The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Our research interests center on host-pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on the physiology and genetics of theBacilluscereusgroup species:B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax;B. thuringiensis, a Lepidoptera pathogen; andB. cereus, a food-poisoning agent and opportunistic pathogen of humans. These species are endemic soil bacteria with complex signaling pathways for lifestyles within and outside of host organisms. They are developmental microbes and cell state plays a key role in bacterial survival and transmission. The genome sequences and overall physiology of theB. cereusgroup species are remarkably similar. A few crucial differences, some related to plasmid content, others associated with key regulatory genes, result in the distinct diseases caused by these bacteria. We are focused on molecular mechanisms controlling expression of secreted virulence factors ofB. anthracis. The model for virulence gene control inB. anthracisis of growing complexity and includes numeroustrans-acting regulators. The most critical and far-reaching is AtxA, a pleotropic regulator that affectsB. anthracisphysiology in host and non-host environments. AtxA is the archetype for an emerging family of transcriptional regulators that are controlled by thephosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system, a central processing circuit that allows adaptation to changes in availability of specific carbon sources. The technical repertoire of our laboratory includes molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, and animal models for infection. Tutorial students are matched with a senior student or postdoctoral fellow to complete a project involving nucleic acid methods, genetic screens and selections, protein purification, gene expression assays, and/or microscopy.

PubMed

McGovern Medical School Faculty

Koehler Lab

教育和培训

Ph.D. - University of Massachusetts - 1987

Research Info

B. cereus group species: genetics, physiology and host interactions

Programs

• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases