Overview

The long-term goal of my research is to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of virulence determinants in meningococcal pathogenesis and understand the signal transduction pathways by which meningococci sense and interact with the host. By directly studying these issues, my group continues to provide a fuller knowledge base for the development of vaccine strategies and therapeutic interventions. Currently, we focus on a novel two-component signal transduction system shown to be a global regulator mediating the expression of meningococcal virulence determinants including the structural modification of endotoxin, iron uptake and assimilation, and protein folding machinery. Using genetic, biochemical and molecular biological strategies we hope to provide not only a broad view of the regulatory scope of this important signal transduction system, but also a detailed understanding of both the molecular regulatory mechanisms and the interaction of this network with other regulatory control of gene expression. Furthermore, efforts are also focused on identifying the host signal that activates this two-component regulatory system.

Participates in the teaching, administrative activities and conference of the Division of Infectious Diseases including lectures, interviews, journal club, case of the week and research seminars.

Academic Appointment

• Adjunct assistant professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine

Education

Research