David Thanassi

Research Interests (continued)

A second focus of our research is virulence mechanisms of Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis.  Y.  pestis and F. tularensis are the causative agents of plague and tularemia, respectively.  Both of these bacteria are highly virulent for humans, particularly when inhaled, and have the potential to be misused as biological weapons.  Genome sequencing of Y. pestis revealed the presence of multiple gene clusters related to the chaperone/usher pilus assembly pathway.  We are investigating the function of these gene clusters and their roles in Y. pestis pathogenesis.  The molecular basis for the high infectivity and virulence of F. tularensis is just beginning to be understood.  We have identified two secretion systems important for the virulence of F. tularensis: the pil genes, responsible for both pilus assembly and protein secretion, and tolC, involved in multidrug efflux and the type I secretion pathway.  We are dissecting the mechanism of action of these systems in both the bacteria and during infection in the host, and are continuing to identify and characterize additional factors important for F. tularensis pathogenesis.

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