Present
Research Interests
There are two
ongoing projects in my laboratory: identification of cellular targets
of Yersinia
pestis (plague) and generation of novel drugs through engineering
of cyclic peptide producing organisms. Each project uses molecular
biology and fungal genetics to get us to our desired goal.
Cellular
targets of Yersinia pestis (plague)
Goal: To understand the structure/function relationship of
protein toxins of Yersinia pestis responsible for inactivation of
immune cells during infection and subsequent establishment of plague.
We use a yeast model
system to identify cellular targets of YopO, YopT and YopE using the
two-hybrid system and characterization of dominant suppressors. This
work is pursued using genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical
techniques in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Engineering of cyclic peptide producing organisms
Goal: To engineer fungal strains capable of
expressing novel cyclic peptides with anti-biotic or anti-fungal
properties.
This work is pursued using genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques in multiple fungal systems.
Collaborative project with AureoGen Biosciences, Inc.
| John R. Geiser 3933 Wood Hall Department of Biological Sciences Western Michigan University 1903 West Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5410 |
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| Phone: (269) 387-5392 Lab: (269) 387-5503 FAX: (269) 387-5609 |
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| Email me! | ||
| Curriculum vitae |