Research

Our laboratory is concerned with the identification and characterization of structural gene products of yersiniae and related pathogenic bacteria that are involved in the expression of virulence. Interests consist of determining the role of plague V antigen as an anti-inflammatory agent and cytokine modulator, defining the regulatory roles of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on expression of V antigen and co-regulated virulence factors (Yops), and resolving the significance of Yop posttranslational degradation in mediating acute versus specific disease processes.

Another research interest is analyzing mechanisms used by yersiniae for uptake and especially storage of iron in vivo. In this context, emphasis is placed on defining the structure and function of hemin-binding functions found to provide resistance to processes of oxygen-dependent killing. Additional interests include elucidation of the relationship between lipopolysachharide structure and resistance to complement and the correlation between plasminogen activation and Yop activation.

Publications

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