimately hope to be able to move to the next step of treating the resulting negative ramifications, and looking to other host – pathogen interactions for their causative reactions and possible cures as well. As Dr. Carlyon stated and I repeated in the completion of the interview, it is with his knowledge and the cooperation of many other researchers and their labs that the science is able to more forward at such a pace. By working together, compiling their research, and utilizing grant money, these researchers have been able to make breakthroughs that astound all while adding such prolific knowledge to society. “That is the Beauty of Science�. Listen to Dr Carlyon and get a look at the astounding complexity of the host-pathogen interactions between Anaplasma phagocytophilum and neutrophils.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
