Description of projects available to graduate students:
F. tularensis is a human pathogen and category A biodefense agent. The World Health Organization has estimated that 50 kg of tularemia released in the air over a city of 5 million people would result in 250,000 cases of illness and 19,000 deaths. The bacterium is capable of entering the body through multiple routes including breaks in skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the lungs. It is an intracellular pathogen capable of propagating within a number of host cells, including macrophages. We are using a wide variety of cutting-edge technologies to identify virulence factors, pathogen adaptation to different environments, and how virulent strains alter host cell function. Mutant Francisella strains are being generated and tested for virulence in vitro and in vivo. We utilize high-throughput technologies including whole genome transcriptional profiling with microarrays, multi-analyte analysis using Luminex technology, and multi-parameter flow cytometry. These are coupled with traditional techniques such as genetic screens, mutagenesis by allelic exchange, ELISA, and immunoblots. We are using this information to develop live attenuated vaccines against F. tularensis and novel therapies based on immune modulation. Moreover, we collaborate with a number of other laboratories to study other pathogens, mathematical modeling, and sophisticated data analysis.
Techniques graduate student will learn:
genomics, proteomics, tissue culture, cloning, PCR, real time PCR, SDS-PAGE and immunoblot, ELISA, immunofluorescence, bacterial genetics, microbiology/bacteriology techniques, chicken embryo and mouse infection models
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