Short Bio
My name is Melvin Pagán. I am from Añasco, Puerto Rico; I obtained my industrial microbiology baccalaureate degree from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. I like to watch movies, see sports and hang out with my friends and family. I aspire to pursue a PhD as I am aiming to be a future researcher and professor in academia. I am using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to investigate the roles of gadB and yjeM in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from wild Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on their contribution to GABA biosynthesis and its effects on bacterial and host phenotypes
A fun fact or hobby: I like “arroz con gandules” but not so much “arroz con habichuelas“
Research
Mentor:
Imilce Rodríguez Fernández, PhD
Co-mentor:
n/a
Project Title:
Functional Analysis of GABA-Associated Genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Using CRISPR/Cas9CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Reporter Knock-ins in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to Evaluate GABA Function
Project Description:
This project aims to identify and disrupt the gadB and yjeM genes in a wild L. plantarum strain using CRISPR/Cas9. These genes are involved in GABA production and export. By generating targeted knockouts, we will assess the impact on bacterial traits (e.g., growth, biofilm formation) and explore potential effects on Drosophila behavior, contributing to our understanding of microbe-host interactions mediated by neuroactive compounds.