Herb Schellhorn, McMaster University
Department of Biology
Professor
Hamilton, Ontario
schell@mcmaster.ca
Office:
(905) 525-9140 ext. 27010
(905) 525-9140 ext. 27316
Expert In
Bio/Research
Increasing our knowledge regarding regulation of bacterial genes that are specifically expressed in response to nutrient deprivation or other stress is crucial for understanding basic mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and environmental adaptation. In recent years, much has been learned about a...
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Bio/Research
Increasing our knowledge regarding regulation of bacterial genes that are specifically expressed in response to nutrient deprivation or other stress is crucial for understanding basic mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and environmental adaptation. In recent years, much has been learned about a key-conserved regulator, RpoS, that is required for the expression of a large number (over 60) of stress-induced genes. RpoS is known to be a virulence factor and so it is likely that one or more of the functions it regulates are important in adaptation of pathogenic bacteria to the host environment. There many unanswered questions regarding both the regulation of RpoS and the identity of genes it regulates. To address the latter point, we are using genetic and molecular biology tools to examine the expression of a large number of RpoS-dependent genes that we have identified in my laboratory. By simultaneously characterizing many RpoS-dependent genes, we will be able to identify key common regulatory signals of these genes that distinguishes their regulation from so-called "housekeeping" genes that are required for normal growth. The functions of approximately one half of the genes is not known - we will employ the computer tools of the rapidly advancing field of genomics, in addition to experimentation, to gain insight into the roles of these genes.
In addition to identifying RpoS-dependent genes, we are investigating specific questions that have arisen from our previous studies regarding lysine decarboxylase, transaldolase and catalase expression. Each of these stationary-specific genes are probably important in helping the cell adapt to stress conditions since we have found that they are expressed only in stationary phase when cells are in a starved state - they are not expressed under normal conditions.
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In addition to identifying RpoS-dependent genes, we are investigating specific questions that have arisen from our previous studies regarding lysine decarboxylase, transaldolase and catalase expression. Each of these stationary-specific genes are probably important in helping the cell adapt to stress conditions since we have found that they are expressed only in stationary phase when cells are in a starved state - they are not expressed under normal conditions.
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