Section: Research

Jon Goguen, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Associate Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Other Affiliation(s):
   Bacterial Genetics and Pathogenesis
   Program in Immunology and Virology

Function and Regulation of Virulence Genes in the Plague Bacillus, Yersinia pestis

As is true for most pathogenic bacteria, and in particular the intracellular pathogens, the molecular basis of virulence in plague is poorly understood. In recent years we have identified a number of genes in Y. pestis that are essential to the disease process. We are currently conducting an integrated program of genetic, biochemical, and experimental infection studies to determine the functions of the products of these genes. Much of our recent work has concerned a gene we call pla, which produces a plasminogen activator, and plays an important role in dissemination of the bacteria through host tissues. Some of these virulence genes also show interesting patterns of expression, including induction on entry of the bacterium into macrophages of the host. Determining the mechanism of this regulation has also become an important focus of our laboratory.

Keywords: Microbial Pathogenesis, Biochemistry, Infectious Disease

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