Our most intriguing discovery has been the recognition of a new family of glucosamine-based lipids in E. coli. Endotoxins also play an important role in the pathogenesis of gram-negative infections. We are especially interested in the mechanism and extraordinary potency of endotoxins as activators of cytokine synthesis in macrophages. We have elucidated the key enzymatic steps of endotoxin biosynthesis and are now exploring the molecular biology of the endotoxin system in bacteria with sequenced genomes. The endotoxin pathway is a target for the development of new antibiotics.
Students participate in all aspects of the research projects.
Current student projects include work on the active site of LpxA, the regulation of LpxC, the response of the lipid A pathway to cold shock, the expression cloning of novel genes involved in the later stages of the pathway, and the synthesis and reactivity of new lipid A affinity reagents. Others are characterizing the unique C28 acyltransferase involved in R. leguminosarum lipid A system, and its regulation. Site credits and contacts. Copyright 2000, Duke University. All rights reserved.