Experimental approaches involve transposon mutagensis and microarray technology.
The laboratory has collected a variety of microorganisms that have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Previous work led to development of a variety of rapid methods for detecting and measuring antimicrobial activity. Current objectives are to clone genes involved in antibiotic production and improve antibiotic yields by fermentation. Specifically, the molecular mechanisms that allow the bacteria to avoid being killed by phagocytic cells of the immune system, macrophages and neutrophils. The molecular regulation of toxin synthesis by C. perfringens, especially the enterotoxin that is responsible for food poisoning outbreaks.