The Charles Epstein Distinguished Seminar Series
This seminar series, sponsored by Charlie Epstein’s family, brings eminent scientists with expertise in human genetics to present their research and meet with scientists at UCSF.
Hosts: Joseph Bondy-Denomy, PhD; Nadav Ahituv, PhD
Speaker: Rotem Sorek, PhD
Title/Position: Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics; Visiting Professor, LMU Munich
Affiliation: Weizmann Institute of Science
Website: https://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/sorek/
Talk Title: The immune system of bacteria: origin of human innate immunity
Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm PT
Location: UCSF Genentech Hall, Byers Auditorium (in-person attendance strongly encouraged)
Abstract:
The arms race between bacteria and phages led to the development of sophisticated anti-phage defense systems, collectively called the “immune system” of bacteria. A flurry of recent discoveries showed that the microbial pan-genome contains over 300 defense systems, many of which are still unexplored. The talk will present progress in understanding the mechanisms of action of new bacterial defense systems, will highlight cases in which bacterial defense from phage gave rise to key components in the eukaryotic innate immune system, and will demonstrate how phages evolved to overcome bacterial immunity.
Zoom Option:
https://ucsf.zoom.us/j/95267619089?pwd=cE5b60wOZKf1fEk0ikSTZodD7FcAIp.1&from=addon