Many bacteria take up environmental DNA in a process known as genetic transformation, which enables the cells to incorporate fitness-enhancing genes and mediates the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants. We are investigating transformation, to understand more fully how environmental DNA is taken up into the cytoplasm of competent cells. For this we are using a combination of genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and structural biology, the latter in collaboration with Dr. M. Neiditch, here at NJMS. A second project concerns the mechanism of action of the Ric complex of three proteins required for bacterial development: sporulation, biofilm formation and genetic competence. We are exploring the mechanism of Ric complex action not only in bacterial development, but importantly in the maturation of RNA transcripts encoding genes for central C and N metabolism.
Publications