Crystal Jaing profile

Crystal Jaing

Genomics Group Leader

PLS / BBTD / Biosciences, Biotechnology

Email

Biography

My research focuses on developing innovative technologies to rapidly identify and characterize new and emerging pathogens. I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams from academia, industry and government agencies to develop and apply genomics technologies to solve problems in biosecurity, agricultural security, biosurveillance and public health.  An example of the technology we developed is the Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA), which provides comprehensive and rapid microbial detection for more than 12,000 species of microbes. The LLMDA won an R&D 100 award in 2017. Further applications of the LLMDA include drug safety, food safety, biodefense, public health and the analysis of microbes from the International Space Station—a NASA-funded project in which I served as principal investigator to evaluate the potential for pathogenic microbes that could cause health problems for astronauts. 

Education

  • Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • B.S. Chemistry, NanKai University, Tianjin, China
  • Certificate in Business Management for Technical Personnel, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Publications

2024 1 publication

2023 1 publication

  • Drocco, J., K. Halliday, B. Stewart, S. Sandholtz, M. Morrison, J. Thissen, N. Be, C. Zwilling, R. Wilcox, S. Culpepper, A. Barbey and C. Jaing (2023). "Efforts to enhance reproducibility in a human performance research project [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]." F1000Research 12(1430). https://f1000research.com/articles/12-1430/v1

2022 5 publications

  • Kimbrel, J.; Moon, J.; Avila-Herrera, A.; Martí, J.M.; Thissen, J.; Mulakken, N.; Sandholtz, S.H.; Ferrell, T.; Daum, C.; Hall, S.; Segelke, B.; Arrildt, K.T.; Messenger, S.; Wadford, D.A.; Jaing, C.; Allen, J.E.; Borucki, M.K. Multiple Mutations Associated with Emergent Variants Can Be Detected as Low-Frequency Mutations in Early SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Clinical Samples. Viruses 2022, 14, 2775. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122775
  • Thissen JB, Morrison MD, Mulakken N, Nelson WC, Daum C, Messenger S, Wadford DA, Jaing C: Evaluation of co-circulating pathogens and microbiome from COVID-19 infections. PLOS ONE 2022, 17(12):e0278543. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278543
  • McGowan, J., Borucki, M., Omairi, H., Varghese, M., Vellani, S., Chakravarty, S., Fan, S., Chattopadhyay, S., Siddiquee, M., Thissen, J.B., Mulakken, N., Moon, J., Kimbrel, J., Tiwari, A.K., Taylor, R.T., Kang, D.-W., Jaing, C., Chakravarti, R., Chattopadhyay, S. SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Wastewater Reveals Novel Variants and Biomarkers of Infection. Viruses 2022, 14, 2032. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14092032
  • Urbaniak, C., Morrison, M.D., Thissen, J.B. Karouia F., Smith D.J., Mehta S., Jaing, C., Venkateswaran K. Microbial Tracking-2, a metagenomics analysis of bacteria and fungi onboard the International Space Station. Microbiome 10, 100 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-022-01293-0
  • Avila-Herrera, A., J. B. Thissen, N. Mulakken, S. A. Schobel, M. D. Morrison, X. Zhou, S. F. Grey, F. A. Lisboa, D. Unselt, S. Mabery, M. M. Upadhyay, C. J. Jaing, E. A. Elster and N. A. Be (2022). Metagenomic features of bioburden serve as outcome indicators in combat extremity wounds. Scientific Reports 12(1): 13816. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16170-x

2021 2 publications

2020 5 publications

2019 3 publications

  • Allen J and Jaing C. (2019) Profiling microbial communities with shotgun metagenomics. Notices of the American Mathematical Society, 66 (9): 1498-9. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1090/noti1960/.
  • Martin, E., Borucki, M.K., Thissen, J., Garcia-Luna, S., Hwang, M., Wise de Valdez, M., Jaing, C.J., Hamer, G.L., Frank, M., 2019. Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Insect-Specific Viruses Revealed in Field-Collected Mosquitoes by a Monitoring Tool Adapted from a Microbial Detection Array. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 85, e01202-01219. https://aem.asm.org/content/aem/85/19/e01202-19.full.pdf
  • Thissen, J.B., Be, N.A., McLoughlin, K., Gardner, S., Rack, P.G., Shapero, M.H., Rowland, R.R.R., Slezak, T., Jaing, C.J., 2019. Axiom Microbiome Array, the next generation microarray for high-throughput pathogen and microbiome analysis. PLOS ONE 14, e0212045. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212045

2018 6 publications

2017 4 publications

2016 6 publications

2015 2 publications

  • Jaing, C., Thissen, J.B., Gardner, S., McLoughlin, K., Slezak, T., Bossart, G.D. and Fair, P.A. Pathogen Surveillance in Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 2015, 116(2):83-91. DOI: 10.3354/dao02917.
  • Jaing CJ, Thissen JB, Gardner SN, McLoughlin KS, Hullinger PJ, Monday NA, Niederwerder MC, Rowland RRR. Application of a pathogen microarray for the analysis of viruses and bacteria in clinical diagnostic samples from pigs, J Vet Diagn Invest, 2015, 27(3): 313-325. DOI: 10.1177/1040638715578484.

2014 10 publications

  • Tellez J, Jaing C, Wang J, Green R, Chen M: Detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in human lymphoma tissue by a novel microbial detection array. Biomarker Research. 2014, 2:49. DOI: 10.1186/s40364-014-0024-x
  • Be N, Thissen J, Fofanov V, Allen J, Rojas M, Golovko G, Fofanov Y, Koshinsky H, Jaing C. Metagenomic Analysis of the Airborne Environment in Urban Spaces. Microbial Ecology. 2014. 1-10. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00248-014-0517-z
  • Be N, Allen J, Brown T, Chromy B, Eldridge A, Luciw P, Forsberg J, Kirkup B, Elster E, and Jaing C. Molecular profiling of combat wound infection through microbial detection microarray and next-generation sequencing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2014. 52: 2583-2594. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00556-14
  • Wolfe DN, Heppner DG, Gardner SN, Jaing C, Dupuy LC, Schmaljohn CS, Carlton K. Current Strategic Thinking for the Development of a Trivalent Alphavirus Vaccine for Human Use. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2014. DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0055
  • Gardner SN, Jaing CJ, Elsheikh MM, Pena J, Hysom DA, Borucki MK. Multiplex degenerate primer design for targeted whole genome amplification of many viral genomes, Advances in Bioinformatics, 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/101894
  • Devault, A.M., Jaing, C., Gardner, S., Porter, T.M., Enk, J., Thissen, J., Allen, J., Borucki, M., DeWitte, S.N., Dhody, A.N.Poinar, H.N. Ancient pathogen DNA in archaeological samples detected with a Microbial Detection Array. Scientific Reports. 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep04245
  • Thissen JB, McLoughlin K, Gardner S, Gu P, Mabery S, Slezak T, Jaing C. Analysis of sensitivity and rapid hybridization of a multiplexed Microbial Detection Microarray. J Virol Methods, 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2014.01.024
  • Hewitson L, Thissen JB, Gardner SN, McLoughlin KS, Glausser MK, Jaing CJ. Screening of Viral Pathogens from Pediatric Ileal Tissue Samples after Vaccination. Advances in Virology. 2014:10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/720585
  • Szi Fei Feng, Crystal Jaing, James B Thissen, Christopher Wang, Paul Duncan. Modeling an Approach To Define Sensitivity of Viral Detection in Sample Matrices--Examples with Microarray Readout. PDA journal of pharmaceutical science and technology / PDA 11/2014; 68(6):589-94. DOI:10.5731/pdajpst.2014.01011
  • Broad-spectrum Viral and Bacterial Pathogen Detection by Microarrays. K. McLoughlin, C Jaing, S. Gardner, N. Be, J. Thissen and T. Slezak. Microarrays: Current Technology, Innovations and Applications, p229-237, edited by Zhili He. Caister Academic Press, Norfolk, UK. 2014

2013 7 publications

  • Microarray Used As a Tool for Pathogen Detection. L. Erlandsson, M. W. Rosenstierne, K. McLoughlin, C. Jaing & A. Fomsgaard. 2013. Sequence and Genome Analysis II – Bacteria, Viruses and Metabolic Pathways. ISBN: 978-1-480254-14-5. iConcept Press. www.iconceptpress.com/download/paper/12050720561815.pdf
  • Gardner SN, Jaing CJ. Bioinformatics for microbial genotyping of equine encephalitis viruses, orthopoxviruses, and hantaviruses. J Virol Methods. 2013. 193:112-120. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.04.019
  • Gardner SN, Thissen JB, McLoughlin KS, Slezak T, Jaing CJ. Optimizing SNP microarray probe design for high accuracy microbial genotyping. J Virol Methods 2013. 94:303-310. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2013.07.006
  • Paradžik M, Bučević-Popović V, Šitum M, Jaing C, Degoricija M, McLoughlin K, Ismail S, Punda-Polić V, Terzić J. Association of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) with bladder cancer in Croatian patients. Tumor Biology 2013. 1-6. DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1079-2
  • Zapata J, Poonia B, Bryant J, Davis H, Ateh E, George L, Crasta O, Zhang Y, Slezak T, Jaing C, Pauza C, Goicochea M, Moshkoff D, Lukashevich I, Salvato M. An attenuated Lassa vaccine in SIV-infected rhesus macaques does not persist or cause arenavirus disease but does elicit Lassa virus-specific immunity. Virology Journal 2013. 10:52. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-10-52
  • Be NA, Thissen JB, Gardner SN, McLoughlin KS, Fofanov VY, Koshinsky H, Ellingson SR, Brettin TS, Jackson PJ, Jaing CJ. Detection of Bacillus anthracis DNA in Complex Soil and Air Samples Using Next-Generation Sequencing. PLoS ONE 2013. 8:e73455. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0073455
  • Chromy B, Eldridge A, Forsberg J, Brown T, Kirkup B, Jaing C, Be N, Elster E, Luciw P. Wound Outcome in Combat Injuries is Associated with a Unique Set of Protein Biomarkers. Journal of Translational Medicine, 2013, 11:281. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-11-281

2011 2 publications

  • Jaing C, Gardner S, McLoughlin K, Thissen J and Slezak T, Detection of adventitious viruses from biologicals using a broad spectrum Microbial Detection Array, PDA J Pharm Sci Technol, 2011, 65(6):668-674.
  • Erlandsson L, Rosenstierne MW, McLoughlin K, Jaing C, and Fomsgaard A. The Microbial Detection Array Combined with Random Phi29 Amplification used as a Diagnostic Tool for Virus Detection in Clinical Samples. PLoS ONE, 2011, http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0022631,.

2010 3 publications

2008 1 publication

  • Jaing C, Gardner S, McLoughlin K, Mulakken N, Alegria-Hartman M, Banda P, Williams P, Gu P, Wagner M, Manohar C, and Slezak T. A functional gene array for detection of bacterial virulence elements. PLoS ONE, 2008, http://www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0002163

2006 1 publication

  • Zhao S, Edwards J, Carroll J, Wiedholz L, Millstein RA, Jaing C, Murphy DL, Lanthorn TH, Holmes A. Insertion mutation at the C-terminus of the 5-HT transporter disrupts brain 5-HT function and emotional behavior in mice. Neuroscience, 140: 321-34, 2006.

2003 2 publications

  • Friddle CJ, Abuin A, Ramirez-Solis R, Richter LJ, Buxton EC, Edwards J, Finch RA, Gupta A, Hansen G, Holt KH, Hu Y, Huang W, Jaing C, Key BW Jr, Kipp P, Kohlhauff B, Ma ZQ, Markesich D, Newhouse M, Perry T, Platt KA, Potter DG, Qian N, Shaw J, Schrick J, Shi ZZ, Sparks MJ, Tran D, Wann ER, Walke W, Wallace JD, Xu N, Zhu Q, Person C, Sands AT, Zambrowicz BP. High-throughput mouse knockouts provide a functional analysis of the genome. Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol. 68:311-5, 2003.
  • Zambrowicz BP, Abuin A, Ramirez-Solis R, Richter L, Piggott, J, Beltrandelrio, H, Buxton E, Edwards J, Finch R, Friddle C, Gupta A, Hansen G, Hu Y, Huang W, Jaing J, Key B, Kipp P, Kohlhauff B, Ma Z, Markesich D, Payne, R, Potter D, Qian N, Shaw J, Schrick J, Shi Z, Sparks MJ, Van Sligtenhorst, I, Vogel, P, Walke W, Xu N, Zhu Q, Person C, Sands. WNK1 kinase deficiency lowers blood pressure in mice: A gene-trap screen to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. A. Proc. Natl. Amer. Sci.100:14109-14,2003.

1999 3 publications

  • Li J, Sugimura K, Boado RJ, Lee H, Zhang CJ, Dubel S and Pardridge WM. Genetically engineered brain drug delivery vectors - Cloning, expression and in vivo application of an anti-transferrin receptor single chain antibody-streptavidin fusion gene and protein. Protein Engineer.12: 787-796, 1999.
  • Boado RJ, Li J, Nagaya M,Zhang CJ and Pardridge WM. Selective expression of the large neutral amino acid transporter at the blood-brain barrier. Proc. Natl. Amer. Sci.96:12079-12084, 1999.
  • Zhang J, Burnell J, Duamual N and Bosron WF. Human liver hCE-1 catalyzes meperidine hydrolysis. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 290:314-318, 1999.

1997 1 publication

  • Pindel EV, Kedishvili NY, Abraham TL, Brzezinski MR, Zhang J, Dean RA and Bosron WF. Purification and cloning of a broad substrate specificity human liver carboxylesterase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of cocaine and heroin. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 14769-14775, 1997.

1996 2 publications

  • Zhang J, Dean RA, Brzezinski MR and Bosron WF. Gender-specific differences in activity and protein levels of cocaine carboxylesterase in rat tissues.Life Sci. 59: 1175-1184, 1996.
  • Effects of ethanol on cocaine metabolism and disposition in the rat. Dean RA, Bosron WF, Zachman FM, Zhang J and Brzezinski MR. Metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs of abuse. (Rapaka, R. ed) NIDA, Rockville, MD, 1996.

1995 1 publication

  • Dean RA, Zhang J, Brzezinski MR and Bosron WF. Tissue distribution of cocaine methyl esterase and ethyl transferase activities: Correlation with carboxylesterase protein. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 275: 965-971, 1995.

Awards

Additional info

LLNL press articles:

  1. New Livermore detection technology used by research team in analysis of eight vaccine https://publicaffairs.llnl.gov/news/news_releases/2010/NR-10-04-03.html
  2. New LLNL detection technology identifies bacteria, viruses, other organisms within 24 hours https://publicaffairs.llnl.gov/news/news_releases/2010/NR-10-05-02.html
  3. Sea lions, harbor seals receive helping hand from LLNL technology, newly developed diagnostic device helps marine mammals https://publicaffairs.llnl.gov/news/news_releases/2010/NR-10-06-06.html
  4. Quick detection of pathogens by the thousands https://str.llnl.gov/Dec10/jaing.html
  5. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory licenses microbial detection array advance to Missouri firm https://www.llnl.gov/news/newsreleases/2012/Mar/NR-12-03-03.html
  6. A faster and cheaper method to detect agents of disease https://str.llnl.gov/april-2013/jaing
  7. Association between virus, bladder cancers detected using Lawrence Livermore technology https://www.llnl.gov/news/newsreleases/2013/Sep/NR-13-09-02.html#.UoFponeppP8
  8. Livermore Lab's microbial detection array detects plague in ancient human remains https://www.llnl.gov/news/newsreleases/2014/Mar/NR-14-03-01.html#.UxiKlxC7KF8
  9. LLNL technology detects bacterial pathogens in soldiers' combat wounds https://www.llnl.gov/news/newsreleases/2014/Jun/NR-14-06-05.html#.VBChExDislR
  10. Lawrence Livermore technology could help detect diseases in commercial swine industry https://www.llnl.gov/news/lawrence-livermore-technology-could-help-detect-diseases-commercial-swine-industry
  11. LLNL biodetection system bound for space https://www.llnl.gov/news/llnl-biodetection-system-bound-space
  12. LLNL researchers garner seven top awards for industrial inventions from R&D Magazine https://www.llnl.gov/news/llnl-researchers-garner-seven-top-awards-industrial-inventions-rd-magazine
  13. Lab researchers recognized for accomplishments in early and mid-career https://www.llnl.gov/article/42686/lab-researchers-recognized-accomplishments-early-mid-career
  14. Microbiome research takes flight  https://str.llnl.gov/2018-01/jaing
  15. New biological detection system can provide faster, less expensive results for veterinarians https://www.llnl.gov/news/new-biological-detection-system-can-provide-faster-less-expensive-results-veterinarians
  16. Lab researchers, NASA find space station’s surface microbial profile resembles skin of its crew members https://www.llnl.gov/news/lab-researchers-nasa-find-space-stations-surface-microbial-profile-resembles-skin-its-crew
  17. Multi-lab research to improve COVID-19 diagnostics https://www.llnl.gov/news/multi-lab-research-improve-covid-19-diagnostics
  18. Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic https://str.llnl.gov/2021-06/rakestraw
  19. Lab microbial array used in space station study https://www.llnl.gov/news/lab-microbial-array-used-space-station-study
  20. LLNL honors 23 as Distinguished Members of Technical Staff https://www.llnl.gov/article/51411/llnl-honors-23-distinguished-members-technical-staff
Crystal Jaing | People