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Molecular Dynamics Insights into the Structure and Function of Bacterial O-antigen Ligase in a Native-like Membrane Environment and the Association Between Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Body Fat and Weight Status in School-aged Children in St. John’s NL: Milk Study

Monday, Feb. 2, 1-2 p.m.

CSF-1302

Hello Everyone,

You are warmly invited to attend the upcoming seminar on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Please find the details below.

 

February 2nd, 2026

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

CSF-1302

 

 

The direct link for the meeting is: 

https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=mbf53dab50c8300feb31e8ae93e50c572 

 

Speaker:  Alain Mutangana (PhD student from Dr. Katie Wilson’s lab)

 

Title: Molecular Dynamics Insights into the Structure and Function of Bacterial O-antigen Ligase in a Native-like Membrane Environment

 

Abstract: 

Gram-negative bacteria pose a major global health threat due to increasing antibiotic resistance. They possess a unique outer membrane that is also the first point of contact for antibiotics. The outer leaflet of the outer membrane is predominantly composed of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an essential glycolipid molecule critical for bacterial survival and virulence. The inner membrane protein O-antigen ligase (WaaL) catalyzes the final step of LPS biosynthesis, making it an attractive target for novel antibiotics. However, our understanding of WaaL function remains limited. This project characterizes WaaL structure across four drug-resistant pathogens including E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. Using computational structure prediction and molecular dynamics simulations, we aim to characterize the structure and substrate-binding events of WaaL. Future work will also focus on studying the reaction mechanism and possibly designing potential inhibitory drugs. This research provides foundational knowledge to support and accelerate the development of novel antibiotics targeting LPS biosynthesis in drug-resistant bacteria.

 

Speaker: Jacob Hearty (MSc student from Dr. Zahra Farahnak’s lab)

Title: The Association Between Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Body Fat and Weight Status in School-Aged Children in St. John’s NL: Milk Study

 

Abstract: 

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern, increasing the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Milk and dairy products are important sources of high-quality protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development, yet consumption has declined in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), where childhood overweight and obesity rates are the highest in Canada (46.1%). Understanding how dairy intake relates to body fat can provide insight for nutrition strategies in this region. This study described patterns of milk and dairy consumption in children aged 6–12 years and examined trends in body fat across different levels of dairy energy intake. Secondary objectives included exploring potential influences of age, sex, pubertal status, and socioeconomic factors on dairy intake and body composition. Participants completed 3-day 24-hour diet diaries and a dairy habit survey. Anthropometric measures and body composition, including height, weight, waist and hip circumference, grip strength, and fat mass percentage, were collected using bioelectrical impedance (TANITA MC-780U Plus). Mean body fat percentage was 24.8 ± 6.7% (range 17.8–34.3%) and median daily dairy energy intake was 701.8 kcal/day (IQR 504.3-817.5 kcal/day; range 137.9-1135.5 kcal/day). Body fat varied across intake groups: low dairy intake (<500 kcal/day) averaged 25.95%, moderate intake (500–800 kcal/day) 23.8%, and high intake (>800 kcal/day) 25.2%. These descriptive trends suggest a potential threshold where moderate dairy intake may support lower body fat, while very high intake may contribute excess calories without additional benefit. These observations provide preliminary insights into dairy consumption and body fat patterns in school-aged children and may inform targeted nutrition programs aimed at promoting healthy growth and preventing childhood obesity. Further research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these trends and better understand the role of dairy in childhood body composition.

 

All are welcome to attend. Please mark your calendars and join us for these exciting presentations.

Presented by Department of Human Biosciences

Event Listing 2026-02-02 13:00:00 2026-02-02 14:00:00 America/St_Johns Molecular Dynamics Insights into the Structure and Function of Bacterial O-antigen Ligase in a Native-like Membrane Environment and the Association Between Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Body Fat and Weight Status in School-aged Children in St. John’s NL: Milk Study Hello Everyone, You are warmly invited to attend the upcoming seminar on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Please find the details below.   February 2nd, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  CSF-1302     The direct link for the meeting is:  https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=mbf53dab50c8300feb31e8ae93e50c572    Speaker:  Alain Mutangana (PhD student from Dr. Katie Wilson’s lab)   Title: Molecular Dynamics Insights into the Structure and Function of Bacterial O-antigen Ligase in a Native-like Membrane Environment   Abstract:  Gram-negative bacteria pose a major global health threat due to increasing antibiotic resistance. They possess a unique outer membrane that is also the first point of contact for antibiotics. The outer leaflet of the outer membrane is predominantly composed of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an essential glycolipid molecule critical for bacterial survival and virulence. The inner membrane protein O-antigen ligase (WaaL) catalyzes the final step of LPS biosynthesis, making it an attractive target for novel antibiotics. However, our understanding of WaaL function remains limited. This project characterizes WaaL structure across four drug-resistant pathogens including E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. Using computational structure prediction and molecular dynamics simulations, we aim to characterize the structure and substrate-binding events of WaaL. Future work will also focus on studying the reaction mechanism and possibly designing potential inhibitory drugs. This research provides foundational knowledge to support and accelerate the development of novel antibiotics targeting LPS biosynthesis in drug-resistant bacteria.   Speaker: Jacob Hearty (MSc student from Dr. Zahra Farahnak’s lab) Title: The Association Between Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Body Fat and Weight Status in School-Aged Children in St. John’s NL: Milk Study   Abstract:  Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern, increasing the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Milk and dairy products are important sources of high-quality protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development, yet consumption has declined in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), where childhood overweight and obesity rates are the highest in Canada (46.1%). Understanding how dairy intake relates to body fat can provide insight for nutrition strategies in this region. This study described patterns of milk and dairy consumption in children aged 6–12 years and examined trends in body fat across different levels of dairy energy intake. Secondary objectives included exploring potential influences of age, sex, pubertal status, and socioeconomic factors on dairy intake and body composition. Participants completed 3-day 24-hour diet diaries and a dairy habit survey. Anthropometric measures and body composition, including height, weight, waist and hip circumference, grip strength, and fat mass percentage, were collected using bioelectrical impedance (TANITA MC-780U Plus). Mean body fat percentage was 24.8 ± 6.7% (range 17.8–34.3%) and median daily dairy energy intake was 701.8 kcal/day (IQR 504.3-817.5 kcal/day; range 137.9-1135.5 kcal/day). Body fat varied across intake groups: low dairy intake (<500 kcal/day) averaged 25.95%, moderate intake (500–800 kcal/day) 23.8%, and high intake (>800 kcal/day) 25.2%. These descriptive trends suggest a potential threshold where moderate dairy intake may support lower body fat, while very high intake may contribute excess calories without additional benefit. These observations provide preliminary insights into dairy consumption and body fat patterns in school-aged children and may inform targeted nutrition programs aimed at promoting healthy growth and preventing childhood obesity. Further research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these trends and better understand the role of dairy in childhood body composition.   All are welcome to attend. Please mark your calendars and join us for these exciting presentations. CSF-1302 Department of Human Biosciences