Systematic Mapping of Signal Transduction Pathways in Bacteria
Speaker
Jeffrey Skerker, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date
January 23, 2008, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
Location
Bldg: 221, Conference Room A216, Argonnne National Laboratory
Description
Two-component signal transduction, comprised of histidine kinases and response regulators, allows bacteria to sense and respond to their environment. Using a systems-level approach, we have rapidly identified pathways which control growth, morphogenesis, and cell cycle progression. Our methods are generally applicable to all bacteria which use this mode of signal transduction. In addition, we have uncovered fundamental principles of two-component signal transduction which explain how pathways remain insulated in vivo. Caulobacter, a member of the a-proteobacteria, is closely related to Zymomonas mobilis. How the knowledge gained in Caulobacter, and the tools we have developed, can be applied to bacteria important for lignocellulose biodegradation and ethanol production will be discussed.
Latest News
IGSB Senior Fellow Janet Rowley wins the 2012 Japan Prize for Healthcare and Medical Technology
Janet Davison Rowley, MD, the Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago, will share the 2012 Japan Prize for Healthcare and Medical Technology with Brian J. Druker, MD, from the Oregon Health and Science University, and Nicholas B. Lydon, PhD, formerly with Novartis. They were chosen for their roles in the development of the first precisely targeted anti-cancer drug, called imatinib (Gleevec®). Press Release
IGSB Fellow Habibul Ahsan receives named professorship
Habibul Ahsan, MD, MMedSc, professor in the departments of health studies, human genetics and medicine, director of the Center for Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention at the University of Chicago Medical Center and associate director of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been named a Louis Block Professor. Press Release
Top Japanese Scientist leaving government post to move to the University of Chicago Medical Center
“Dr. Nakamura has made major contributions to modern genetics and genomics,” said Kenneth Polonsky, MD, Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago. “We are extremely gratified by his interest in continuing his illustrious career at the University of Chicago.” Press Release
IGSB Core Faculty Robert Grossman appointed Chief Research Informatics Officer of the Division of the Biological Sciences
Robert Grossman, PhD, assumed the role of chief research informatics officer and is currently overseeing a research group focused on bioinformatics, data mining, data intensive computing and related areas. Press Release