In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

In the

School of Biological Sciences

Rossie Nho

Will defend her dissertation

Interdisciplinary Investigations Into Sensory Neuron Mechanisms and Modulation in Health and Disease

March 14th, 2024

12:30pm

Engineered Biosystems Building (EBB), 3029 Conference Room

https://gatech.zoom.us/j/98984164631?pwd=N0lEeEJ1MmMzKzlKVUdwNzQ1VEc1dz09

 Thesis Advisor:

Dr. Liang Han, Ph.D.

School of Biological Sciences

Georgia Institute of Technology

Committee Members:

Dr. Timothy Cope, Ph.D.

School of Biological Sciences

Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Yuhong Fan, Ph.D.

School of Biological Sciences

Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Jeffrey Streelman, Ph.D.

School of Biological Sciences

Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Sarah Chisolm, M.D.

Department of Dermatology

Emory University School of Medicine

ABSTRACT: The somatosensory system is a critical component to maintaining homeostasis, and is often one of the first responders to changes in external and internal stimuli, triggering the body to quickly mitigate any threats. However, despite continuous and significant advancements in our understanding of the somatosensory system’s role in various facets of health and disease, from skin disease to non-invasive technologies for sensory neuron manipulation, many of the complex mechanisms still remain widely unknown, which hinders novel and effective treatments that may reduce economic and health burdens. In this dissertation, I attempt to answers some of these critical question that remain unanswered by (1) investigating toxins released by S. aureus, which may be implicated in atopic dermatitis (AD), (2) conducting a function analysis of Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (Mrgpr) C11+ neurons within the vagal ganglia (VG) that innervate and contribute to the function of the airway, and (3) revealing ultrasound parameters that may be critical to FUS-induced neuromodulation. These findings reveal new avenues for research in a wide range of areas involving the somatosensory system, may provide novel tools for studying the role of the somatosensory system in facets of health and disease, and offer crucial insights for future therapeutic effort.