UW-Madison Dept of Bacteriology

Research Focus

Our laboratory uses genetic, biochemical, and immunological methods to investigate signal transduction and cellular communication in lower eukaryotes. Previous research investigated the role of cyclic AMP as a regulator of gene transcription during differentiation of the lower eukaryote Dictyostelium. Currently, two new lines of research are being established. The first investigates the roles of protein kinases as regulators of growth of the lower eukaryote Pneumocystis carinii. This organism causes pneumonia in immune-deficient individuals and is not adequately controlled by available antibiotics. The potential value of several protein kinases as targets for effective new drugs will be investigated. The second new line of research focuses on the mechanism of infection of humans and animals by the lower eukaryote Cryptosporidium. This organism invades intestinal epithelium cells and completes its life cycle as an intracellular pathogen. Diarrhea results from progressive destruction of epithelial cells. This organism is an "emerging" pathogen of increasing importance and causes cryptosporidiosis in immune-deficient individuals or others who have ingested contaminated food or water. The object of this research is to identify cell surface molecules that might be effectively used to produce a vaccine, to investigate cellular mechanisms that control the immune response to this organism, and to examine protein kinases as possible targets of new drugs.